A mojito is a delicious Cuban drink made with rum, citrus, and mint. It is especially awesome in the summertime when it is hot out. This recipe comes from my favorite Cuban restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area, La Bodeguita del Medio.
Place mint and sugar in a collins glass, and crush them with a muddler (a wooden bar implement that looks like a billy club—if you don't have one, use a wooden pestle, or the back of a spoon). Add rum and citrus, and mix. Finish with soda water and crushed ice. ¡Salúd!
The next time you lift a refreshing, frosty mojito, remember to toast the intrepid spirits of the floating Cubans. No matter what your politics, nobody can deny that their spirits are brave, and their country's mixed drinks varied and delicious.
Please send any suggestions, corrections, or free drinks to Andrew Ho (andrew@zeuscat.com).