Mojito
also known as El Draque
What is a Mojito?
The mojito is an alcoholic beverage made with white rum, lime juice, sugar, and mint.
- This beverage is of Cuban origin, where it was used as a medicinal drink to prevent illness and disease.
- This cocktail gets its signature flavor from crushing mint leaves in sugar and lime juice.
Mojitos are commonly served in a Collins glass with plenty of ice. While most varieties of mint are allowed, the fresh lime juice should never be replaced.
The top 5 best rum brands for making a mojito are:
- Bacardi Silver Rum
- Appleton White Rum
- Havana Club Añejo Blanco Rum
- Cruzan Light Rum
- Mount Gay Eclipse Silver Rum
Origin of mojito
This cocktail is believed to have originated in Cuba, in the city of Havana. This cocktail has likely existed since the 16th century during the time of Sir Francis Drake. After his raid in 1586, Francis sailed towards Cuba, but those on board suffered dysentery. To cure the epidemic, rum, sugar, and lime were mixed together as medicine. This medicinal drink would later become known as the mojito. However, another story argues that this alcoholic beverage originates from a Cuban seasoning made with lime.
Nutrition
A 100g serving of mojito contains:
The mojito cocktail contains many potent compounds that offer health benefits to the body. It contains antioxidants to protect against free radicals. Lime added also contains vitamin C, which makes this drink a good source of antioxidants. Additionally, vitamin C supports the immune system and can protect the body from viral infection.
Furthermore, mint can aid the digestive system, preventing constipation and relieving indigestion. While moderate consumption of alcohol can offer some health benefits, overconsumption can be detrimental. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to lowered immunity, impaired bodily functions, and weight gain, among other health issues. It’s recommended to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation.
Commercial production
The commercial production of this cocktail requires special machines. These machines can cut the limes, crush the ice, and blend the beverage using smart technology. Manufacturers can use fresh ingredients or cocktail mixes. Once the cocktail is blended, it is sealed in a bottle or can.
Application
To make this alcoholic beverage at home, add sugar and ice to a glass. Then, add the mint leaves and limes. Next, crush till the juice is extracted and remove the peels. After this, pour in the rum, mix, and garnish the drink. This cocktail can safely be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Mojito recipes
This cocktail has become a welcomed flavor in many dishes. Here are a few popular recipes:
FDA Regulation
The TTB regulates liquor in the US and defines rum as spirits distilled from the fermented juice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses, or other sugarcane by-products. The Food & Drug Administration regulates all food additives used in cocktails. The FDA also regulates mint (a main ingredient in this cocktail), which it classifies as a safe substance. Furthermore, the organization stipulates that bottled cocktails containing alcohol must not pass 190 proof, which is 95% alcohol content.
References
Curtis, Wayne. “Behind the Drink: The Mojito.” Liquor.com, Liquor.com, www.liquor.com/articles/behind-the-drink-the-mojito/.
“The History of the Mojito.” The TASTE Cocktails Magazine, TASTE Cocktails, 25 Sept. 2015, tastecocktails.com/the-mojitos-kit-august-2015/.
“CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.” Accessdata.fda.gov, U.S Food & Drug Administration, 1 Apr. 2020, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=170.3