How do you make a Mojito?

The Mojito is a classic cocktail that emphasizes a balance of flavors, and the correct method involves a few key steps that create its refreshing taste. Muddling mint leaves, sugar, and lime together is essential as it releases the mint oils and flavors while also incorporating the sweetness from the sugar and the tartness from the lime. This combination forms the base of the drink's flavor profile. After muddling these ingredients, adding rum provides the spirit base that complements the other flavors. The inclusion of club soda introduces fizziness, which is characteristic of a Mojito, and filling the glass with ice keeps the drink cool and refreshing. This method captures the essence of the Mojito, allowing for the distinctive blend of mint, citrus, and rum to shine.

Other options suggest different approaches that do not align with the traditional preparation of a Mojito. For instance, shaking mint leaves with alcohol or using a blender fails to achieve the same infusion of flavors that comes from the muddling process. The muddling technique is crucial for extracting the aromatic qualities of the mint, which would be less effective if simply shaken or blended.