Quench your thirst with J. L. Cowan drink - a refreshing blend of bitters, club soda, lime, mint, and rum. Stir it like a pro with a metal straw or a bar spoon, and serve it in a highball glass. Perfect for beginning bartenders, make this your go-to drink for any occasion!
J. L. Cowan Ingredients
J. L. Cowan Equipment
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
J. L. Cowan Recipe
- stir the ingredients together with ice
- prepare Highball glass half full with ice cubes
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.The Mojito: A Classic Cuban Cocktail That Never Goes Out of Style
As a professional bartender, I often get asked about the most popular cocktails out there. One classic that never seems to go out of style is the Mojito. This refreshing drink has a rich history, a unique taste, and countless variations that make it perfect for any occasion. In this post, we’ll dive into the Mojito’s popularity, ingredient roles, how to garnish, variations, common mistakes when making, and more.
Popularity
The Mojito has Cuban origins, and it's been around for over 100 years. The name "Mojito" comes from the African word "mojo," which means to place a little spell. It's said that the drink was created by African slaves working in Cuba's sugar cane fields, who used the sugarcane they harvested to create a refreshing drink.
The Mojito became famous in the 1930s when it was introduced to the United States. It quickly became a popular drink in bars and restaurants, and it's been a favorite ever since. Today, it's a well-known cocktail that's famous for its minty, sweet, and sour taste.
The Mojito is also popular for its appearance. It's served in a highball glass with ice, and it's garnished with mint leaves and a lime wedge. This cocktail's bright green color and fresh ingredients make it a perfect drink for summer.
Ingredient Roles
The Mojito has a simple list of ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in creating the cocktail's unique flavor. Here's what you'll need to make a classic Mojito:
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 10 mint leaves
- Club soda
- Bitters
The rum is the base of the Mojito, and it's what gives the drink its signature kick. The lime juice provides a sour taste that balances out the sweetness of the simple syrup. The mint leaves add a refreshing and herbaceous flavor, while the club soda adds effervescence. Finally, a dash of bitters adds depth to the cocktail and enhances the other flavors.
How to Garnish
When it comes to garnishing a Mojito, less is more. The key is to use fresh ingredients that complement the cocktail's taste. To garnish a classic Mojito, follow these steps:
- Take a few mint leaves and clap them between your hands to release the oils.
- Place the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass and add the lime juice and simple syrup.
- Use a muddler or a spoon to gently crush the mint leaves and mix the ingredients together.
- Add ice to the glass and pour the rum over the ice.
- Top the glass off with club soda and give it a stir.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
Variations
One of the best things about the Mojito is that there are countless variations of the drink. Here are some popular variations:
- Virgin/Mocktail version: To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and add more club soda or a flavored syrup.
- Gluten-free version: Make sure the rum you use is gluten-free, and use a gluten-free simple syrup.
- Vegan version: Use agave nectar instead of honey or simple syrup.
- Keto version: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia instead of simple syrup.
- Low-calorie version: Replace the simple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener, and use a light rum.
Common Mistakes When Making
There are a few common mistakes that people make when making a Mojito. Here are a few to avoid:
- Over-muddling: Muddling the mint leaves too much can release bitter flavors. Gently muddle the mint leaves to avoid this.
- Using too much lime juice: The lime juice should provide a sour taste, but too much can overpower the other flavors. Stick to the recipe's measurements.
- Using a straw: Using a straw can disturb the mint leaves and make the drink taste bitter. Use a metal straw or a teaspoon to stir the cocktail properly.
- Using a high-proof rum: The Mojito is meant to be a refreshing drink, so using a high-proof rum can make it too strong. Stick to a light rum.
In Conclusion
The Mojito is a classic cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. Its refreshing taste and simple ingredients make it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Whether you're making a classic or a variation, make sure to follow the recipe and avoid common mistakes to create the perfect Mojito every time. Cheers!
If you are going to order J. L. Cowan in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. J. L. Cowan can be served with different ingredients in different places.
