Mo' Heat? Mojito!

by Sarah J. Gim, Posted Aug 23rd 2005 @ 4:27PM

Mint and Lime in Mojito In recent years, nothing sings sultry summer more sexily than an ice cold mojito. Who knew that a cocktail of such humble origin would someday grow up to be “it” at the bar? Mojitos, originally made from sugar cane, water, and unrefined rum, used to be a refreshment for plantation slaves. In a Cinderella moment with Ernest Hemingway the veritable fairy godfather, the mojito made its way from the plantation fields of Cuba, dressed itself up with limes and mint, and blossomed into the hipster’s drink of choice.

As refined as the mojito is at the bar, it’s quite a barbaric route you must take behind the bar to make it. While there’s certainly cheating to be had with pre-squeezed lime juice and simple sugar syrups, a proper mojito is made by sweating it out – muddling one tablespoon of granulated sugar, two lime halves and about a half dozen mint leaves in the bottom of a glass first, then adding ice, white rum (two ounces is standard), and soda water to the rim.

Certainly, if it’s just too damned hot to make such an effort, there are plenty of places that can do the dirty work for you. In LA, Cuban restaurants are the best bet with Xiomara in Pasadena and El Floridita in Hollywood. The Too Hot Tamales also serve up mojitos at both of their Latin-inspired restaurants, Ciudad downtown and the Border Grill in Santa Monica.

Filed Under: Lush Life, Chefs & Restaurants, Restaurants
Tags: west coast

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-23-2005 @5:14PM Frank Baird said... El Meson in Dayton, OH has excellent mojitos too. Well priced when bought by the pitcher.
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8-23-2005 @5:10PM David said... Actually, the best Mojito in all of LA ( according to my girlfriend - who is totally addicted to them ) is at Amalfi on La Brea ( between 1st and Beverly ). But only if Steve is behind the bar.
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8-23-2005 @5:52PM Finished.Law.School said... Went to a Cuban restaraunt that had various pre-mixed jugs for their mojitos. Stronger than normal but ok overall. I definitely prefer the original to all of these variations...
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8-24-2005 @12:31AM Travis Beard said... The mojito is the drink of choice for the summer months here in Germany, well stuttgart at least.
I Tried my first one this year, it was refreshing, and crisp. I was soo happy i didnt make it myself though. (Went down to quick)
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8-24-2005 @12:38AM sarah said... david: italian amalfi really has the best mojito?! i'll have to check it out next time i am there for an event

i do love a good mojito, but i always have a moment of fear right after taking a swig that when i flash a smile, it's going to be sparkling...green!

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8-24-2005 @8:53AM MaxPower said... I've been hearing a lot about mojitos lately. Personally mojitos sound like watered down caipirinhas.

Caipirinhas are amazing. If only I could find cachaca on the east coast somewhere!
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8-30-2005 @12:46PM Liz said... When mojitos are made by the King of California, they are amazing. I find that whenever I order one out at a restaurant or bar, I am disappointed and end up with an icky, sugar-headache-hangover.
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