When my friends and I get together to drink mojitos, trouble usually ensues. There was the time in college when my friend Alison and I, on a calorie cutting kick, decided to make cocktails with Splenda instead of sugar or simple syrup. I’m pretty sure “hangover” doesn’t even begin to describe what I felt the next day.
And then there was Memorial Day 2010. We just won’t go there.
Instead, let’s just talk about how the very sight or scent of a mojito can evoke calming images of vacation days spent lazily by a pool or perhaps, with your toes buried in the sand.
Mojitos are traditionally a Cuban cocktail, though I’ve had delicious renditions at Spanish and Peruvian restaurants as well. Until recently, I had yet to make a killer mojito in my own kitchen, but with a few 90+ degree days already behind us this summer, it seemed like it was time to change that.
And because it’s Friday, because it’s summer and because it’s about 60 degrees F in Chicago – which is hardly the kind of weather for drinking poolside – I figured it was also time to share my recipe with you.
Not to mention the fact that my pool is at my gym and I’m pretty sure they would frown upon any kind of drinking poolside.
But maybe there are some things that you never know until you try.
Classic Mojito
What You Need:
Ice
6 ounces light rum
12 mint sprigs, or spearmint, 8 roughly broken apart
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons sugar
Club soda
4 slices lime
How-To:
Place ice in beverage shaker then add in the rum, 8 broken up mint sprigs, lime juice and sugar. Shake well and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Top off each glass with a splash of club soda. Garnish each with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Ive never had a mojito! Another one of your drinks book marked for post pregnancy!
Oh I love mojitos! Sooo yummy and way to easy to drink!
OOOH….LOVE mojitos!!! This may have to go into my “cocktail Sunday” file! Have a great weekend Maris!!!!
looks like the perfect way to kick-off the weekend!
I love mojitos but I have actually never made my own! They are such a fabulous, refreshing drink. They scream summer!
These look great! And I’m jealous of the cooler weather because it’s 90+ degrees in North Carolina!
This looks like a light and refreshing summer drink!!!
Yum! I could go for one of these right now. Have a fabulous weekend lady!
PERFECT way to end Friday. Have a great weekend, Maris!
Mojitos have got to be my favorite make-at-home cocktail. So classy, cool, and delicious
My honey and I love making mojitos. In fact, we made them the other night and they were so good! I’ll have to try making them with club soda as you suggest. I’ve never done that before but I’m curious how it tastes like that.
Did you say it’s 60 degrees in Chicago? Oh man…that’s terrible! We’ve been having around 100 degree days here in Louisville. Hopefully it’ll warm up your way soon!
I hear ya about the weather. I just got back from canada and was surprised by how cold it still is in chicago. I was really hoping it would have warmed uo by now but oh well…
As for your drink, i don’t even drink but i would like to try that coz of all those mint leaves…hehe
I tried a mojito in Cuba where Ernest Hemminway had frequented. I have been hooked ever since.
LOL…mojitos make me silly too.
This is a awesome post. Thanks a ton for taking the time to detail this all out for folks. It really is a great guide!
Your mojito photos bring back fantastic memories for me of my time in Cuba a few years ago. We sat on the beach near the Bay of Pigs and drank WAY too many mojitos and had the best time. Now every time I see a photo or have one to drink I remember Alberto the horse carriage driver who spent a week as our guide.
Great photos!
I just had my first mojito a couple of years ago and it’s my favorite cocktail. Love them! I want to hear about Memorial Day 2010.
Oh, goodness. I love mojitos. I need to have one soon!
Oh, I wish I’d seen this yesterday! It would’ve been a perfect addition to our meal. Darn! Now I’ll just have to come up with something to go with the mojitos – one of my all-time favorite summer drinks.
One of my favorite cocktails is the pineapple mojito at The Cheesecake Factory, but I’ve never tried to make it at home–I really should!
Mmm, I wish I was enjoying one of these right now – looks fabulous!
The best mojito I ever had was in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. It is funny that for drink that looks so simple, it is not. I have never made on I loved yet, but I haven’t given up yet!
I always enjoy a good mojitos.