As the end of winter nears, thoughts of warm weather and outdoor adventures become ever more abundant. The shift in seasons brings an appetite for lighter fare and thirst-quenching libations, to maximize our time in the warm embrace of spring and summer. There are many drinks we gravitate towards when the snow starts to melt, but one refreshing sipper has been helping us tolerate the heat for a very long time: The Mojito.
COCKTAIL: SHERRY MOJITO
Full Ingredients list
- • 1oz Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos Sherry
- • 1oz El Dorado White Rum
- • .75oz Lime Juice
- • .5oz Simple Syrup
- • 8-10 mint leaves
- • Topped with Club Soda
- • Garnish: Mint Sprig
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHO INVENTED THE MOJITO?
Like many of the classic cocktails we enjoy, the origins on the Mojito are a mystery. It is said that the precursor for the Mojito dates back to the time of Sir Francis Drake. In 1586, Drake arrived in Cuba seeking the hoard of Aztec gold stored in Cuba’s royal treasury. After a few days, Drake left Havana empty handed and sailed on to his next adventure. To commemorate his failed siege on the city, the origins of the Mojito were laid with the creation of the Draque cocktail, which was comprised of aguardiente, sugar, lime, and mint. Originally conceived as a medicinal drink, the Draque was supposed to alleviate symptoms of the common cold. This stayed true until the mid 1800’s, until Don Facundo Bacardi established the Bacardi company. They adopted the Draque and replaced the aguardiente with white rum, and hence the Mojito was born. Another account of the Mojito’s origin dates back to the time of prohibition in the US, where a bunch of Americans visited Cuba and introduced the locals to the Mint Julep cocktail. The locals eventually replaced the bourbon for rum, which gave way to the invention of the Mojito. Lastly, some say the Mojito was created at a bar called Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, where Ernest Hemingway could often be found. There is even a hand-written note on the wall that is signed by Hemingway and says, “My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My Daiquiri in El Floridita.” Regardless of which story is true, the Mojito has been a favorite amongst the crowd and continues to be a refreshing libation we all yearn for.
Our version of this beloved classic uses amontillado sherry in conjunction with white rum, which provides some salinity and nuttiness to the cocktail and transforms the drink into a light-hearted, all-day sipper.
WHAT IS THE BEST RUM TO USE IN A SHERRY MOJITO COCKTAIL?
Any white rum will work nicely in our version of the Mojito. The white rum provides a clean canvass for the amontillado to shine, without overpowering the subtle flavors of the sherry wine.
WHAT GLASS IS A MOJITO SERVED IN?
A mojito is traditionally served in a highball, but any 12oz glass will work just fine.
WHAT AMONTILLADO IS THE BEST FOR A MOJITO COCKTAIL?
We chose Lustau’s Amontillado Los Arcos for this cocktail because it has the perfect balance of salinity and oxidation, which produces a very well-balanced Mojito.
HOW TO PREPARE A SIMPLE SHERRY MOJITO WITH AMONTILLADO COCKTAIL
1. Add mint leaves to a highball glass and muddle gently.
2. Add remaining ingredients and top with club soda.
3. Gently stir and garnish with a mint sprig.
FAQ
What is The Best Rum for A Sherry Mojito?
Any white rum will work nicely in a sherry mojito.
When Was the Mojito Invented?
The exact date of the Mojito’s creation is unknown, but the first recipes started to pop up just after prohibition ended.
