Summer's Best Cocktail: The History of the Mojito

To celebrate mojito day, we are diving into one of our favorite ways to cocktail with Twisted Alchemy’s 100% Persian Lime Cold Pressed Juice!

The history of the mojito is a twisted tale that spans centuries and continents, intertwining the cultures of Cuba, Africa, and Europe. This iconic cocktail has evolved over time, leaving a lasting mark on the world of mixology.

The origins of the mojito can be traced back to the 16th century when the Spanish arrived in Cuba. During this period, Havana became a bustling port, serving as a hub for trade between the New World and the Old World. It was in this atmosphere that the early version of the mojito, known as "El Draque," named after the famous English privateer Sir Francis Drake, was first drunk. Legend has it that Drake's crew suffered from scurvy and dysentery during their voyages. To combat these ailments, Drake's ships carried an abundance of lime, sugarcane, and aguardiente- a precursor to the rum spirit enjoyed today. The combination of these ingredients, along with the addition of mint, was believed to restore the sailors' health and vitality and to provide them with an alternative to drinking the dirty water aboard ships.

The introduction of rum, which became widely available due to the proliferation of sugarcane plantations, further transformed the mojito. As rum gained popularity, it replaced aguardiente as the key ingredient in the cocktail.

However, it was the Prohibition era in the United States in the 1920s and early 1930s that brought the mojito to international attention. With the ban on alcohol in full swing, Americans flocked to Cuba in search of a good time and access to the beloved spirits they craved. This influx of tourists provided a platform for Cuban bartenders to showcase their skills, and the mojito quickly became a symbol of Cuban hospitality.

One of the most iconic stories associated with the mojito involves the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. Known for his love of Havana, Hemingway frequented the famed La Bodeguita del Medio, a popular bar in the Cuban capital. It is said that he would sit at the bar and order his favorite drink, the mojito. The phrase "My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita" is famously attributed to Hemingway, further solidifying the mojito's place in cocktail history alongside the writer’s other famed favorite tropical beverage. 

In the late 20th century, the mojito experienced a resurgence in popularity, spreading beyond the shores of Cuba as a classic cocktail that became a staple in bars and restaurants worldwide. Bartenders began experimenting with new flavors, creating variations like the watermelon mojito to cater to diverse paletes.

Today, the mojito remains an iconic cocktail selection to sip poolside or at your favorite rooftop bar. Inspiring images of sunshine, fresh fruit, and summertime, the mojito is our favorite way to highlight the delicious tartness of Twisted Alchemy’s 100% Persian Lime Cold Pressed Juice. Whether sipped on a sunny Caribbean beach or enjoyed in a bustling city bar, the mojito continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts, keeping its place among the world's most beloved libations.