We have updated our Privacy and Cookie Notice to keep you informed where we may process your personal data. See more here or contact us for more information.
« back to Spirits, Beer and Drinks
« back to BEHIND THE LIQUID

THE STORY BEHIND THE MOJITO

THE STORY BEHIND THE MOJITO

A drink that has navigated the peaks and troughs of fads and trends for decades, championing flavor and fresh ingredients and introducing countless drinkers to the world of cocktails; the Mojito has earned its legendary status.

But, as with many cocktail superheroes, its origin story is shrouded in mystery and hotly debated. We trace the story of this quintessential Cuban highball – from the backstreets of Havana to bars across the world – and reveal our Captain Morgan perfect recipe, batching tips, and a seasonal riff on this summer staple.

A MUDDLED HISTORY

A rumbunctious combination of rum, lime juice, sugar, soda water, and mint. The merest mention of the Mojito evokes images of heady Havana nights and takes drinkers to the sunny shores of the Caribbean.

Though its exact origins are the subject of fierce debate, legend has it that we have the famed Sir Francis Drake to thank for the invention of the Mojito.

During his Great Expedition to the New World, an epidemic of scurvy and dysentery broke out aboard Drake’s ship. In desperate search of a cure, a landing party went ashore at Cuba and returned with a local blend of aguardiente de caña (a precursor to rum) mixed with lime, sugarcane juice, and mint. Sure enough, the concoction staved off illness and was christened “El Draque” in Drake’s honor.

THE MODERN MOJITO

Fast-forward a few centuries and the humble Mojito, once confined to Cuban farmhouses and beaches, exploded onto the burgeoning cocktail scene, bolstered by the arrival of Prohibition in the States. Havana quickly became a drinking haven for wealthy Americans, who scrambled across the Florida Straits in their droves and were promptly offered a local take on their cherished Mint Julep upon arrival.

Today, the Mojito is one of the undisputed kings of the cocktail world; enjoyed everywhere from Cuba to Cambodia, Havana to Hanoi, and grabbing a spot on most cocktail menus. The cause? Simplicity. A winning combination of flavors that champions good rum and fresh ingredients.

Countless variations and riffs have sprung up, adding inventive ingredients like lemongrass and basil, or substituting the rum for local alternatives, such as tequila (the Mexican Mojito) or metaxa (Greek) – but the original recipe remains intact as the crowd favorite.

Nevertheless, below we examine how to perfect the classic Mojito, consider how to batch for larger volumes, and share a contemporary, wintery twist on this dynamic crowd-pleaser.

CAPTAIN’S ORDERS

It’s hard to beat a classic. The finely tuned balance of Caribbean flavors; fresh mint, lime, and sugar are accentuated with a clean, crisp rum like Captain Morgan White rum, which also brings mellow vanilla and cassia spices to the cocktail.

Captain Morgan White Mojito

RECIPE

METHOD

  1. Muddle the mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime wedges
  2. Add Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Gold
  3. Strain over crushed ice and top with soda

Garnish with mint sprig

(*One standard drink contains 8g of alcohol)

Batched Recipe

Hosting a party? The Captain’s got you.

Pre-Batch your White Mojito to save time and reduce wastage. Simply use the formula below:

BATCH RECIPE = (BATCH VESSEL SIZE (ML) / SINGLE SERVE SIZE) X SINGLE SERVE INGREDIENTS

RECIPE

METHOD

  1. Add syrup, mint and freshly cut limes to a large container and muddle furiously
  2. Add Captain Morgan’s White Rum and ice
  3. Stir
  4. 4.Strain into highball glasses filled with ice
  5. Garnish with mint sprig and lime wedge

(*One standard drink contains 8g of alcohol)

OHHH SPICY

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add an exotic twist with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold? This crisp, summery blend is filled with fruit and spice notes, like Cinnamon, and definitely gets the Captain’s seal of approval.

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Mojito

RECIPE

METHOD

  1. Muddle the mint leaves, simple syrup and lime wedges
  2. Add Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Gold
  3. Strain over crushed ice and top with soda
  4. Garnish with mint sprig.

(*One standard drink contains 8g of alcohol)

Twist (on a classic) and Shout

Fancy a little number that turns the classic summer Mojito recipe to a spiced winter wonder? Try the ‘Sneaky Doors’ Mojito:

RECIPE

METHOD

  1. Add berries, mint leaves and syrup to mixing glass and muddle
  2. Add ice, rum and lime juice
  3. Stir to mix
  4. Strain over ice into highball
  5. Garnish with mint sprig and lime wedge

(*One standard drink contains 8g of alcohol)