National Mojito Day: The Refreshing Holiday for Cuba’s Most Famous Cocktail

What is a Mojito?
A classic Mojito consists of five simple ingredients: white rum, sugar or simple syrup, lime, soda water, and plenty of fresh mint. This combination results in a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days.

The Mysterious History of the Mojito
The origins of the mojito are as mixed as the drink itself. Historians agree that the cocktail hails from Havana, Cuba—beyond that, opinions differ.
One legend has it that Sir Francis Drake and his crew suffered from dysentery and scurvy in 1586 following a raid on Cartagena de Indias. A scouting party went ashore in Cuba in search of a remedy. The result was a mixture of raw rum, lime, sugarcane juice, and mint—the original form of today’s mojito. Another version claims that African slaves working in the Cuban sugarcane fields created a drink from sugarcane juice that resembled today’s mojito.

Mojito Worldwide: International Popularity
Although the mojito originated in Cuba, it has become one of the most popular cocktails worldwide. It is particularly popular in:
• Spain: As a former colonial power, Spain maintains close cultural ties with Cuba
• Brazil: Its proximity to Cuba and a love for rum-based cocktails make the mojito very popular here
• USA: Here, it is celebrated not only on National Mojito Day
• Great Britain: In British bars, the Mojito is a staple on the menu