Mojito Day: Try these simple mojito recipes with a twist

The US observes July 11 as National Mojito Day every year Incredibly popular across the globe this refreshing minty cocktail is ideal for the scorching Indian summer or even the humid rainless days in the monsoon Native to Cuba the traditional Mojito is made with a few basic ingredients white rum sugar mint lemon and soda However much like every classic mixologists across the city are experimenting with their flavourful variants Whether you like bold flavours or subtle enhancements here are a few simple recipes that add a twist to this classic cocktailPineapple and Ginger MojitoldquoWe thought of doing something tropical because it matches our weather in Mumbai perfectly well Mojitos are extremely popular because itrsquos such a light and refreshing cocktail overall At Foo we like to do things a little differently The taste profile of pineapple complements the flavour of ginger adding a sublime spicy kick compared to the sweet and tangy taste of the pineapple We always get compliments on this onerdquo says Tony Nambiyar Mixologist at FooIngredientsLime wedges 4Mint 810 leavesLime juice 225 mlWhite rum 45 mlGinger syrup 125 mlPineapple juice 90 mlSoda to topMethodAdd Lime wedges and mint along with the syrup to muddleOnce muddled top with white rum with lots of crushed ice and add pineapple juiceTop it with a little sodaGarnish it with a mint sprigBreakfast MojitoldquoThis one is inspired by the Breakfast Martini created by Salvatore Calabrese back in 2000 As Mojito is a tropical drink the freshness of the bitter orange marmalade is a perfect twist to further enhance the flavour profile of the drinkrdquo says Mr Manoj Jangid Director Food and Beverage JW Marriott Mumbai SaharIngredientsBacardi Rum 60mlLemon Wedges 5 piecesFresh Mint 810 leavesOrange Marmalade 1 TeaspoonCaster Sugar 5 gmsHighball glassFresh Orange and Mint sprig for garnishMethodPlace the lemon mint sugar and orange marmalade into the bottom of a cocktail shaker muddle all the ingredients gentlyAdd the rum and ice in the shaker shake it for 20 secondsPour the Cocktail in a highball glass and top it up with sparkling waterGarnish it with orange slices and mint sprigCucumber Chilli MojitoldquoWe wanted to create a drink that is refreshing and has a nice kick to it and what better combination than a cucumber and chillyThecucumberalsoelevates the drink from Farm To Bar levelrdquo shared Juliano Rodrigues Chef and General Manager Out of The BlueIngredientsFresh lime wedges 4Fresh mint leaves 12Fresh cucumber cubes 4Fresh green chilli 1 pcsFresh cucumber ribbon 1 psSoda 60 mlSprite 60 mlFresh lime juice 15 mlSimple syrup 15 mlBacardi White 60 MlIce cubes 4MethodMuddle the lime wedges mint leaves cucumber cubes and 12 green chilliPour the muddled mix in Tom Collins glass and start building up the drinkAdd simple syrup or sugar syrup followed by soda sprite and lime juiceAdd Bacardi and ice cubesGarnish with long cucumber ribbon mint spring and 12 chilliBasil and Ginger MojitoThose who wish to add just a little zing to their mojito without straying a lot from the flavour profile can turn to this simple basil and ginger version by The Sassy SpoonIngredientsWhite Rum 60 MLBasil 56 leavesGinger 45 thinly sliced sleevesLime wedges 56Brown sugar 510 gmsSoda water to top upMethodAdd ginger sleeves with lime wedges and brown sugar in a tall glass muddle thoroughlyAdd basil leaves and muddle gentlyAdd crushed ice in the glass and add white rum mix all the ingredients thoroughlyTop up with soda waterGarnish with Basil leaves and ginger sleeve