Mojitos are a Cuban punch cocktail. The basic ingredients are white rum, sugar, lime juice, mint, and soda water. This gives it a slight-herbaceous flavor from the mint. One relatively sound theory suggests the mojito received its name from the word “mojo,” a Cuban seasoning made from lime. The mojito was Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite drink.
Over time, variations came forward, including one using coconut-flavored rum, one made from dark rum, and one using raw sugar. Fruit like peach, pears, and oranges sometimes make their way into mojitos for a different flavor profile. You see this often in Peru.
When making your mojitos use fresh lime juice. It makes a difference. Take care when muddling not to over-bruise the mint leaves.

Kiwi Mojito Madness
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS: SUGAR SYRUP
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 fresh mint leaves.
INGREDIENTS: KIWI PURÉE
- 1 cup kiwifruit, chopped
- ¼ cup apple juice
- ⅓ cup rum
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp clover honey
Instructions
Instructions: Sugar Syrup
- Place the sugar and water into a small pot over medium heat.
- Once the sugar dissolves, remove it from the burner.
- Add in lemon juice and mint. Discard the mint and cool.
INSTRUCTIONS: KIWI PURÉE
- Put all the ingredients for the puree in a blender.
- Mix until smooth.
- Add to the sugar syrup.
- Serve over crushed ice, decorated with a slice of kiwi and a mint leaf.