It is known for sure that “Mojito” was a favorite cocktail of Ernest Hamenguya. It is worth noting that the history of the emergence of such a wonderful cocktail isn’t so rosy.
The idea of mixing white rum and mint came to the mind of English pirates, and they did it to kill the bad taste of rum of poor quality. This happened back in the XVI century. Then the idea of mixing ingredients migrated to local bars in ports. And from there, it has already spread to other bars.
The recipe for this cocktail appeared on the territory of the capital of Cuba – Havana. It was in this place that Ernest first tasted this excellent, refreshing, and fragrant beverage. Traditionally, the cocktail includes 6 ingredients: white rum, sparkling water, mint, lime, sugar(or simple syrup), and ice. But the drink can be prepared without alcohol.
The main part is a mint! Mint, in general, has some advantages and disadvantages. And it’s time to consider them.
WHAT IS THE BEST MINT FOR MOJITO?
There are many varieties mints to choose from: spearmint, chocolate mint, apple mint, orange mint, ginger mint, pineapple mint, peppermint.
Mojito has gained popularity due to its freshness and pleasant flavor. It is the mint that gives the mojito that magical note of coolness. But not every herb can be suitable for such a cocktail.
Obviously, spearmint is chosen for mojito since it contains the cool menthol(mojito mint mentha x). It gives a feeling of freshness. All other types of mint will not provide the mojitos the same taste. Despite this, most people use other mints.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINT LEAF?
Mint leaves are believed to have several health benefits. Mint helps to cope with allergies. Mint plants contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.
Mint is an indispensable remedy for colds. It contains menthol, which helps to break up phlegm and mucus. It also has a cooling effect and can help relieve sore throat.
Mint is a soothing herb used during stomach upset, bloating, and any discomfort.
Mint leaves are also used in diets to enhance the taste of products in various recipes. It has no calories and thus is not an enemy for losing weight. Nevertheless, there are various negative qualities of this herb.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PEPPERMINT AND MINT?
Peppermint is the most popular variety of mint, and it is known to both adults and children. This is the same common mint that can be found in flower gardens and vegetable gardens. In the wild, it does not occur. Its main difference is a pronounced aroma. Moreover, it is very difficult to confuse this type with others.
To verify this statement, it is enough to rub a peppermint leaf in your hands, and you can immediately feel the characteristic menthol aroma. It can never be confused with other species. Moreover, sometimes people can’t understand what is the best variant of leaves can be chosen for a Mojito or other mint cocktails like Mint Julep.
WHAT IS SWEET MINT GOOD FOR?
Sweet or mojito mint can normalize the water-salt balance, remove puffiness under the eyes, removing excess fluid from the body, improve the digestive processes. Due to the absence of a menthol component and a sweet aroma. Cooks love it for making craft cocktails, lemonades, sauces, salads, desserts and even mint oil.
CAN I FREEZE MINT LEAVES?
Mint is the leading component in the preparation of mojito. However, people are wondering: how to have this ingredient on hand all year round? The answer is quite simple: mint leaves can be frozen without losing the color and quality of the product. This process will not take much time and effort.
TIP: Keep mint in a container outside the garden bed if you grow it on your own
Freezing mint in ice cubes is one of the most popular and convenient ways to preserve the plant. Thanks to this option, the leaves will be both fresh and recently plucked.
In each hole of the ice molds, you should put from 3-4 mint leaves (without stems), pour water, and put it in the freezer. After the water turns into ice, you can pull out the cubes. Great! The main ingredient for a mojito is ready! Mint has not darkened; it has retained its color and aroma.
MOJITO MINT PLANT VS SPEARMINT
Mint for mojito plays a vital role in the taste of the cocktail. That is why it is crucial to choose the proper mint and understand why spearmint can not be used to prepare this summer cocktail. Spearmint is a perennial plant that has serrated leaf edges.
Unlike peppermint (which is used for mojitos), it has a lighter and sweeter aroma and a lower content of menthol, which is so essential for this cocktail. This type of mint is most often used for making desserts and salads, and its leaves are also used for tea, making wine products and liqueurs, cigarettes, soap. It is also worth noting spearmint has become the basis for a hybrid – peppermint. If there was no peppermint at hand, then what should I choose?
SWEET MINT VS SPEARMINT FOR MOJITOS
This type of mint can be a substitute for peppermint. It has the same pleasant aroma but does not differ in its freshness as it does not contain menthol. Spearmint has only 0.5% menthol in its composition, which is also not quite enough for the freshness that a mojito requires.
