Classic Mojito
White rum, lime, sugar, soda and a great deal of mint, pressed rather than pulverised. Bruise the mint too hard and you get bitter chlorophyll instead of aroma.
Method
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Put the mint leaves and sugar in the base of a tall glass.
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Press the mint gently against the sugar with a muddler five or six times — just enough to release the aroma. Do not grind or tear the leaves.
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Add the lime juice and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.
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Add the rum and stir once more.
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Fill the glass with crushed ice, right to the top.
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Top with chilled soda water and stir gently from the bottom to lift the mint through the drink.
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Slap a mint sprig between your palms to release its aroma and tuck it in beside a lime wedge. Serve with a straw.
Chef’s Tips
- Press, do not muddle to pieces. Blackened, shredded mint makes a bitter mojito.
- Crushed ice, not cubes. It dilutes at the right rate and keeps the drink properly cold.
- Use a decent aged-lite Cuban-style rum; the flavour is not hidden here.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with Cuban sandwiches, ceviche or grilled prawns
- A perfect hot-afternoon drink
- Follow with strong coffee
Storage & Reheating
Mix to order. Sugar syrup keeps 1 month refrigerated. Never batch a mojito with the soda in.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.