World Mojito Day: Here’s how to create the classic Cuban cocktail

HAVANA, July 11th World Mojito Day is celebrated on July 11 across the world to appreciate and enjoy this wonderfully refreshing summer cocktail that has been made for almost a century, at bars, in homes, for barbecues, at parties, at the beach or by the pool, for various occasions and for all sorts of get-togethers.

Known to have its origins in the late 1500s as a remedial concoction, the cocktail, El Draque (The Dragon) was created by Sir Francis Drake for his ailing crew aboard his ship.  The drink consisted of lime, cane sugar and mint and aguardiente (an alcoholic beverage). It was famous in the Caribbean for its medicinal magic.

Fast forward to more than 3 centuries later!

Don Facundo Bacardí Masso, the founder of Bacardí Limited, set up his distillery at Santiago de Cuba in 1862. Around this time, a newfangled cocktail was created with Bacardi Carta Blanca White Rum, where the rough aguardiente was combined with fresh mint leaves, lime, superfine sugar and soda water to create an iconic mojito.

This mojito found its way into bars and cocktails very quickly, especially across Cuba and eventually the world. The name ‘mojito’ is derived from the west African term ‘mojo’, meaning little spell or magic potion. The balance of fresh mint and lime with caster sugar is perfectly matched by the delicacy and crispness of rum, which gives this cocktail its real “mojo”!

Method Take the lime wedges, squeeze them in the glass and add sugar syrup. Gently press together the limes and sugar with a muddler. Bruise the mint leaves by clapping them between your palms. Rub them on the rim of the glass and drop them in. Next, half fill the glass with crushed ice, add the rum and stir. Top with crushed ice, a sprig of mint and club soda.