In the 16th century, the endless boat trips made fashionable a disease suffered by both pirates and sailors, it was scurvy (this disease occurs due to a lack of vitamin C consumption). Alerted by the suffering of his crew, the corsair Drake uses natural ingredients to create the first version of the famous mojito. Its ingredients were: Tafia (a brandy predecessor of rum), lemon, fresh mint and sugar. Simple but effective against scurvy due to its vitamin C. This drink was baptized as "El Draque", a favorite remedy used for any condition that the crew had. On board ships, the drink toured all the Caribbean beaches, but it was in Cuba where it would not only be perfected, but would become the drink as we know it today. Cuba over time began to produce a better quality, older rum and was the ideal replacement for the old Tafia. Also the Draque, was renamed "Mojito" which comes from "mojo", a Cuban dressing based on lime that is used in meals. People asked for a mojito, since it was that drink with little "mojo".
The curious thing is the way in which the mojito comes to have its international fame. In 1910, the United States decreed its famous Dry Law, many intellectuals, artists and celebrities fled to Cuba in search of alcohol and fun, it is there that they discovered the famous Cuban mojito. A fresh, sweet and very intoxicating cocktail. From there his fame has spread throughout the planet. Whoever travels to Havana cannot fail to try a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio, it remains almost a ritual since the writer Ernest Heminway popularized this place, asserting that the "authentic Cuban mojito" is served there.
At Raffaella Bar & Lounge, we prepare it honoring its long history. That's why we share it with you and invite you to come and try this delicious drink in an intimate place in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires. Meanwhile we leave you the recipe.

Raffaella tip for making a classic Cuban mojito:

Ingredients (for 1 glass)

• 40 ml of a good Cuban white rum
• the juice of one lime (approx. 30 ml)
• 6 spearmint or peppermint leaves
• 2 teaspoons of white or Mascabo sugar
• Ice
• Soda or sparkling water

How to make the mojitos

1. Cut the lime in half and squeeze it into a glass.
2. Add sugar and stir.
3. Add peppermint or mint, and with a mortar crush it a little, so that it releases its juices. The leaves should not be crushed, just crush them a little, without breaking them.
4. Add crushed ice up to half the glass
5. Add soda, filling approximately 2/3 of the glass.
6. Add rum.
7. Stir well.
8. Decorate with mint leaves and serve.