The Real Mojito Recipes

CUBAN MOJITOS

Steps:

• In each glass: add 2 teaspoons of white cane sugar and the juice of half a lime. In Cuba, they don't place the lime into the glass, just the lime juice!
• Place one long mint stem into each glass and simply muddle (push down and twist) the bottom of the stem only NOT THE MINT LEAVES into the sugar and lime juice. Two reasons for this: one you don't get a strong bitter taste when you over-muddle the leaves, and they stay pretty and green not brown and bruised. This tip came from the bartenders we met on our trip in Cuba and was confirmed with my good friend Abel who is a Cuban travel guide, and trust me, he knows a thing or two about mojitos!
• Next, add 1 shot white rum, 3 drops aromatic bitters.
• Add few ice cubes, in Cuba they don't add lots of ice because it is not commonly used, top with a splash of sparkling water, add mint garnish, mix, and sip away!

THE REAL MOJITO

Steps:

• Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass.
• Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
• Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice.
• Do not strain the mixture.
• Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.
• Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water.
• Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.
• Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.