The Mojito

The Mojito needs no introduction. For the majority of people, it is one of the most popular cocktails around. Originating in Cuba, the Mojito is known worldwide, and this is no accident—a 2016 survey concluded that the Mojito was the most popular cocktail in Britain and France.

There are many theories as to how the Mojito came into existence. One of the most popular or accepted stories attributes its invention to Sir Francis Drake.

The story goes that Drake, his ship, and all of its crew were stranded in Havana in the 1500s and requested assistance from the locals to combat the terrible illnesses his crew was suffering from (scurvy and dysentery). Legend has it that the local people brought limes, sugar cane syrup, and aguardiente (a form of rum) infused with chuchuhuasi bark—the bark from the chuchuhuasi tree, which is still used in the region for its medicinal properties. Ultimately, this version of events cannot be substantiated. While it is known that Drake traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, it is not knowable if he ever set foot in Cuba.

What we do know is that long sea voyages created the need for consuming limes, which were plentiful in the tropics. We also know that the native people had been distilling sugar cane syrup long before Europeans arrived.

Regardless of how the Mojito came into existence, one thing is for sure: it is not going anywhere anytime soon. It is one of the planet’s favourite cocktails and looks set to remain so for many years to come.

Ingredients:

• 12 mint leaves

• 60 ml light rum

• 15 ml fresh lime juice

• 10 ml sugar syrup

• 15 ml soda water (club soda)

Method:
Add the first four ingredients to a Collins glass and fill 2/3 full with crushed ice. Stir, then top up with more crushed ice and add the soda water. Stir briefly and serve. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint leaves.