Virtual Bartender – Summer Drinks

Just What Is A Mojito?

Mojito As Defined By Wikipedia

A mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail which became popular in the United States during the late 1980s, and has recently seen a resurgence in popularity.

A mojito is traditionally made of five ingredients: rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime, carbonated water and mint. Its combination of sweetness and refreshing citrus and mint flavors are intended to mask the potent kick of the rum, and have made this clear cocktail a popular summer drink. Many hotels in Havana also add Angostura bitters to cut the sweetness of the mojito; while a popular variation, it is not the original version created in La Bodeguita del Medio.

The Original Recipe From La Bodeguita del Medio

1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Juice from 1 lime (2 ounces)
4 mint leaves
1 sprig of mint
Havana Club white Rum (2 ounces)
2 ounces club soda

Place the mint leaves into a long mojito glass (often called a "collins" glass) and squeeze the juice from a cut lime over it. You'll want about two ounces of lime juice, so it may not require all of the juice from a single lime. Add the powdered sugar, then gently smash the mint into the lime juice and sugar with a muddler, although you can also use the back of a fork or spoon. Add ice (preferably crushed) then add the rum and stir, and top off with the club soda (you can also stir the club soda in as per your taste). Garnish with a mint sprig.

(from Taste Of Cuba)

Summer Cocktail Recipes

A.M. Cocktail

1 part ABSOLUT® MANGO
Fresh apple juice
Build over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a fresh mango wedge.

Fresh Mint Margaritas
• 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 4 cups crushed ice
• 1 1/2 cups good-quality tequila
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 limes)
• 1 cup Triple Sec

Directions:

In the bottom of a large (2-quart) pitcher, crush together mint and salt, pressing with the back of a wooden spoon. Add ice. Add tequila, lime juice, and Triple Sec, stirring vigorously. Serve in short tumblers or wineglasses.

Cosmopolitan Martini Cocktail

1/2 oz Cointreau
1 oz Vodka
Juice of 1/2 Lime
1 splash Cranberry juice

Pour all ingredients in mixing glass half filled with ice, shake and strain into chilled Martini glass.