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Embrace the dark side of rum with this Dirty Mojito recipe
Think mojito, think white rum, right? Think again. Lean into this dark rum twist on the classic Cuban cocktail, made with Bacardi Spiced Dark Rum.
A minty mojito and warm weather go hand-in-hand thanks to the traditional mojito recipe being the definition of refreshment. Picture a zesty medley of lime juice and mint, crisp white rum and soda water, and the sweetness of a sprinkling of sugar. But once the weather cools, cosy up the cocktail by adding extra layers of flavour and richness with dark rum. Wrapping around the mint and sugar, spiced dark rum brings a smooth depth to the typically tropical drink. Give it a whirl with this dirty mojito cocktail recipe.
How to make a Dirty Mojito
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 120mL Bacardi Spiced Dark Rum
- 60mL Lemon Fresh Lime Juice
- 10mL sugar syrup
- 2 mint sprigs
- Ice cubes, to serve
- Sodasmith Tasmanian Lime Soda Water, to serve
- Lime slices, to serve
- Mint sprigs, to serve
- Place the rum, lime juice, sugar syrup and mint sprigs in a cocktail shaker and muddle.
- Fill 2 serving glasses with ice. Strain the rum mixture into the glasses and top with the soda water. Garnish with lime slices and mint.
Tip To make your own sugar syrup, place ½ cup (110g) caster sugar and ½ cup (125mL) water in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
The history of the mojito cocktail
If you’ve met the mojito before you’ll know that it is a drink that comes from Cuba, but its exact origin story (like many a cocktail before it) is up for debate. One of the most popular versions says that it comes courtesy of drinking den La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, where their take on the mojito cocktail came praised by none other than Ernest Hemingway who was a regular at the bar (and a regular to this particular drink). Another more historical option is that it was created by African slaves in Cuban sugarcane fields – with the word ‘mojo’ meaning ‘to place a little spell’. Regardless of your preferred original tale, you’ll know the drink continues to be one of the world’s most popular, even making its way into the hands of a certain James Bond (in Die Another Day).
The mojito non-negotiables
No matter where in the world you drink it, the traditional mojito cocktail recipe remains largely the same. It’s a classic highball drink that embraces ingredients native to Cuba – namely rum, mint, lime and sugar. This Dirty Mojito recipe follows the original’s lead, merging lime juice with sugar and fresh mint. But instead of the traditional soda water, this cocktail mingles Sodasmith’s Tasmanian Lime Soda Water to help enhance the zesty lime (we like the convenience of Lemon Fresh Lime Juice) that has the potential to be dominated by the dark rum. Our dark spirit of choice? Bacardi Spiced Rum, a mid-depth spiced rum that won’t overwhelm thanks to its mixture of light and deep notes. Blending aged and unaged rum, it has a hint of smokiness that it brings to the mojito.
Nailed the mojito? Here’s what to try next
Call yourself a rum fan? Then you’ll love the marriage of spicy and sweet that can be found in classic rum-based tipple the Dark and Stormy. Or, if the lighter taste of white rum appeals to your palate, there’s always the classic Daiquiri, the cousin to the mojito – try our three-ingredient strawberry daiquiri. For another classic mojito twist that’s ideal for autumn, try our apple cider mojito recipe. And for tropical-tasting rum party drinks, look no further than pina colada, passionfruit mojito and the marvellous mai tai.
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