If the choice is not great, then use mint to make your cocktail more precious and spearmint if you want to refresh yourself a little. But, let’s pay attention to the important qualities and usages of mint.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF MINT LEAVES?
Despite a large number of positive effects from the use of mint, there are also side effects. One of the main dangers is the development of allergic reactions. Individual intolerance is a fairly common phenomenon. If you notice after using more mint such symptoms as irritation, redness, blisters, and sometimes even ulcers – they indicate an allergic reaction.
You can also add headaches, shortness of breath, a feeling of heaviness in the chest. Such symptoms most often occur due to the use of fresh leaves. They contain a high concentration of essential oils.
Mint leaves also affect blood sugar levels. They help to reduce glucose levels, which is dangerous for people with diabetes.
Still, it is worth understanding that mint leaves in a safe amount will not harm a person. On the contrary, they are helpful and are a popular ingredient for various refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
CAN I USE MINT EXTRACT INSTEAD OF PEPPERMINT?
This question of great popularity. Well, the answer is straightforward – you can and should. If you can’t find fresh mint or don’t want to get a headache – mint extract is an excellent solution! Moreover, many bars use “Mojito” syrup, which includes peppermint extract. It gives the cocktail an excellent and delicious taste.
Here, for example, is an example of a mojito with the addition of simple syrup:
Ingredients
· crushed ice 125-140 g
· Mojito syrup 25-35 ml
· vodka 45-55 ml
· lime juice 13-18 ml
· soda water 110-130 ml (you can substitute it with tonic water)
· mint 1 sprig
1. Fill a wide and sturdy glass with crushed ice.
2. Pour simple syrup and high-quality vodka over the ice.
3. Add lemon juice and shake the contents of the glass a little.
4. Fill the remaining space with club soda.
5. Decorate the cocktail with a sprig of fresh mint, dropping it into the prepared liquid.
6. Drink alcohol exclusively through a straw in small sips.
WHAT FLAVOR GOES WITH MINT?
Mint is used not only in the preparation of drinks but also in cooking and confectionery. Perfumes, perfume water, scented candles, and much more.
Most often, we can find mixed flavors. Mint is often combined with basil, bergamot, and geranium. Also, the most common combinations are ginger mint, chocolate mint with lime (as in mojito). You can also find a combination of mint with nutmeg, rosewood, fennel, thyme, and even eucalyptus!
MOJITO RECIPE
The most straightforward and most popular recipe for a mojito is non – alcoholic mojito. This summer drink is suitable for both children and people who abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages.
Ingredients
· Fresh mint – 40 g
· Lime wedges – 2 pieces
· Sprite – 3 cups
· granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons( you can replace it with simple syrup)
Alcoholic variant:
· 2 ounces white rum
To prepare a classic (Cuban) mojito non-alcoholic version for 4 people, you should do the following:
1. Pick leaves and put them in glasses
2. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar(or simple syrup) to the leaves
3. Use a mortar. Muddle the sugar and mint(or ginger mint,this is what will give the cocktail the same aroma).
4. The prepared lime should be cut into 8 slices. Squeeze the juice out of 4 slices. Throw one piece into each glass. Muddle all the ingredients again with a mortar until the sugar completely dissolves.
5. Pour pieces of ice into all the glasses and pour the chilled soda. Then add ice and mix.
6. In conclusion, it remains to add the remaining lime slices, a sprig of mint, and a straw for decoration.
7. If you prefer a acerbic mojito, add an extra squeeze of lime juice.
If a person still decided to add “peppercorns” to the cocktail, pour 50 ml of white rum into glasses with ready-made crushed ingredients and mix. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.
SO WHAT IS THE CHARM OF A MOJITO?
Summing up, it should be said that mojito is one of the most popular cocktails among children, adults, and aged people. This is a refreshing beverage that is most often drunk in the hot summer days.
Although it a seasonal drink, the majority of consumers can enjoy its refreshing flavor and aroma year-round. Mojito mint is an essential ingredient for the freshness of this drink and plays a key role in its popularity as a holiday beverage. (Personally, I really like growing mint by myself).
There are many different variations of mojito, all with various types of mint. Mojito is basically a white rum cocktail with mint, lime juice, and ice, but different versions may include fruits like blueberries or raspberries instead of mint. My favorite is the strawberry version of cocktail. I like to drink it in the morning sun.
Experiment with different types of mint and enjoy!
