The Cojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that has been around since the 1940s. It’s a refreshing blend of lime, mint and rum that has become an iconic part of Cuban culture. The original recipe was developed by Emilio Gonzalez, who had been experimenting with different cocktails at his bar in Havana.
Cojito: A Contemporary Twist on the Classic Cuban Cocktail
Since then, the Cojito has grown in popularity and its recipe has evolved over time to include new ingredients like coconut milk and sugar cane syrup for added sweetness. This contemporary twist gives it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other drinks.
The Cojito is perfect for summertime entertaining or simply enjoying on your own. Its sweet-tart taste makes it incredibly refreshing, while its light yet complex flavors make it an interesting choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something special to serve at a party or just want to relax with something cool and delicious, the Cojito is sure to please!
Cojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of white sugar -
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 10 mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- 2 ounces of light rum
- 4 ounces club soda or sparkling water optional
Instructions
- Place the sugar in a highball glass and add the lime juice. Gently muddle the mixture to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the mint leaves and gently press with a muddler or spoon to release their flavor without tearing them.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour over rum, stirring until combined together.
- Top up with club soda or sparkling water if desired, then stir again to combine all ingredients together.
- Garnish your Cojito cocktail with extra mint leaves and serve!
Glassware
Typical glassware used for a Cojito cocktail is a highball or collins glass. This type of glass allows the drink to be served with plenty of ice and the perfect proportions for the ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing flavor of this contemporary Cuban classic. A rocks glass may also be used if desired, which will give you more control over including larger pieces of lime and mint in your drink.
Flavors
The Cojito is a light and refreshing cocktail that has a unique flavor profile that comes from its combination of ingredients. The base of the drink is white rum, giving it a smooth and slightly sweet taste. Lime juice adds tartness, while fresh mint leaves give the drink an aromatic herbal note.
To top it off, sparkling soda adds effervescence to the mix for an extra zing. When all these flavors come together in one glass, you get an incredibly complex yet delicious beverage that’s sure to impress your guests! Enjoy this contemporary twist on the classic Cuban Cojito cocktail today – you won’t be disappointed!
3 tips for Making Your Cojito
- When muddling the ingredients, use a gentle tapping motion rather than pressing hard to prevent crushing and tearing of the mint leaves.
- For an extra flavorful drink, use fresh limes instead of bottled lime juice.
- If you don’t have club soda or sparkling water, you can substitute it with regular cold water for a delicious mocktail version!
