Collegiate Times

A classic mojito

Have you ever wondered how one of Hollywood’s sexiest drinks is made? Ever since watching “Miami Vice,” I have. Then again, I am the type of person who watched “Swordfish” and wanted to become a hacker, but I digress.

The only tricky part to creating a classic mojito is perfecting the art of muddling — applying the correct amount of pressure in crushing the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. Oil from the mint leaves is released when pressure is applied, but be careful not to pound or grind them into a pulp. Practice this enough and you could eventually become a master muddler.

Despite its current popularity, this drink is believed to have first appeared in the 17th century. Renowned as a traditional Cuban drink, it is composed of four key ingredients: club soda, lime juice, rum and mint.

Although typically associated with tropical climates and sunsets, the mojito can be equally enjoyed at your local bar or from the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

1 ounce rum

10 to 12 mint leaves

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 ounce lime juice

2 ounces club soda

crushed ice

Directions:

1. Place the mint leaves into a cocktail shaker, and squeeze the lime juice over the leaves.

2. Add the powdered sugar, and then muddle the mixture.

3. Add crushed ice, rum and club soda into the cocktail shaker.

4. Strain the mixture into a glass of your choice, and optionally garnish with mint leaves.

A version of this article appeared in the Feb 22 issue of the Collegiate Times.