Mojito cocktails have re-emerged as a hot summer cocktail trend this year. Mojito cocktails pair perfectly with Florida favorites like paella, grilled shrimp, grilled chicken or Cuban sandwiches but can also be enjoyed singly. Most have tried the original Mojito (lime and spearmint) but have you ever considered adding flavored rum? ABC carries a wide variety of flavored rums so you are bound to find a few flavors to try. Just be sure to watch the sugar content since flavored rums already have a bit more sugar in them than regular light rum. Add Malibu Coconut rum or Cruzan Vanilla for a sweeter Mojito or Bacardi Orange or Limon for a citrus kick. You can also use Sprite instead of soda water or add fruits like strawberry or pineapple for variations on the classic cocktail. Make the occasion special with top shelf rums like Mount Gay, Matusalem or Flor de Cana.

The Mojito is a fun cocktail to make since it offers variety in its creation. There are different variations of the Mojito, such as the Miami, Mexican or Cuban Mojitos but all are very similar. Essential ingredients include spearmint, rum, sugar (or sugar cane juice), lime, and carbonated water.

To make a Mojito, cut a lime into quarters and put two of the quarters in the tall Mojito glass along with a 4 to 6 mint leaves. Don’t skimp on the mint or lime, this is what makes the drink a success. Add cane sugar mixture and muddle all three ingredients. Muddling involves using a tool called a ‘muddler’ (much like a pestle), and mashing ingredients to release their oils or juices. If you do not have a muddler readily accessible, you can use the back of a spoon. Next, fill the glass with ice cubes, followed by 2 ounces of rum. At this point, the drink must be mixed; mix the combination with a stirrer or pour into a larger glass and then back into the original glass. Once the drink is mixed, fill the remainder of the glass with soda water. Finally, garnish your creation with a mint sprig and/or a piece of lime.