The Red Mojito

The Red Mojito Recipe - Traditional Cuban Cocktail

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

The Red Mojito is a refreshing and fruity twist on the classic mojito cocktail. This vibrant drink is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.

History

The Red Mojito is a modern variation of the traditional mojito cocktail, which originated in Cuba. The addition of strawberry juice gives this cocktail a unique and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

1 oz (28 g) of fresh lime juice (count on 1 lime per 1 oz (28 g))
5 – 6 fresh mint leaves
1.75 oz (50 g) of white rum
2 oz (57 g) of strawberry juice (see recipe below)
ice cubes
3 oz (85 g) of club soda (or to taste)

Strawberry juice

1 (16 oz (454 g)) package of frozen California strawberries with sugar, thawed
2 tsp of lemon or lime juice

How to prepare

Combine lime juice and mint leaves in the bottom of a highball glass; use a wooden spoon to crush the mint.
Stir in rum and strawberry juice.
Fill the glass with ice cubes and top it off with club soda.
Stir the mixture.
Garnish the glass with a lime slice and a whole strawberry, and serve.
This recipe can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance.

Strawberry juice

Place thawed berries, including the juice, in a very fine-mesh strainer or chinois.
Press the berries to extract as much juice as possible.
Discard the berries.
Add lemon or lime juice to the strawberry juice and serve or use it in drink recipes.

Variations

Try using different berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, in place of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of grenadine for a sweeter cocktail.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in this cocktail.

- Crushing the mint leaves releases their oils and enhances the flavor of the drink.

- Adjust the amount of club soda to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve The Red Mojito with a garnish of fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Crushing the mint leaves releases their flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white rum on hand, you can use vodka or tequila as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the strawberry juice in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve The Red Mojito in a tall glass with a colorful straw for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This cocktail pairs well with grilled seafood or light salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The Red Mojito is best served fresh, but any leftover cocktail can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of The Red Mojito contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Red Mojito contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This cocktail is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

The Red Mojito does not contain significant amounts of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This cocktail is a good source of vitamin C from the fresh lime juice.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as strawberries and citrus fruits. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

The Red Mojito is a light and refreshing cocktail that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamin C and is perfect for special occasions.

Summary

The Red Mojito is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions. With its fruity flavor and vibrant color, this drink is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for The Red Mojito. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the bustling city of Havana, Cuba. My aunt was a talented bartender at a local bar, and she was known for her creative and delicious cocktails. One hot summer evening, she invited me behind the bar to watch her work her magic.

As I sat on a stool, mesmerized by the array of colorful bottles and fresh fruits in front of me, my aunt started preparing the most beautiful drink I had ever seen. She began by muddling fresh strawberries with mint leaves in a glass, releasing their sweet and fragrant aroma. Next, she added a generous splash of rum, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dash of simple syrup. She topped it off with club soda and a few more strawberries and mint leaves for garnish.

I watched in awe as my aunt carefully stirred the drink, creating a vibrant red concoction that seemed to sparkle in the dimly lit bar. She handed me the glass and told me to take a sip. The first taste was a burst of flavors - sweet strawberries, tangy lime, and the subtle kick of rum. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I was instantly hooked.

I begged my aunt to teach me how to make The Red Mojito, and she happily obliged. She patiently showed me each step, explaining the importance of balancing the flavors and textures to create the perfect drink. I practiced making the cocktail over and over again, experimenting with different ratios of ingredients until I found the right combination.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for The Red Mojito, adding my own twist by infusing the rum with fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor. I became known among my family and friends for my signature cocktail, and it became a staple at all of our gatherings.

As I grew older and started my own family, I passed down the recipe for The Red Mojito to my children and grandchildren. It became a tradition to make the cocktail together, sharing stories of my time in Cuba and the memories of my aunt and her magical bartending skills.

To this day, The Red Mojito remains a beloved drink in our family, a symbol of the love and passion that goes into creating something truly special. And every time I take a sip of that vibrant red cocktail, I am transported back to that hot summer evening in Havana, watching my aunt work her magic behind the bar. The memories may fade, but the taste of The Red Mojito will always linger on my tongue, a reminder of the joy and connection that comes from sharing a delicious drink with the ones you love.