Easy Blackberry Mojitos
Let’s pretend it’s summer and make these refreshing, minty cocktails.
What’s the deal with mojitos?
The Mojito originated in Cuba. The history is semi mysterious. A bar in Cuba, “La Bodeguita del Medio”, claims to be the birthplace of the famous drink and apparently, Ernest Hemmingway was a frequent visitor. It has also been said that African slaves working in cane fields developed a drink from a simple sugar cane alcohol.
Another story describes that in the 1500s, Sir Francis Drake landed in Havana. His crew came down with dysentery and scurvy. The indigenous people had many remedies and a small party of Drake’s crew gathered mint leaves, sugar cane, and lime juice from locals to make a tonic for their ailments. In the 1800s, the Bacardi Company marketed the mojito, and its popularity sky-rocketed. Taste Cocktails wrote an interesting article about the history of the mojito.
In my unprofessional opinion, mojitos are a favored drink because they are simple and pack a punch.
How to make blackberry mojitos
These are some of the easiest drinks you will make and I’m not exaggerating!
Ingredients - sparkling water or club soda, mint leaves, sugar, light rum, limes, lemons (optional), blackberries, and salt for the rim of the glass (optional).
To make a blackberry mojito - muddle the mint leaves or rub them together to release the fragrances. Toss in the sugar, limes, and blackberries and muddle again. Pour in light rum and sparkling water. You’re good to go!
FAQ
Can I make a pitcher for this?
I don’t see why not. The recipe is for 1 glass, so I would just multiply it by 4.
Do I have to use light rum?
Traditionally, mojitos are made with light rum (also called white rum or silver rum). I can’t stop you from using dark rum, but it wouldn’t make sense in a mojito.
What kind of mint should I use?
Spearmint is most common in beverages. At most grocery stores, you can find packages of fresh mint in the produce section (it might not be labeled as a specific type of mint). This will work just fine and most types of mint besides peppermint should work for mojitos.
Can I leave out sugar?
You can swap out cane sugar for honey or agave. I don’t suggest leaving out a sweetener entirely.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces white rum.
2 tbsp sugar.
10 fresh mint leaves (approximately).
1/2 lime.
Small handful of blackberries.
Sparkling water.
Ice.
For garnish ~
Additional slices of lime and lemon.
Salt and sugar for the rim.
Method:
Place mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass. Muddle to release the oils and fragrance.
Pour in sugar, blackberries, and juice from 1/2 a lime. Muddle again.
Add the ice and sparkling water. Garnish with wedges of lemon and lime and extra mint if desired.
…
Notes:
If you want salt/sugar on the glass, rub a lemon or lime around the rim and place the glass upside down on a plate with sugar and salt.
See my FAQ section for more notes.
Looking for another recipe? Check out this Crunchy Peanut Coleslaw!
