Save the date and stock up on fresh mint leaves, National Mojito Day is right around the corner! Observed annually on the 11th of July, this delectable day is a tribute to the iconic Cuban drink, the Mojito - a zesty concoction of rum, lime, sugar, mint, and effervescent water. With a pleasant tang, a hint of sweetness, and a revitalizing finish, it’s no surprise that the Mojito has cemented itself in mixology history.
Whether you’ve always had a love affair with Mojitos or you’re intrigued to try your first one, National Mojito Day provides the perfect reason to savor this classic, invigorating cocktail.
History of National Mojito Day
The Mojito, a renowned Cuban highball cocktail, is thought to have originated in the late 1500s and is renowned worldwide for its unique combination of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint leaves.
While the exact birth of the Mojito is uncertain, many believe it evolved from a 16th-century beverage named “El Draque.” This drink, named after the English sea captain Sir Francis Drake, was reportedly consumed by his team to fend off ailments like scurvy and dysentery.
The term “mojito” originates from “mojo,” an African word that translates to “a little magic spell.” The consumption of the Mojito spiked during the era of Prohibition in the United States (1920 - 1933), when Americans frequently traveled to Havana, Cuba.
While the author Ernest Hemingway is often associated with the Mojito, his go-to cocktail was reportedly the daiquiri. The Mojito’s popularity saw a revival in the 2000s due to its prominent mention in the 2002 James Bond film, Die Another Day. Consequently, this Cuban highball became a staple cocktail in global bars and pubs, offered in a plethora of variants all around the world.
National Mojito Day Timeline
Discovery of Rum
Rum was discovered in the Caribbean when Christopher Columbus introduced sugarcane plants from the Canary Islands.
Sir Francis Drake and 'El Draque'
It is believed that Sir Francis Drake and his crew created a primitive version of the Mojito, known as 'El Draque', which used aguardiente.
Rise in Popularity during Prohibition
The Mojito gained significant popularity in the US during the Prohibition era, when Americans traveled to Cuba for alcohol.
Golden Age of the Mojito
Thanks to endorsement of the cocktail by celebrities like Ernest Hemingway and Nat King Cole, the Mojito reached its 'Golden Age' in Cuba.
Global Resurgence
The Mojito saw a global resurgence in popularity. This trendiness helped assert the Mojito as a staple cocktail in bars around the world.
National Mojito Day
National Mojito Day is first celebrated in America to appreciate the mojito.
Ideas to Celebrate National Mojito Day
Mojito Making Party
Invite some friends and family over to your house for a Mojito making party. You provide all the ingredients needed to make a Mojito and give everyone a chance to mix their own.
Visit a Cuban Restaurant
Visit a local Cuban restaurant or bar. Enjoy the authentic taste of Cuban mojitos, which are traditionally made with mint, lime, sugar, and rum.
Mojito Mixology Class
Arrange a Mojito Mixology Class. Learn about the historical background of this classic Cuban cocktail and master the essentials of making the perfect Mojito.
Beachside Mojito Fest
Organize a beachside party with plenty of Mojitos, Cuban sandwiches, and sun. Be sure to add some salsa music for the perfect vibe.
Mojito Flavor Experiment
One of the great things about Mojitos is their versatility. Try making Mojitos with different fruits and flavors such as strawberries, pineapple, or even jalapeno.
Give Mojito Making Kit as Gifts
Celebrate National Mojito Day by giving your friends Mojito Making Kits. Include a bottle of rum, fresh limes, mint, sugar, a muddler, and a cocktail shaker.
7 Interesting Facts About Mojito
Origin of Mojito
The Mojito is believed to have originated in the 16th century in Cuba. It was traditionally used as a medicine for tropical illnesses.
Ernest Hemingway's Favorite
Mojito was said to be the favorite cocktail of famous American author, Ernest Hemingway. He loved them so much he supposedly said 'My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita' referring to his favorite bars in Havana, Cuba.
Guardian of the Recipe
The Bodeguita del Medio Bar in Havana, Cuba claims to be the birthplace of this famous cocktail and has the original recipe displayed on a sign.
Variety of Flavors
Mojito is widely appreciated for its flexibility in flavors. From pomegranate to coconut, it comes in a wide spectrum of flavors.
Mojito in Popular Culture
This famous cocktail has seen exposure in popular culture, it was featured in the James Bond film 'Die Another Day' when James Bond himself enjoys a Mojito.
Healthy Choice?
Although a cocktail, the Mojito is often considered one of the healthier cocktail choices due to its fresh mint and lime ingredients.
Customizable Strength
The strength of a Mojito can be adjusted based on preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of white rum used.
National Mojito Day FAQs
Next National Mojito Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 11th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | July 11th | Thursday |
| 2025 | July 11th | Friday |
| 2026 | July 11th | Saturday |
| 2027 | July 11th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 11th | |
National Mojito Day Word Search
- Mojito
- Mint
- Rum
- Lime
- Cocktail
- Cocktail