Mojito or Mint Julep

The classic Mojito or Mint Julep was first introduced to me at my 40th birthday. One of my guests brought a beautiful gift basket full of all the ingredients to make the classic drink. Someone asked to try one. By the time I returned, the entire basket had been consumed. I’m glad the guests enjoyed them.

Mojito or Mint Julep

It was a popular drink I had never tried before that night.  I did sneak a sip from another friend.  Just to try.

Grow Your Own Mint

I grow my own mint at home. That is one item I always have on hand. I grow spearmint which typically spearmint flavors a mojito. In Cuba, however, mojitos are made with a special spearmint called Yerba Buena.   I have that one growing too.

Keeping Mint Contained

During the summer months, the mint is out mixed among my flower garden. Word of warning, it spreads everywhere.  If you want to contain it, plant it in a container. During the winter months, I dug up and pot some mint for my kitchen table or counter.

Frequent harvesting is the key to keeping mint plants at their best. Right before flowering, cut the stems 1 inch from the ground.

Ingredients:
Fresh lime juice
Superfine sugar
Fresh mint leaves (Spearmint or Yerba Buena)
Ice
Rum
Limes
Seltzer or Club Soda

Directions:

(For small tumbler.  Double for highball glass)

1.) Muddle 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice with 1 teaspoon superfine sugar.
2.) Add three mint leaves to the glass. Mush them against the side of the glass.
3.) Fill glass 2/3 full with ice.
4.) Pour in 2 oz light rum
5.) Toss in lime skin.
6.) Top off with club soda or seltzer.

Add a few sprigs of mint leaves on top and serve with a straw.

Notes:
1.) For highball glass use juice of 1/2 a lime, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 6-10 mint leaves, 2 oz light rum.

2.) If you do not currently have a muddler, please purchase a stainless steel one.  The wood ones seem to pick up and retain odd flavors that transfer to your drink.

Enjoy!