As the sun-drenched days of summer approach, there's nothing quite like a cool, refreshing cocktail to quench your thirst and lift your spirits.
Enter the Gin Mojito, a delightful variation on the classic Cuban cocktail that swaps rum for gin, creating a crisp and botanical flavour profile that's perfect for warm weather sipping.
What is a Gin Mojito Cocktail and what alcohol is in it?
A Gin Mojito is a refreshing cocktail that combines gin, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, sugar (or simple syrup), and soda water.
Unlike the traditional mojito, which uses white rum as its base spirit, the Gin Mojito replaces rum with gin, lending a unique herbal and juniper-forward taste to the drink.
Why is it called Gin Mojito Cocktail?
The name "Gin Mojito" is a straightforward combination of its two primary components: gin and the classic mojito recipe.
It retains the "mojito" moniker due to its similarity in preparation and ingredients to the original Cuban cocktail, with gin being the distinguishing factor.
The History of the Gin Mojito Cocktail and who invented it?
The Gin Mojito is a relatively recent innovation, born from the creative minds of mixologists and gin enthusiasts looking to put a new spin on the classic mojito.
While there's no definitive inventor or origin story for this specific variation, it's likely emerged as part of the broader gin renaissance and cocktail experimentation of the past couple of decades.
The original mojito, however, has a rich history dating back to 16th century Cuba. It's believed to have been invented by African slaves working in the Cuban sugarcane fields, though some credit Sir Francis Drake and his crew for its creation.
What glasses should you use?
A Gin Mojito is typically served in a highball glass, also known as a Collins glass.
This tall, straight-sided glass is perfect for accommodating the ice, mint, and generous pour of soda water that gives the cocktail its refreshing quality. If you don't have a highball glass, any tall glass will do in a pinch.
How to make Gin Mojito Cocktail?
Recipe:
- 60ml D1 London Dry Gin
- 15ml Fresh lime juice
- 1 dash of sugar syrup
- Small handful of fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprig to garnish
- Soda water top, to taste
Instructions:
To craft the perfect Gin Mojito, follow these steps:
- In a highball glass, muddle 6-8 fresh mint leaves with 15ml of lime juice.
- Add 60ml of gin to the glass.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Top up with soda water (about 100ml).
- Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Conclusion
The Gin Mojito is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that offers a unique twist on the classic mojito. By substituting gin for rum, it creates a drink that's both familiar and excitingly different.
Whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply looking for a cool drink to enjoy on a warm evening, the Gin Mojito is sure to hit the spot.
So grab your muddler, pick some fresh mint, and get ready to enjoy this botanical take on a beloved classic.