Easy ways to shake up that classic mojito cocktail

Sweet, bright, and refreshing the classic mojito cocktail can be that sip of tropical refreshment on a warm day. Even if a piece of sugar cane isn’t in the glass, that sprig of mint can be the flavor that entices another taste. Before anyone realizes, the cocktail glass will be empty and ready for a refill.

On July 11, the classic mojito cocktail is celebrated on National Mojito Day. While it seems that every food and beverage have a national food day celebration, the reality is that these designations are the perfect excuse to shake up a libation.

Like many cocktails, the exact origin of the mojito is muddled. Although the beverage can be traced back to Cuba and Ernest Hemmingway might have helped to popularize it, the reality is that there isn’t necessarily a single person or place that “invented” it.

Still, many people have tried a mojito cocktail as it has become popular once again. Relatively simple to make, it combines rum, sugar, lime juice and mint. The fun comes from slightly altering the ingredients.

How can you shake up a new take on the classic mojito cocktail?

One of the easiest ways to add a new flavor to the classic mojito cocktail is with the rum. For example, using Ron Zacapa makes for a more sophisticated cocktail.

The Guatemalan rum is usually enjoyed more as a sipping rum because its long aging process creates such a rich, nuanced flavor. Developed by master blender Lorena Vasquez, this rum deserves to always be on the shelf.

While enjoying a pour in a tulip glass is remarkable, the Ron Zacapa can be used in a mojito. Since the rum has an inherent sweetness, the cocktail doesn’t need a lot of extra sugar.

Here’s how to make the Zacapa Mojito.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Zacapa 23 Rum
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• 6-8 mint leaves, fresh
• 1 tbsp of simple syrup OR sugar
• Mint Sprig for Garnish

Cocktail Preparation

• Combine lime juice, sugar/simple syrup, and 3-4 mint leaves in cocktail shaker. Use muddler to muddle mint, juice, and sugar combination. Add Zacapa Rum and shake. Pour mixture into a glass, add ice. Top with club soda and garnish with mint sprig.

As the newest offering from Bacardi, the Bacardi Tropical has those island flavors woven into the rum. With touches of coconut, pineapple and guava, the tastes of Puerto Rico are clear.

In this mojito cocktail, the touch of the guava flavor in the Bacardi Tropical adds a slight intrigue. Not overpowering, it is that flavor that brings you back for another taste.

BACARDÍ Tropical Mojito

• 1½ oz. BACARDÍ Tropical
• ¾ oz. lime juice
• 12 mint leaves
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• ¾ oz. club soda

Method:

• Add the first four ingredients into a highball glass. Press mint with a bar spoon to release oil. Add crushed ice, almost to top, and churn. Top with a splash of club soda and more crushed ice. Garnish with a mint spring and a lime wedge.

Can the mojito cocktail take on other flavors too?

Malibu has long been a favorite rum for cocktails. As more people are excited to gather with friends, Malibu is celebrating those fun in the sun moments with Funshine Fridays. While Fridays always bring some excitement for the weekend, Fridays are even more than exuberant  this year.

As Regan Clarke (Vice President of Marketing for Malibu U.S.), said, “Our new campaign is Malibu’s way of helping everyone reclaim summer – and start the weekend earlier – because we all deserve some Funshine Fridays after the year we’ve had. We want to encourage Malibu lovers to embrace that summertime carefree spontaneity as they spend time and reconnect with friends and family this summer.”

If you are ready to “Let the Funshine,” Bacardi has shared its recipe for a Malibu Watermelon Mojito. Featuring the new Malibu Watermelon, that favorite summer fruit flavor is a perfect pairing for mint. Just like the salad on the table, watermelon and mint are delightful on a warm day.

Malibu Watermelon Mojito

Ingredients:

• 1 part Malibu Watermelon
• ½ part lime juice
• 2 parts soda water
• Mint leaves
• Fresh watermelon

Method:

• Add watermelon pieces, mint leaves and lime juice into a highball glass. Gently muddle and then fill glass with ice. Add Malibu Watermelon and top with soda water. Garnish with mint sprig and a watermelon wedge.

If you prefer an easier way to enjoy a mojito, Neon Zebra has an easy recipe. As their campaign with Billy Eichner shows, everyone is ready to get back into the IRL. And, an easy cocktail can help get put those awkward moments away.

Here’s how to make the Neon Zebra Mojito.

• 1 can of Neon Zebra’s Mojito Mix
• 3 oz of your favorite rum
• Garnish with mint if desired
• Result: 2 refreshing cocktails to share!

Lastly, if you do not want to shake up a cocktail at all, remember Cayman Jack makes a great ready to pour mojito. With a great mint aroma and a refreshing taste, that canned cocktail is perfect when there is a craving for a mojito but you don’t want to get out the cocktail shaker.

What is your favorite mojito cocktail? Is it your favorite summer cocktail?