The Mojito

During the 1920s and 30s, Cuba was easily accessible from Florida. It’s an ideal Prohibition drink because it was so cheap to make. Okay, this is FASCINATING. Bill McCoy was one of the first to smuggle rum in from Bimini and the Bahamas to Florida. An innovative guy, he brought his ship to the Prohibition jurisdiction 3-mile limit off the Florida coast, and he had boats come out to him that brought the contraband to shore. McCoy was known as a rum runner who didn’t cut his alcohol with anything, which earned him the nickname “The Real McCoy”!!!!

Serves 4:

• 4 handfuls of fresh mint, stalks removed

• 4 Tbl white sugar

• 4 limes, freshly squeezed

• 8 oz high-quality white rum

• Soda water to finish for some “sparkle.”

• 4 slices of lime and mint sprig to garnish

• Ice

Add the mint, sugar, and lime to a shaker or mason jar. Muddle and crush the mint with a muddler OR the end of a wooden spoon. Add the rum along with a couple of handfuls of ice and shake until the liquid is COLD. Strain into a highball glass and top up with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.