Royal Mojito

A Royal Mojito, also known as a Mojito Royale, is a fancy twist on a classic Mojito cocktail adding champagne to the mix of light rum, lime juice, sugar and mint leaves

You get all the flavors of a classic Mojito – the perfect marriage of sweet and sour, where you can really taste all the elements: light rum, zesty lime juice, and fragrant mint. However, the champagne introduces a new dimension, offering a dry finish and an effervescent zing, making an already-refreshing-tasting cocktail even more refreshing-tasting!

The history of the Royal Mojito, or when a Mojito was first made with the addition of champagne, is undocumented, but it’s extremely likely a modern creation. To appreciate this variation, we must delve into the history of the Mojito itself. But even that’s not so clear…

You see, the exact origins of the Mojito are debated; however, many historians believe a version of the drink first emerged in the 16th century. The Mojito we recognize today, however, has Cuban roots. During the pre-revolution era, Cuba was like a tropical Las Vegas, attracting celebrities and tastemakers who helped popularize Mojitos around the globe.

Just as it has changed over the centuries, I guess you could say the Mojito continues to evolve, now including the elegant addition of champagne.

• Don’t muddle the mint
  Contrary to popular belief, whatever you do, don’t muddle the mint leaves! “As soon as you start to do that, you’re going to start getting bitterness from the chlorophyll,” explains Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.
• Slap the mint leaves instead
  That’s right, instead of muddling, «Just give the mint leaves a little slap,» advises Rico.
• “Schmuddle” your drink
  After you’ve added all your ingredients, give the drink a “scmuddle” – that’s Rico’s word for the technique that’s a cross between stirring and muddling.

  Using a bar spoon to give everything a good stir, blending the crushed ice with the ingredients in an up and down motion.

• Fresh lime juice only!
  Grab a couple of fresh limes and use a citrus press (or citrus elbow) to produce lime juice. Fresh lime juice tastes infinitely better than store-bought bottled stuff. You’ll be amazed at how such a “little” detail can make such a big difference to your drink.
• Choose your ingredients wisely
  Your choice of ingredients will make a huge difference to your drink. Just as we recommend using fresh lime juice, choose your choice of champagne and light rum carefully.

  If you have a preferred light rum and champagne, use those to make your Royal Mojito. We recommend using a Brut champagne like G.H. MUMM but if you prefer sparkling wine over champagne, use that!

• Sparkling wine instead of Champagne
  If you prefer, you can substitute champagne for sparkling wine. When choosing a sparkling wine, we recommend choosing one that’s dry with high acidity with minimal sweetness.

• Garnish your Royal Mojito with a mint sprig. While the drink itself already contains mint leaves, the sprig enhances the aroma, taking those minty notes to a whole new level.

• Serve your drink in a highball glass and insert a drinking straw placed right beside the mint sprig. This way, you’ll enjoy the full aroma of the mint as you sip. The mint aromas are key to this drink.