Patch's Happy Hour: Mojito

Sometimes refer to it as “the flavor of Cuba,” the Mojito (pronounced moh-HEE-toh) is the classic and not-so-strong drink made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water and mint. The sugar and lime juice are used as a distraction from the taste of the rum, making it seemingly easier to drink.

1 oz. Lime Juice

1 tsp. Sugar

3-4 Mint Leaves

1 ½ oz. White Rum

Sparkling Water            

Crushed Ice

Whole Mint Leaves (optional)

Lime Wedges (optional)

To give the Mojito a try:

- Add 1 oz. of lime juice to 1 tsp. of sugar and 3-4 mint leaves in a highball glass.

- Gently stir the mixture crushing the mint leaves just enough to release their essential oils but not so hard as to shred them into a mash.

- Add 1 ½ oz. of rum and briefly stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and bring up the mint leaves from the bottom.

- Add crushed ice and sparkling water to fill the glass.

- For the finishing touch, add whole mint leaves and lime wedges to garnish the glass.

The variations are endless. For those who are not yet of alcohol-consuming age, the “Nojito” is a sugary virgin-style of this classic. Meanwhile, an “English Mojito” uses gin instead of rum and substitutes Sprite for the sparkling water.