La Casa Del Mojito

                   A Story about an Italian Mojito Bar with Recipe

After three weeks of traveling throughout southern Italy, my husband and I decided to spend two nights in a town called Polignano a Mare before heading to Rome to catch our flight back to the States. This town is also known for its restaurant and hotel, the Grotto Pallazese, where we did spend a magical evening dining cliffside over the Adriatic. That’s a story for another time.

I was lucky to find a small B&B available to accommodate us on short notice.  Upon checking in at B & B Dimora Delle Rose, we walked into the main square and were instantly charmed by the historic cliffside setting, bustling restaurants, cafes, and
unique architecture. There were people, young, old, and in between co-mingling,
a heartwarming array of generations.

As we roamed through the maze-like streets, we discovered “La Casa del Mojito.” I curiously became captivated by the two older women that were picking mint off its stems outside the bar. When I think of Italian cocktails, it is not the Mojito that comes to mind, more like an Aperol Spritz, a Negroni? Foolish me.  Southern Italy is a subtropical climate where mint and citrus are entirely at home.

I was hesitant to take the plunge and order a classic mojito. Why? Because I had just finished a Pinguino gelato (vanilla with dark chocolate ribbons) and a specialty Amaretto laced coffee. The addition of a Mojito would inevitably cause gastrointestinal distress. I vowed to return the next day and was so glad we did. The Mojitos, the atmosphere, the sultry heat of the day is a memory I hold close. If you are ever in the Apulia region of Italy or visiting Bari, don’t pass up visiting this town and La Casa del Mojito. Until then, here is my recipe for a delightfully refreshing Mojito to enjoy on a sultry summer day.

                     Classic Mojito

Ingredients:

15 fresh mint leaves

½ lime, cut into 4 wedges

2 tablespoons of superfine sugar

1 cup ice

1 ½ ounce of white rum

1/2 to ¾ cups of club soda

Directions:

Place the mint leaves and 1 lime wedge in a sturdy glass.

Muddle the mint and lime juice to release the mint oil.

Add two more lime wedges and the sugar, muddle again to release the juices.  No need to strain. 

Fill the glass to the brim with ice and pour rum directly over the ice and top off with the club soda /carbonated water. Stir well.

Garnish the glass with the remaining lime wedge.

Inspirations:

a.       This recipe can be prepared by-the-pitcher. If you do not have superfine sugar, use regular white sugar and give it a whirl in the blender.

b.       Coconut rum?

c.       Unsweetened flavored seltzers can create an exciting twist to this classic recipe.