M IS FOR MINT AND ALSO MOJITO
by Janet Martin
Mmmm…minty goodness. I just love the zing of fresh mint in a summer salad. It's a great way to use mint. But that's just a couple of leaves. What do you do with garden mint gone wildly out of control?
It's a jungle out there
You know how it gets. By midsummer your mint has turned into a giant hedge. It's swallowed your cat. Half your garden is missing as well and the next door neighbours are complaining it's blocking their view. You can have all the salads you want, but it won't make a dent in your huge mint stash. Just mow it down. Don't worry it'll grow back. Then turn your harvest into a delicious summer drink. The Mojito.
Mint time machine
Back in the middle ages, Monks grew mint in monastery gardens for healing purposes. Too bad they couldn't grow limes as well or we might have had the Mojito (and of course the cure for scurvy) sooner. Romans believed eating mint improved your intelligence. And that mint in Greek cooking? Ancient Greeks believed it could clear your voice and cure hiccups. This was, I guess, a good thing, since Greek food can hit the old digestive system pretty hard.
Thank you Cuba
Folks have being using mint for a long time, but it's hard to pinpoint when and where the first Mojito came into being. Rumor has it that we've got 19th century Cuban slaves to thank. They mixed water with sugar-cane, mint and unrefined rum. And lo, the Mojito was born. Since then Cubans, Miamians, and people who partied in the 1950s have secretly hogged the drink. But lately, the Mojito (prounced Mo-hito) has been showing up on trendy patios everywhere.
So minty-cool
Think smooth, limey, and minty-cool with a subtle kick of rum. The first time I had a Mojito I felt a layer of sweat flash-evaporate from my skin. Since then I've had many. There's nothing quite like them. Here's what you need to make yours.
Start with great mint
With over 30 varieties of this popular herb you've got a lot of selection. I like to use spearmint, others will tell you peppermint is best. Pineapple, apple, chocolate…the list is endless. Use whatever variety of mint you've got. Just make sure it's nice and fresh.
BASIC MOJITO RECIPE
Serves 1.
Note: Chill everything beforehand.
- At least 10 large mint leaves
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- Juice of one large lime
- 2 lime quarters
- 2 ounces of dark rum (Havana Club is recommended. Choose a rum with kick.)
- 1 cup of club soda
- Ice (cracked not crushed is best)
- 1 highball glass
Add the mint leaves and sugar to the glass. Lightly bruise the leaves with a wooden spoon (don't break them up!). This is known as "muddling" and releases the yummy mint oils. Then add rum and lime juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar (this is critical to your success). Let the whole mixture rest for 2 minutes in the fridge. Then add a large handful of ice (enough to weigh down the mint leaves). Finally add the club soda. Stir again. Then garnish with lime quarters and mint leaves. Enjoy.
Note: you may want to use a straw to drink your Mojito to avoid any stray leafy bits.
The MOJITO PARTY RECIPE
Serves 6 or 3 depending on your party
- 1 large bunch fresh mint leaves (6 - 10 large stems)
- 6 to 8 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 3/4 - 1 cup of dark rum (Taste test to determine how much kick is right for you.)
- 6 cups club soda
- 6 cups ice
- 3 large limes (quartered)
- 1 glass jug
Follow the basic Mojito recipe instructions. Mix everything in the glass pitcher except for the ice. Stir to make sure the sugar has dissolved! Fill 6 glasses with ice. Add the Mojito mixture and garnish each glass with 2 lime quarters, and a chunk of mint.
Variations:
The Tequilito: Hate rum? No problem. Try tequila instead. It's my secret weapon.
The Mockito: Don't drink? Just skip the rum for a great, alcohol-free summer treat.
So get that mint under control. Invite the neighbours over. Throw on some funky Cuban music. Relax on the deck, the patio, or the front steps. And get cool in your very own island paradise. Cheers!
Related Links & Resources
Uses for Mint Tasty uses for all that extra mint.
From the Store
