If we ask you about one classic summer-perfect cocktail, we bet most of you will name a Mojito in an instant. After all, nothing compares to a refreshingly cold, crisp glass of minty Mojito in your hand on a sultry summer day! So we thought why not shed light on this beloved drink National Mojito Day on July 11! Here’s team unsobered shedding the light on how this special day came to be celebrated.
To begin with, let’s understand what a Mojito is. The drink is made by combining white rum, lime juice, sparkling water, and mint. The result is a simple yet refreshing drink that quenches your thirst in every sip.
However, a great aspect of this cocktail is that it can also be made without the use of alcohol. Simply swap your rum with a non-alcoholic rum alternative or a carbonated beverage and you have a perfectly non-alcoholic summer cocktail ready within minutes!
The summer cocktail that we know about today wasn’t exactly known for what it is today. And while it is well-known that mojitos originated in Cuba, not many know that the drink dates back to the 1830s.
At that time, it was used to treat cholera, yes you read it right! The drink that you serve at your pool parties today was once used to treat cholera cramps and other symptoms. Back then, it was known by the name of ‘el Draqucito’ after a notorious pirate by the name of Frances Drake.
While cholera isn’t as common as it was back in the day, the cure for the fatal disease managed to make its way from hospital rooms to summer parties. The drink was soon re-branded to ‘mojito’ and while the exact timeline of how it came to be known as ‘mojito’ is not quite clear, the etymology of the drink is quite interesting.
Some say that the word evolved from the word ‘mojo’ used in Cuba to describe small bags of magical items capable of warding off evil spirits. So, in a way, ‘mojito’s’ name could possibly denote the drink’s history of being used as a cholera cure! And while it might not cure cholera today, it certainly raises everyone’s spirits – pun intended!
Also Read: From Mojitos to Rosé: Top Alcohol Picks for Warm Weather Days
This National Mojito Day, you must know of the different variations that you can try of the classic Mojito. Note these down and try them out one by one!
Tiny droplet-shaped fruits that can instantly elevate any drink – pomegranate seeds are just perfect for making a delicious cocktail. All you need is pomegranate juice and other essential ingredients of a mojito, and you have a cocktail ready in no time!
A Pomegranate Mojito looks and tastes ethereal thanks to its deep-red hues and refreshingly pomegranate-y taste. Also, remember to strain the pomegranate juice if you’re using fresh pomegranate seeds!
You can’t talk about a summer drink and not mention a summer staple like watermelons. The beloved fruit pairs effortlessly in a Mojito cocktail, giving you the classic ‘watermelon sugar high’.
And don’t forget to add agave nectar to add a dash of sweetness to your drink. The muddled texture of watermelon slices and the delicious taste of rum pairs well to deliver a Mojito that can give a classic Mojito a run for its money!
Who said blueberries only taste good in pies and cakes? You can add these little berries in a Mojito and we guarantee you that the result will be a sweet and sour cocktail worth the effort!
A Blueberry Mojito simply requires you to blend blueberries smoothly and muddle them in a cocktail shaker with other rum ingredients. And if you’re prepping for a party, you can also store batches in your fridge for future use.
Pro Tip: Swap regular blueberries for frozen ones for that extra touch of coolness and texture!
Also Read: Goodbye Booze, Hello Milk: Madhya Pradesh To See Milk Parlors Replace Liquor Shops
While we did tell you about 3 Mojito variations you can try, you must also know some basic tips to ace any kind of Mojito. Here are a few tips you must keep in mind when crafting a refreshing Mojito this National Mojito Day!
This National Rum Day, we hope you got a gist of how the popular cocktail originated. Not just that, but we’ve also got you covered on the different variations and tips for making a yummy Mojito! Once used in cholera treatment, the drink has evolved to become one of the go-to cocktails when things get hot and heavy – we’re talking about summer afternoons, duh!
