Home Bartending: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Rum for Mojitos

The Mojito is one of the world's most popular cocktails. But the history of this refreshing drink is shrouded in mystery.

Most agree that it was first created in Cuba. However, whether it was South American Indians who went ashore and picked up the ingredients to create this iconic drink or someone else remains unclear. What is clear is that this seemingly simple cocktail can be pretty tough to get right.

More often than not, when ordered from a bar, bartenders complain that patrons find it too sweet, too watery, not sweet enough, or too strong. Making your own mojito at home is a great way to make it just the way you like it. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best rum for mojitos, and a few tips for perfecting it.

How to Choose the Best Rum for Mojitos

The perfect mojito starts with the right rum. Mojitos are traditionally made with white rum.

A classic mojito is meant to be light, crisp, and refreshing. This is why white rum is used. The slightly sweet, subtle flavor of a good white rum blends nicely with the other simple ingredients. it doesn't overpower the flavor of the mint.

The result is a cocktail that's smooth and easy to drink.

But while a subtle, smooth white may be the most popular option for mojitos, it's not the only one. If you're looking to take your home bartending to the next level with a custom cocktail, consider swapping the white rum for a delicious dark rum.

Where light rum blends into the recipe and lets the other ingredients shine, dark rum does the opposite. Unlike white rum, a great dark rum features bold, distinctive flavors. Depending on the dark rum that you choose, you'll enjoy notes of molasses, dried fruits, caramel, and rich spices, which are perfectly complimented by the light, fresh flavors of the other ingredients.

Tips for Making Mojitos at Home

Now that you know how to choose the best rum for mojitos, it's time to start making your own.

To make a classic dark rum mojito, you'll start by combining one ounce of simple syrup with a half cup of fresh mint leaves. Leave the stems attached, and begin muddling your mint into the simple syrup.

Another reason many bartenders hate making mojitos is the time that it takes. While there are only a few mojito ingredients, one of the most important, the muddled mint, can be time-consuming to get right. Take the time to make sure that your mint is properly muddled to release the full flavor.

Next, add two ounces of your choice of Pusser's Rum, one ounce of lime juice, and ice to a shaker along with the muddled mint and syrup. Shake well to blend the flavors. Use a strainer to pour your drink into a glass, then stir in four ounces of sparkling water. Finish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.