How to Make a Mojito: A Toast to Cuba From Puerto Rico

Yes, the mojito is the drink famosísimo de Cuba a couple of islands over, and yes this is a real-deal mojito recipe from their aunt’s dear friend and Cuban neighbor in Puerto Rico. But what Michelle Ezratty Murphy and her Boricua husband Pat Murphy really want you to know is that mojitos are a much-loved and much-served cocktail in Puerto Rico, too.

In Puerto Rico, mojitos are an everyday festive bebida choice and not reserved for special occasions, they say. Any gathering with friends and family is a reason to celebrate, and mojitos are one of the always-refreshing drinks locals reach for to liven up any social situation on this Caribbean island. The couple met in Puerto Rico, where Michelle grew up and Pat lived for many years, and know of which they speak, mojito-wise.

Michelle adds that mojitos taste extra good when their sweetness meets the savory of a classic Latino appetizer like her to-die-for picadillo empanadas, Doña Felipa’s bacalaitos or these classic Cuban yuca fritters with mojo. (For more Latino appetizer ideas, click here.)

What makes Puerto Rican-style mojitos unique is their use of infused rum—when the alcohol is flavored with an ingredient like lime, as opposed to some recipes that call for flavored syrups. These can overpower and over-sweeten a drink, while infused rum adds a deeper, more subtle natural flavor, says Michelle.

Go to any home cocktail bar in Puerto Rico and you are likely to find them stocked with a variety of liquors and infused rums, say Michelle and Pat. Including their own. If you ever tried a super-delicious mixed rum drink while at a Latino friend’s home, chances are they can fix it for you in mere minutes, Michelle offers. That’s how stocked up they like their bar to be at all times. What a cálida way to welcome guests! (We’ll be over later.)

Looking for more refreshing and authentic cocktail ideas? Like a margarita, aguardiente sour, daiquiri, Fernet and Coke, pisco sour, coquito and more? Check out Familia Kitchen’s ”Salud!—Drinks” section. Estamos aquí for your Latinx fiesta and brindis/toasting needs.

Ready to mix up a fresh, mint-muddled mojito?

How to Make a Refreshing Mojito

Recipe by Pat Murphy’s Aunt’s Cuban neighbor

5.0 from 1 vote

Cuisine: Cuban

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Ingredients

• 15 leaves mint, with a little bit of their stems attached, divided

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 2 oz white rum, infused with mint if you wish

• 2 tsp simple syrup

• 1 oz club soda

• 1/2 cup ice

Directions

• Wash the mint and place it in a bowl or a cocktail mixer. Muddle half of the mint leaves with a—yes—muddler if you have one or the back of a spoon if you don’t. Meaning: gently press against the mint leaves a few times to release their aroma and oils.
• Into the bowl or mixer, add the rum, simple syrup, sparkling soda and the ice. Cover and shake well, until the liquid is cold and thoroughly mixed.
• Strain. Discard the muddled mint and the ice.
• Transfer to a fresh glass. Add the remaining fresh mint leaves and stir. Garnish with a lime slice or two—and serve!

Notes

• If you don’t have simple syrup, you can use 2 tsp of cane sugar.