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Everything Latin seems to be surging up the popularity charts like a bullet. Well, it's certainly true behind the bar. Some of the hottest beverage trends trace their origins back to the Caribbean and South America. So don't be left behind, these drinks are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Without question, the MOJITO (pronounced "moe-HEE-toe") has captured the collective American imagination and sparked a boom in restaurants and lounges around the country. While the drink originated in Cuba in the early part of the 20th century, it really became an international hit during the '30s and '40s. The country was flourishing and Havana was a playground for the rich and famous. The place to be seen was the La Bodeguita del Medio bar, the birthplace of the Mojito. Behind the timeworn wooden bar the La Bodeguita bartenders would make a seemingly endless procession of Mojitos, 10 to 15 drinks at a time for the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Prince Edward. While the Mojito's fame reached a crescendo in the halcyon days before the Castro regime, it is once again a popular phenomenon. The elegant and eminently refreshing Mojito is something of a cross between a Mint Julep and an Old Fashion. It is made in a highball, bucket, or specialty glass. Place simple syrup, fresh lime juice, lime rind and a generous portion of mint sprigs in the glass. Then muddle the ingredients together, thereby releasing the essence of the mint. Add ice, 2-3 ounces of light rum and a splash of club soda for effervescence. The final touch is a garnish of fresh mint sprigs. There are several creative variations of the Mojito that have already caught on. The WAYWARD WIND MOJITO is a sumptuous cocktail made in the same manner as the Mojito, although it features dark and savory Sea Wynde Pot Still Rum as the base and brown sugar instead of the simple syrup. MY KENTUCKY MOJITO is a taller specialty made with Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon and Cointreau, and finished off with equal parts of sweet 'n' sour and iced tea. Fundamentally similar to the Mojito is the Brazilian sensation, the CAIPIRINHA (pronounced "kuy-per-REEN-yah"). It is a marvelously delicious drink served in a bucket or tumbler and made with simple syrup and a quartered lime, both of which are strenuously muddled. The driving force behind this classic cocktail is cachaça, a clear Brazilian spirit produced from sugar cane. Use between 2 and 3 ounces of cachaça, add ice and garnish with a fresh lime wedge. There are several brands of cachaça available in the U.S., and as one would expect, there is also a wide range in quality. A cachaça of dubious quality ranges in character between fiery and combustible. The finest is undoubtedly YPIÓCA (pronounced "ee-pee-OH-kah") CACHAÇA. It is the only aged cachaça available in the U.S. The Ypióca Oro is aged in rain forest wood casks for 3 years. While an exuberant spirit, full of assertive flavors and character, it has a long, satiny finish. The bottle is covered with hand-woven carnuba straw just to grab your patrons' attention. The CAIPIRISSMA is the light rum equivalent of the Caipirinha. It, too, is made with a muddled, quartered lime and simple syrup. Both drinks can be creatively modified by adding a splash of lemoncello or Licor 43 (Cuarenta y Tres). Another variation involves muddling the pulp of two passion fruits instead of the limes. So perhaps it's time to take your guests on a trip south of the Equator. ¡Salud! The recipes below are excerpted from the latest edition of "The Original Guide to American Cocktails and Drinks" by Robert Plotkin.
The Original Guide to American Cocktails and Drinks - 5th EditionThe professional bartender's first choice in drink guides! This edition spans the breadth of mixology, including all the classic cocktails, infusions, the hottest Cosmopolitans, colorful and refreshing tropical drinks and ice cream drinks, Martinis and Manhattans, coffee drinks, plus much more. It also includes a great index and reviews of the hottest liquors and liqueurs on the market today. Improving since 1998, now in its 5th edition. ~ by Robert Plotkin ~ 344 pages ~ 6" x 9" ~ Item#: BCD05 ~ $14.95 ~
The Original Guide to American Cocktails and Drinks - 5th Edition - Downloadable
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