Feeling blue? Let this fruity and invigorating cocktail perk you up.
While not officially ever labeled as “cocktails”, the medicinal mixtures that sailors drank in the Caribbean during the 1700s were the ancestors of steadfast drinks like the Daiquiri. The classic Mojito is no different. In many circles of our cocktail culture, it is generally accepted that the Sazerac from New Orleans has the distinction of the being the first official “cocktail”. But that is, of course, disputed.
In the 1500s, British Naval officer Sir Francis Drake was a scourge to the Spanish Armada. During his voyages, he raided many settlements and defeated many ships in battle. So feared he was that Spanish sailors began to believe that Drake practiced black magic, and dubbed him El Draque, or “The Dragon”. The Elizabethan mariner wasn’t without his own challenges, however.
The Dragon began to notice his crew falling ill to the ravages of their travels. Without his men, his ship couldn’t sail. Sir Francis came up with a “potion”, so to speak, as a solution to this problem: A mixture of lime and mint to combat the scurvy and seasickness his sailors suffered from, combined with rum and sugar to make the medicine go down a little easier. It must’ve worked, because over the years this concoction eventually evolved into what we know today as the Mojito. Back then, it became known by the name of its inventor… El Draque, which many label as the world’s first cocktail.
I wonder what Sir Francis would have thought of the modern day variation that we’re making today, the Blueberry Mojito? The refreshing flavor of blueberries swimming beautifully with the mint and rum, along with the bubbly effervescence of the club soda might have mellowed him out a little. And added antioxidants to his men’s diet.
What is the Best Rum to Use in a Blueberry Mojito?
Since there’s a few different types of rum out there to choose from, you can make some interesting and simple variations on this cocktail by making one with a dark rum, then making one with a gold rum, etc… but I’ve always preferred my Mojitos with a nice, smooth white, or silver, rum. The clear color and lighter flavors meld pretty perfectly with the lime and mint, making sure that one doesn’t overpower the other, but instead helps to enhance the notes from each ingredient.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 ounce lime juice about 1 lime
- 1 ounce sugar or simple syrup or agave syrup
- 8 fresh mint leaves plus a sprig for garnish
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce club soda to top off
- A thin wheel of lime for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a sturdy Highball or Collins glass, combine the blueberries, lime juice, and sugar. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the blueberries and mint together.
- Add the fresh mint leaves, taking a moment to clap them between your hands before dropping them in. Pour in the white rum and stir gently to combine the flavors without bruising the mint too much.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top. Fill the glass with club soda. Stir gently with a long spoon.
- Garnish your mojito with a few extra blueberries, a sprig of mint, and a lime wheel on the rim of the glass. Serve with a straw.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
One quick tip: you can use pure cane sugar in place of the simple sugar/syrup for a more “classical” take on the recipe. In the 1500s, sailors didn’t have access to any bottles of Mr. Boston mixers.
This is one good looking tipple with its pinkish/purple hue, and a tall highball or Collins glass will keep everything ice cold. Garnish with some blueberries, a sprig of mint and lime wheel for a look that sticks out in the crowd.
Because we’re muddling ingredients and topping with a carbonated mixer, I would not recommend pre-making and storing this cocktail. Each one is best enjoyed served up fresh once they’re made.
This one’s a little on the sweet side and comes in at around 253 calories. More than a few might make you feel a tad heavy, but there’s nothing wrong with a little couch-lock now and again.
You can use the back of your bar spoon, or any spoon. I find it’s easier with an actual muddler, but if you don’t have one yet, that’s okay. I still don’t own a bar spoon.
If you choose to use agave, your drink will remind you of a margarita, or other tequila based cocktails.
Blueberry Mojito Variations
The Mojito is one of the most versatile cocktails you can make at home. Twist & Toast has a number of these drinks that are simple and delicious variations on the classic. Check out a few of them below, then try out even more of the recipes that we have. Just not all at once.
- Mango Mojito – The sweet and sumptuous taste of mango adds an extra layer of refreshment to the original cocktail.
- Watermelon Mojito – This version of the classic cocktail makes for the perfect summer tipple.
- Coconut Mojito – Give your drink some extra tropical flavor by adding some creamy coconut notes.
- Pitcher of Mojito – Need a lot of Mojitos for your next party? Math not your subject? This recipe has you covered.
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