The English navigator Francis Drake is credited with inventing the popular Cuban Mojito cocktail in order to combat scurvy among his sailors. Legend has it that during an expedition to the New World in the 16th century, Drake landed on the island of Cuba and created a concoction using tafia (a cane liquor), lime, mint, and Chuchuhuasi bark to cure his crew of the illness. The modern version of the mojito includes white rum, lemon, sugar, mint, and soda.
According to a Bacardi survey, the Cuban Mojito is the second most popular cocktail in the world, following the classic Gin & Tonic. The drink’s popularity has been further fueled by famous figures such as writer Ernest Hemingway and fictional character James Bond, both known for their love of the Mojito.
Whether sipped at Havana’s iconic La Bodeguita del Medio or enjoyed at a trendy nightclub, the Mojito continues to attract fans around the globe. The cocktail’s refreshing mix of flavors and historical origins make it a timeless favorite, loved by both sailors and civilians alike.