Mixing cocktails can be something of an art. Having connoisseur-level information on cocktails can be quite an asset; at the very least, it's a great conversation starter at parties.
The Mojito (pronounced Mo-He-Toe) is the ultimate thirst quencher. You’ve got to hand it to the Cubans they know their cigars and they know how to keep cool on a blisteringly hot day. Mind you, take it easy now we don’t want you falling asleep in the sun…. like that will ever happen in the UK.
How to make a mojito:
Place around 10 decent sized mint leaves in the bottom of a Collins/Highball glass.
2 Tea spoons of soft Demerara sugar.
Add 1/2 a shot of run, originally white rum but gold is fine as well.
Muddle until the sugar has dissolved
Fill the glass 1/4 of the way with crushed/cracked ice and add another 1 1/2 shots of rum.
Churn the ice with the end of a bar spoon/mixing spoon to dilute the drink slightly.
Cap the drink with crushed ice and then top it up with soda water.
Garnish with the top of a mint sprig.
If the drink is too sharp you can add more sugar, if it's too sweet add more lime juice and you can adjust the level of mint as to whether you like it really minty or not so minty.
‘Shaken not stirred…. Coming right up Commander Bond’… this is the cocktail of choice for your aspiring 00 agent. Just be careful what you do with your Walther PPK after you’ve knocked back a couple of these.
New York! New York! So good they named it twice… or was it that after sloshing down a bucket of Manhattans they were just seeing double? This one’s often called the ‘King of Cocktails’ which is funny given the Americans’ don’t have a royal family.