A Caribbean classic meets Mexico’s famous spirit in this satisfying and refreshing cocktail.
There’s no one definitive moment in history that you can look back on, point at and say “This was the birth of the mojito!” The history of the drink is spread out over many hundreds of years. Centuries! Many cocktail historians believe that it definitely originated sometime during the 16th century. One of the earliest known versions of what eventually became known as the mojito can be traced back to the English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Ol’ Drakey is responsible for a concoction that consisted of rum, limes, cane sugar and mint, and it was called El Draque, after Sir Francis’ terrifying nickname, which meant “The Dragon”. This is often pointed to as the world’s first and oldest cocktail.
The drink we’re making tonight is for all intents and purposes a classic mojito… except for one difference. Instead of mixing this recipe up with rum, the traditional way, we’ll be using a silver tequila instead. Nobody has ever owned up to being the first person who said “You know what? Let’s switch out the rum for something else!” We know somebody was the first, but their identity is seemingly lost to time. The Tequila Mojito is a beautiful blending of Caribbean tradition and the popular Mexican spirit. The tequila adds a satisfying spice and fire to the other ingredients, cooled down by the mint infusion.
If I may be allowed to suggest a few movie pairings to go with our cocktail, I have the perfect double feature. Fair warning though, they’re both James Bond films, so if you don’t dig on 007, you’re on your own. For the rest of us, especially Bond fans, you probably know where I’m heading with this.
For starters, throw on the 2002 Pierce Brosnan flick Die Another Day. Not only does it feature the amazing Halle Berry as CIA agent Jinx, but the scene in which both she and Bond meet is what I consider to be a classic “mojito” moment. Bond is on assignment in Cuba, and spots Jinx rising from the sea in a bikini – not unlike Ursula Andress in the very first 007 cinematic adventure from 1962, Dr. No – and offers her a crisp and cool-looking mojito.
The second film in our double feature is less about the alcohol and more about the place. In 1989’s revenge thriller License to Kill, Bond goes rogue and illegally travels south of the border from Florida to the fictional country of Isthmus. There he must take down Sanchez, the drug dealer who maimed his best friend and murdered said buddy’s wife on their wedding day. Filmed in Mexico, the movie makes great use of some of the beautiful locations in the country, giving a southwestern vibe that a Tequila Mojito goes perfectly with.
It might seem a little off-topic, but I always love making themed cocktails whenever I sit down to enjoy a Bond movie. And as I recently discovered, the Tequila Mojito is the perfect companion to take on a top-secret adventure. Even if it’s from the comforts of your own couch.
What is the Best Tequila to Use in a Tequila Mojito?
A blanco tequila is the ideal spirit to use in the Tequila Mojito. Also known as silver or white, this liquor is clear in color, features the sweet notes of agave and can even be a little peppery and creamy depending on the brand you choose. It mixes in a wonderfully balanced way with the other ingredients, making for a nice and even flavor. For something with a little extra spice, try an aged reposado tequila in place of the blanco.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces tequila
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1½ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- Ice
- Club soda
- Lime wheels or wedges optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves to a tall glass. Muddle the mint leaves with the back of a spoon to release their flavor.
- Fill the glass 3/4-full with ice. Add the tequila and finish with club soda, then gently stir to blend.
- Garnish with fresh lime wheels or wedges and additional mint leaves.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Fill a highball or collins glass with ice to make your drink a cold one. Pop a lime wedge on the rim for garnish.
I don’t recommend saving and storing cocktails that use carbonated ingredients. Your drink will go flat. If you’re making a large batch of this for a party, you can mix the ingredients together, minus the mint and soda, and add them when you’re ready to pour individual servings.
This sweet and minty drink is about 190 calories per serving, which can add up quickly if you’re having more than a few.
That would more than likely be the margarita, which traditionally uses tequila as its base alcohol.
Tequila Mojito Variations
Nothing beats a cold mojito on a hot and muggy day. The bite of the booze, the fresh flavor of the mint and limes and the bright bubbles of the club soda make for a satisfying drink. And since the mojito is one of the most popular cocktails around, you’ll be able to find any number of delicious variations. Here at Twist & Toast, we have more versions of the mojito than you can shake a stick at. Check out a small sampling below, then explore the site for even more of this classic drink.
- Mojito – Start by learning how to mix up the original rum-based cocktail.
- Coconut Mojito – Creamy and minty, this version of the mojito adds a little extra tropical flair.
- Vodka Mojito – Crisp, bright and packs a punch, the Vodka Mojito is a real crowd pleaser.
- Gin Mojito – Using gin as the base spirit will add some floral botanicals to your poolside drink.
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