A late night demo in the heart of Havana:
Late one night, walking around Havana with my camera, I was invited into a bar populated by two bartenders and only a few locals. I didn’t really need a drink, but I was interested in talking with the bartender, and took the opportunity to ask him to show me a step-by-step preparation of Cuba’s famous cocktail: the refreshing and sweet Mojito.
Experience with locals, that includes conversation in association to eating and drinking, is an amazing way to authenticate one’s travel and provide context to something that, otherwise, might just be an item on a menu and a shallow connection to a country. The hour or so that I spent observing, talking with, and photographing the friendly bartender and his artful preparation, enriched my travel experience and educated me on a central Cuban tradition.
Here are the steps to making a Mojito, Cuban style:
Start with Lime Juice.
Add Sugar.
Stir and Dissolve the Sugar.
How Beautiful!
Add Fresh Mint.
Muddle the Mint, to release its flavor.
Add Ice Cubes.
Add Club Soda.
Stir.
Add Havana Club Rum.
Serve!
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Click here to read by blog article Drink with the locals & Drink in More Understanding!
on the deeper meaning behind Mojitos, Rum, and Sugar in Cuba.
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According to The Food Network and Chef Alex Garcia, here are some measurements
…if you are the measuring type:
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- Ice
- 6 ounces light rum
- 12 mint sprigs, or spearmint, 8 roughly broken apart
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Club soda
- 4 slices lime
Directions:
Place ice in beverage shaker then add in the rum, 8 broken up mint sprigs, lime juice and sugar. Shake well and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Top off each glass with a splash of club soda.
Garnish each with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.
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