Mojito

About this recipe

Mojito is a Cuban rum highball built around mint, lime, sugar and sparkling water. This version uses fresh lime juice rather than a bottled cordial, with white rum providing the spirit base. A little granulated sugar rounds out the citrus. The mint is gently pressed in the serving glass: it should release its aroma while the leaves remain mostly intact. Coarsely broken ice chills the drink, and cold sparkling water is added last to preserve the bubbles. Use a tall, sturdy glass of about 400 ml capacity for each serving so there is room for both liquid and ice. The measured liquids total a nominal 190 ml; dissolved sugar and melting ice change the final volume. Mix just before serving, since the ice continues to dilute the cocktail. This recipe contains alcohol and uses no ready-made mint syrup. Fruit-flavoured or alcohol-free mojitos are separate variations.