DRINK OF THE WEEK: MOJITO

What could be a better refreshing drink during those hot summer days then a MOJITO! The original Cuban drink is now popping up everywhere - even in pre-made forms at the liquor store! Mojito's became one of my drinks of choice when I first went to Cuba about 7 years ago. They were so delicious, and sooo easy to drink! After Cuba, my friend Kate and I learned to make them ourselves. They are so easy, and trust me, will make your summer. My dad is a HUGE fan of the Bacardi pre-made mojito's, such an easy drink for the dock.

Mojito's are a summertime classic and a drink that I now order on the regular!

Mojito's are traditionally made with five main ingredients: white rum, sugar (or sugar cane juice), lime, sparkling water and mint. The drink combines sweet, refreshing citrus and mint which compliment the potent kick that the rum produces - making it an extremely popular summer drink!

There are a few theories as to where the name "mojito" comes from. One thinks that it relates to mojo, a Cuban seasoning made from lime and used to flavour dishes. Another thinks that it is derived from the Spanish words mojadito = a little wet, or mojado = wet.

Mojito's were Ernest Hemingway's favourite drink, and the bar La Bodeguita del Media became famous for their mojito's. The wall in the bar even says, "mi mojito en la Boedguita." (My mojito at the Bodeguita). The expression is still there today in Hemingway's handwriting.

To make a delicious mojito:

Ingredients: For a batch of six

- 1 part white rum
- 3 parts club soda
- 12 mint leaves
- 1/2 lime
- 1/2 part sugar

Directions:

- Place 12 mint leaves, 1/2 part sugar and 1/2 lime in a glass
- Muddle (mash ingredients together to release the oils from the mint leaves)
- Add rum
- Top off with club soda
- Stir well and garnish with a spring of mint or a lime wheel (for a fun trick - garnish with a rock candy stick)

photo credit: google images