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How could I go to Havana and not include a post about Cuba’s famous cocktail, the Mojito made with the finest Cuban Rum, lashings of mint and a generous supply of sugar syrup?! Well lucky for you, I tried and tested numerous Mojitos, all in the name of research obviously, to compile a comprehensive list for you! I’ve scoured traditional bars, rooftop bars and local recommendations so read on for your list of where to drink that perfect Mojito in Havana! This is going to be a long one, but something tells me you guys really won’t mind…

Table of Contents

THE MOJITO

The mojito was born in Cuba although it has a somewhat disputed history, which I won’t go into here! However the story I’m going to go with as provided to me by a local is that it was invented by African slaves around the 1600’s who worked out in the sugar cane fields in Cuba. ‘Mojo’ comes from the African word meaning to place a little spell. The drinks main ingredients are Cuban Rum, mint, sugar and soda water. During the mid-1800’s the Mojito became very popular with the introduction of the Bacardi company in Havana.

The Mojito gained international prominence when writer Ernest Hemingway became quite the fan of the cocktail (along with a daiquiri) and frequented at certain Cuban bars such as Bodequita del Medio and La Floridita.

For you Bond fans out there, the Mojito made a suave come-back in 2002 when it was used in a scene where Bond (Daniel Craig) tried to seduce the beautiful Jinx (Halle Berry).

Havana’s Finest Mojito Haunts

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HOW IS THE CLASSIC MOJITO MADE?

Traditionally, lime, mint and crushed ice are added to a glass which is then topped up with crushed ice. Using a muddler the ingredients are then crushed and via twisting without crushing the mint to a pulp! When a good amount of liquid has been extracted from the ingredients, it’s probably time to stop. Add the desired amount of rum and top with soda water. A sprig of mint and some more lime can be added to garnish!

HAVANA CLUB RUM

I can’t write this post without mentioning the famous Havana Club Rum, which is used to make the potent unmeasured Mojitos in Cuba!

The rum is made in Cuba (obviously!) with the abundant sugar cane that is found on the island. It is aged in natural oak barrels for a number of years to give the rum its warm amber colour and smooth taste. Being aged in this manner it develops an almost vanilla-like taste and it the perfect mixer!

The name Havana Club captures the Cuba’s rum-making heritage and it very much a part of the Cuban culture and very iconic to the country, in particular Havana. I have a later post which talks about my visit to the Havana Club Museum!

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HAVANA MOJITO HAUNTS

HEMINGWAYS ICONIC MOJITOS

1LA BODEGUITA DE MEDIO

This place is super touristy but you HAVE to go!! It was one of Hemingway’s favourite bars and his top place to sip on a Mojito! The bar also serves food and has a great history associated with it, expressed by the graffiti and memorabilia.

La Bodeguita de Medio itself is of Saloon style with one of those Western styles doors and dons actual fans rather than air conditioning units! They have a live band, which is fantastic to listen too whilst sipping on the famous cocktail.

Try and grab a seat at the bar and you’ll see the Mojitis being made right before your eyes and just above the bar taking pride of place, is Hemingway’s famous quote, ‘My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.’ This place for me is the home of the authentic Mojito!