We’ve always been fans of the classic mojito, but the Columbia Restaurant’s version adds a delightful Spanish twist that elevates this Cuban favorite to new heights. Originating from Florida’s historic Columbia Restaurant—America’s oldest continuously operated restaurant since 1905—this refreshing cocktail embodies tradition and flavor in every sip.
As cocktail enthusiasts, we’re thrilled to share how you can recreate this iconic drink at home, blending fresh mint, lime, and rum for that perfect balance we know you’ll love. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a taste of history waiting in your glass.
Ingredients
In our Columbia Restaurant Mojito Recipe, we select each ingredient with care to capture the cocktail’s refreshing Spanish twist, blending the classic Cuban roots with vibrant flavors that evoke the restaurant’s century-old heritage. Fresh mint delivers a burst of aromatic coolness, lime adds a zesty tang, and premium rum ensures a smooth, balanced finish that makes this drink irresistible.
To recreate this at home, gather these key ingredients in the order we typically prepare them. We’ve noted specific prep details for accuracy and ease.
- 10 fresh mint leaves: These should be muddled to release their essential oils, providing the cocktail’s signature invigorating aroma and taste.
- 1 lime: Cut into wedges and juiced for about 2 tablespoons of fresh juice, offering a bright, citrusy acidity that balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Dissolved into a simple syrup or muddled with the lime for even distribution, ensuring a subtle sweetness that enhances the rum without overpowering it.
- 1 ½ ounces white rum: Opt for a Spanish-style rum like one from the Canary Islands if available, for its light, floral notes that nod to Columbia Restaurant’s influences.
- ½ cup club soda: Chilled and added last for a fizzy lift, creating a light, effervescent texture that makes the drink feel alive on the palate.
- 1 cup ice cubes: Crushed or cubed, to chill the mixture instantly and maintain that crisp, refreshing mouthfeel we love in every sip.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Columbia Restaurant Mojito to life with precision and ease, we rely on a few key tools that ensure every step—from muddling mint to mixing flavors—goes smoothly.
- Muddler: Essential for crushing the fresh mint leaves to release their vibrant oils and aromas.
- Highball glass: Our go-to vessel for building and serving the cocktail, allowing the fizzy club soda to shine in its classic form.
- Jigger or measuring cup: Guarantees accurate measurements of ingredients like white rum and granulated sugar for a perfectly balanced drink.
- Citrus juicer: Makes quick work of extracting juice from the lime, ensuring a tart, seed-free addition without any mess.
- Bar spoon or stirrer: Helps us gently combine the elements, maintaining the drink’s light and effervescent texture.
Instructions
We guide you through crafting the Columbia Restaurant Mojito with precision ensuring a refreshing blend of fresh mint, lime, and rum that captures its Spanish twist.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we mix our cocktail, let’s gather and prep the key components for optimal flavor. Start by washing 10 fresh mint leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt, then set them aside. Next, cut 1 lime into wedges—juice two of them to yield about 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and reserve the rest for garnish. Measure out 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for balanced sweetness, 1 ½ ounces of white rum (we recommend a Spanish-style for authenticity), ½ cup of club soda to add effervescence, and 1 cup of ice cubes to chill and dilute the drink perfectly. This preparation ensures each element is ready when we build the cocktail.
Muddle the Mint
We focus on releasing the aromatic oils from the mint to infuse vibrant flavor. Place the 10 fresh mint leaves into a highball glass, then gently use a muddler to press and twist them against the glass for about 10-15 seconds—avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness. You’ll notice the mint’s refreshing aroma filling the air, setting the stage for our signature mojito’s crisp, herbaceous notes.
Mix the Drink
With the mint muddled, it’s time to layer in the other ingredients for a harmonious blend. Add the juice from the lime wedges (about 1 ounce) and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the glass, stirring with a bar spoon until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour in 1 ½ ounces of white rum, then add 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the mixture. Top it off with ½ cup of club soda, and give everything a light stir to combine—watch as the bubbles create a fizzy, invigorating lift that balances the tart lime and sweet undertones.
Serve the Mojito
Finally, we present our Columbia Restaurant Mojito at its best to enhance the drinking experience. Garnish the glass with the remaining lime wedges and a sprig of fresh mint for visual appeal and added aroma. Serve immediately in the highball glass, allowing the cool, effervescent drink to deliver a sensory burst of tangy citrus, herbal mint, and smooth rum on every sip.
Conclusion
We’ve loved guiding you through this mojito’s vibrant twist on a classic.
It’s a simple way to infuse our gatherings with Spanish flair and Cuban roots.
Try it at home and you’ll discover why it’s a timeless favorite we can’t get enough of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Columbia Restaurant’s mojito unique?
The Columbia Restaurant’s mojito stands out with a Spanish twist on the classic Cuban cocktail, incorporating fresh, vibrant flavors that enhance its traditional roots. As America’s oldest restaurant since 1905, it adds historical charm. This version balances mint, lime, rum, and sugar for a refreshing, effervescent drink that celebrates cultural fusion in every sip.
How do you prepare a Columbia Restaurant-style mojito at home?
To make it, muddle 10 fresh mint leaves in a highball glass, add juice from 1 lime and 2 tablespoons of sugar, then stir until dissolved. Mix in 1 ½ ounces of white rum and 1 cup of ice, top with ½ cup of club soda, and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig. This simple process takes about 5 minutes and yields a perfectly balanced, fizzy cocktail.
What ingredients are needed for the Columbia Restaurant mojito?
Key ingredients include 10 fresh mint leaves, 1 lime (juiced), 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 ½ ounces of white rum (preferably Spanish-style), ½ cup of club soda, and 1 cup of ice cubes. These fresh components ensure a refreshing blend of flavors, capturing the cocktail’s Spanish twist while honoring its Cuban origins.
What equipment is required to make this mojito?
Essential tools include a muddler for crushing mint, a highball glass for serving, a jigger or measuring cup for accurate portions, a citrus juicer for lime, and a bar spoon or stirrer for mixing. These items make preparation easy and help achieve the perfect flavor balance in your homemade version.
Can I recreate the Columbia Restaurant mojito recipe easily?
Yes, the recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients like fresh mint, lime, sugar, rum, and club soda. Follow the simple steps of muddling, mixing, and adding fizz, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality mojito at home. It’s ideal for beginners and takes just a few minutes with basic tools.
What’s the history behind the Columbia Restaurant?
Founded in 1905, the Columbia Restaurant is America’s oldest continuously operated restaurant, blending Spanish and Cuban influences in its cuisine. It’s renowned for innovative twists on classics like the mojito, reflecting its rich heritage and commitment to fresh, flavorful dishes that have delighted patrons for over a century.