Mojito Recipe: The Cuban Classic, Step by Step

The Mojito is arguably Cuba’s most iconic cocktail and one of the most popular drinks at bars around the world during the summer months. This refreshing drink combines the boldness of white rum with the tartness of lime and the aromatic freshness of mint, creating a perfect balance that has been delighting palates for over a century. At Stillroom, located at 9 Moreto Street, we have refined our own version of this classic, incorporating signature techniques that elevate the experience without losing the essence of the original.

The Origins and History of the Mojito

The origins of the Mojito date back to 16th-century Cuba, although its current form did not become established until the late 19th century. It is believed to have emerged as a variation of “El Draque,” a medicinal cocktail that combined rum, sugar, lime, and mint, used by sailors to prevent scurvy and other illnesses. The name likely comes from “mojo,” a Cuban-Spanish word referring to a sauce or mixture of ingredients.

The Mojito's popularity skyrocketed internationally when American writer Ernest Hemingway made it famous at La Bodeguita del Medio, one of Havana's most iconic bars. Since then, it has become synonymous with the quintessential summer cocktail, thanks to its aromatic profile, undeniable freshness, and apparent simplicity—which belies the precise technique required to achieve the perfect balance.

Ingredients for a Classic Mojito

To make an authentic and refreshing mojito, you'll need the following ingredients in the exact proportions:

• White rum: 60 ml
• Fresh lime: 1 (about 25 ml of juice)
• Fresh spearmint: 8–10 large leaves
• Sugar or sugar syrup: 15 ml
• Soda or sparkling water: top up to 120 ml
• Crushed ice or ice cubes: as needed

The quality of each ingredient is essential. The white rum should be smooth and not overly strong in flavor; the lime should be ripe and juicy; and the mint should be fresh, with a strong aroma and no wilted leaves. Homemade sugar syrup, made with a ratio of one part sugar to one part hot water, ensures it dissolves perfectly and prevents lumps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The technique used to prepare a Mojito is crucial to achieving the best possible result. Although it may seem like a simple drink, each step directly influences the cocktail’s final flavor profile.

Step 1: Prepare the mint

The debate over whether or not to muddle mint is one of the most controversial in the world of mixology. The correct technique involves placing the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass and gently pressing them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the aromatic essential oils, without crushing the leaves. This process, known as muddling in cocktail terminology, must be done delicately to prevent the mint from developing a bitter, grassy flavor, which occurs when the plant cells are broken too aggressively.

Step 2: Add the sugar

Next, add the sugar or simple syrup to the mint. If you’re using granulated sugar, it’s best to add it after muddling so that it dissolves in the lime juice. Simple syrup, however, can be added directly and will blend more easily with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Squeeze the lime

Cut the lime into quarters and squeeze it directly over the mixture, making sure the fresh juice drips in. It’s important not to use bottled lime juice, as it lacks the vibrancy and essential oils found in fresh fruit. Also add one or two lime wedges for garnish and to add more flavor to the drink.

Step 4: Add the rum

Pour the 60 ml of white rum over the mixture. The rum should be cold, but not frozen, to prevent it from diluting too quickly when we add the soda. A good-quality white rum, such as Havana Club 3 Años or Bacardi, will add tropical notes and a clean finish that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Step 5: Top off with soda and ice

Add crushed ice until the glass is almost full. The amount of ice is crucial: too little will cause the drink to dilute too quickly, while too much ice can make it difficult for the flavors to blend. Finally, top it off with soda or sparkling water, stirring gently with a cocktail spoon to combine all the ingredients without destroying the soda’s bubbles.

Step 6: Decorate and serve

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, placing it between the ice and the rim of the glass so that its aroma rises with every sip. Serve immediately with a long straw, as a Mojito should be enjoyed chilled to fully appreciate its layers of flavor.

Common Mistakes When Making a Mojito

Although the Mojito seems easy to make, there are several common mistakes that can ruin even the most promising recipe:

• Over-muddling the mint: Crushing the leaves too vigorously releases bitter tannins that overpower the cocktail. Muddling should be gentle and brief.
• Using dark rum or rum that has been aged too long: Dark rum can overpower the delicate flavors of mint and lime. White rum is essential for maintaining balance.
• Too much sugar: A Mojito that’s too sweet masks the freshness of the lime and mint. 15 ml of syrup is enough; adjust to your personal taste.
• Do not use crushed ice: Large ice cubes melt too slowly, whereas crushed ice cools quickly and blends better with the ingredients.
• Don't add the soda too early: Adding the soda too early and stirring it excessively destroys the bubbles and reduces the refreshing sensation in your mouth.
• Avoid using wilted mint: Wilted mint loses its essential oils and has a stale taste rather than a fresh one.

The Stillroom Version: Our Signature Mojito

At Stillroom, located at 9 Moreto Street, we have created a version of the Mojito that stays true to the essence of the classic Cuban cocktail while incorporating signature techniques that take the experience to a whole new level.

Artisanal rum infusion

Our signature Mojito begins with a homemade infusion of white rum, lime zest, and sprigs of fresh mint, left to steep for 48 hours. This cold-infusion process extracts the essential oils in a more subtle and complex way than the traditional method, imparting citrus and herbal notes that blend perfectly with the rum.

Lime and Mint Cordial

We replace conventional sugar syrup with a homemade cordial made from fresh lime juice, organic cane sugar, and a bouquet of mint leaves steeped for 24 hours. This cordial offers a richer aroma and a silkier texture than traditional syrup.

Homemade carbonation

Instead of using store-bought soda water, we make our own carbonated water using a siphon, which allows us to control the pressure of the bubbles and achieve a finer, more persistent carbonation. The result is a Mojito with a more elegant texture and a fizz that lasts until the very last sip.

A hint of bitterness

To balance the sweetness of the rum, we add two dashes of homemade grapefruit bitters, which provide a bitter-citrus note that complements the freshness of the mint without overpowering the drink. This touch, inspired by the tradition of signature cocktails, transforms the Mojito into a more sophisticated and complex drink.

Presentation

We serve our signature Mojito in a hand-blown glass highball glass, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of dried lime. Presentation is just as important as flavor, and every detail is carefully crafted to create a memorable experience.

The result is a Mojito that retains the approachability and freshness of the original, but with a depth of flavor and aromatic complexity that can only be achieved through professional techniques and top-quality ingredients.

Try Our Signature Mojito at Stillroom

If you’d like to discover how a classic cocktail can be transformed into a signature experience, we invite you to visit Stillroom, located at 9 Calle Moreto in Madrid’s charming Jerónimos neighborhood. Our team of bartenders has created a cocktail menu that pays homage to the great classics of global mixology, reinterpreted using contemporary techniques and the finest ingredients.

Our signature Mojito is just the beginning of a sensory journey that blends tradition, creativity, and a passion for mixology. We look forward to welcoming you to Stillroom so you can discover why this gastro cocktail bar has become a must-visit destination for lovers of fine drinks in Madrid.