How to find some refreshment on hot summer evenings? Make a virgin mojito, a nice refreshing cocktail that mixes menthol, citrus and sweet notes. Even without rum, this classic Cuban drink is truly packed with flavor. Read on to find out how to make a traditional (alcohol-free) version. Alternatively, try a variation that will introduce you to new fruity flavors.
Ingrediants
Virgin Mojito
Servings for 1 drink:
- 8 mint leaves
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, fine if possible
- 1-2 medium sized files
- 15 ml of sugar syrup
- Sparkling water, ginger ale, or lemon and lime soda (such as Sprite)
- 120ml apple juice, pink grapefruit juice or strawberry puree (optional)
- Ice
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Mash the Mint for the Mojito
Step 1. Get a cocktail pestle
Unless you're a bartender, you probably don't have this tool at home, but mashing mint is essential for making a good mojito. If you don't have it, you can improvise with a wooden spoon or even the end of a rolling pin.
If you have a pestle, make sure it was made from raw wood. All items that are painted or lacquered eventually wear out, so the finish material contaminates the drinks
Step 2. Put the mint in the bottom of a thick, solid glass:
you have to be sure he can withstand the process. Sugar can also be added, as its rough texture can actually aid the preparation process. Make sure that the glass used is not thin or delicate, otherwise it could shatter during the procedure.
- Remember to remove the leaves from the stems, as they make the drink bitter.
- Spearmint is the most used to make mojito, but you can also experiment with peppermint or mentha suaveolens (which tastes similar to pineapple) to try different flavors.
Step 3. Gently press the pestle onto the mint leaves and rotate it several times
You do not have to shred, crush or mince the leaves, as this will release the chlorophyll contained in their veins. This substance is rather bitter, so the flavor of the virgin mojito would be downright unpleasant.
Step 4. When you smell the mint or the leaves start to tear apart, stop stepping
The leaves should remain intact, crumpled, perhaps with a few gashes. The purpose of this procedure is to release the oils from the leaves, which are fragrant and tasty. Pounding them lightly facilitates their release to flavor the drink.
Mashing the leaves with sugar allows the oils to seep inside, so the drink will acquire a more intense flavor
Step 5. If you don't intend to use the pestle or don't have it available, crumple the leaves with your hands
Remember that mint shouldn't be chopped, so follow the right procedure. Breaking it into pieces would cause the release of chlorophyll, not to mention that pieces of mint will float in the drink. Finding yourself a piece of leaf in your throat could ruin the moment and the tasting of the drink.
Method 2 of 2: Make a Virgin Mojito
Step 1. Mash the mint leaves, 1 teaspoon of sugar and some sugar syrup in a tall, sturdy glass
A small glass, such as highballs, will make the drink seem too concentrated. The mojito should have a lot of ice and liquid: since it is a drink designed to cool off in hot weather, it should be sipped and enjoyed. Among other things, a small glass could unbalance the proportions of the drink.
- The sugar syrup will effectively sweeten the drink and the flavor will not fade; sugar, in fact, does not completely dissolve in cold liquids. You can avoid using syrup and simply prefer granulated sugar, just remember that it may all remain in the bottom of the glass.
- Turbinado sugar has a slightly treacle-like flavor and is very popular with some, but the grains are too large to dissolve in a cold drink. If you want to use it, you will first need to grind it with a spice grinder or coffee grinder.
Step 2. Squeeze a large or medium lime to make 30ml of fresh juice
If you can't squeeze 30ml from just one lime, fix it by using another. To make sure you get all the juice you can, place the lime on the kitchen worktop and roll it under your palm, pressing it lightly. This movement will soften it, so it will be easier to squeeze it.
- Cut the lime in half. Put one half in a manual juicer. The flat side of the lime should be facing the rounded bottom of the lower cup. There should be small holes in the bottom of the lower cup so that the juice can be filtered.
- Keep the juicer over a bowl or glass.
- Close the juicer by pressing the top cup onto the lime.
- Squeeze the handles of the juicer at the same time. As the top cup presses on the lime, the zest will be turned upside down and the juice from the citrus will be squeezed.
Step 3. Pour the fresh lime juice into the glass in which you already made the mint and sweetener
Let the ingredients rest for a few minutes for the various flavors to blend, then mix them lightly. If the lime juice is at room temperature, the sugar may begin to dissolve in the liquid.
If you want to change the classic mojito recipe a bit, give it a try now! Try adding some apple juice, pink grapefruit juice, lemonade, strawberry puree, or other fruit juices. Perhaps surprising and delicious flavor combinations will come to mind
Step 4. Fill the glass with ice to the brim or ¾ of its capacity
There is no unanimous agreement on the type of ice to use, so you can choose chopped or cubed, the decision is up to you. After all, you will be the one tasting the drink.
- Crushed ice will cool the drink faster, but this also means it will melt sooner.
- Make ice cubes by putting mint leaves that you have crushed into them. That way, when they melt, the mint flavor will seep into the drink.
Step 5. Finish filling the glass with sparkling water
Again you can change the recipe. In fact, instead of water, you can add ginger ale or a carbonated lemon and lime drink (such as Sprite). Some bubbles will still form, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Garnish the drink with a sprig of mint left over, a wedge or wedge of lime, or cocktail sticks enriched with sugar crystals.
- If the mojito is too sour, add an extra teaspoon of sugar or sugar syrup. Mix it well.
