mojitoIt's Memorial Day weekend, which means summer is finally here. I'll drink to that! A yummy Mojito will do just the trick.

Mojito (pronounced moe-hee-toe) is Cuba's most famous cocktail and it's traditionally made of 5 ingredients -- white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water, and mint. But Mojitos have gone the way of martinis and now there are myriad new variations to try.

We've got a recipe for purists and several with some flavorful twists for more adventurous types. So grab your muddler (a good muddler is essential to making a good Mojito; if you don't have one you can use a rolling pin or wooden spoon) and let's make Mojitos!

1. Traditional Mojito

Ernest Hemingway was a fan of the Mojito and used to frequent La Bodeguita del Medio bar in Havana at which he wrote on the wall, "My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita."

You'll need:

  • Ice
  • 6 ounces light rum 
  • 12 mint sprigs, or spearmint, 8 roughly broken apart
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • Club soda
  • 4 slices lime

Note: This recipe makes 4 Mojitos, It's quick (5 minutes), easy, and yummy. Get the complete Mojito Recipe at the Food Network.

 

2. Strawberry Mojito

Strawberries are in season so now is the perfect time to try this fruity twist on the traditional Mojito. It's a gorgeous red when done.

You'll need:

  • 1.5 ounces of simple syrup
  • 3 fresh strawberries
  • 5 fresh spearmint sprigs 
  • soda water
  • 1/2 lime
  • 2 ounces of light rum

Note: This makes only one drink! For complete instructions, check out Strawberry Mojito at A Cup of Mai.

 

3. Mango Mojito

This recipe comes from the Top Chef Masters Season 2 winner, Marcus Samuelsson.

You'll need:

  • 3 cups cubed mango (from about 4 medium-to-large fruits)
  • Dark rum
  • Mint leaves
  • Ice

Note: This cocktail has to be chilled overmight and dark rum is a must according to Marcus. Get the full Mango Mojito recipe at Salon.

 

4. Cherry Mojito

No rum here, just vodka and lots of cherries. Perfect for the 4th of July when cherries are in season.

You'll need:

  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups fresh lime juice (about 9 limes)
  • 3 pounds dark cherries, such as Bing or Burlat, pitted
  • 2 1/4 cups best-quality black cherry or plain vodka
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling water

Note: These have to be made ahead of time ... you've got to refrigerate part of the mixture for at least an hour --- up to overnight. Get the complete how-tos at Cherry Mojito Recipe at Martha Stewart.

A few things to keep in mind, all of these Mojito recipes can be made without alcohol -- a Virgin Mojito is also known as a "Nojito." Agave sugar can be substituted for cane sugar, if you desire. And while most of the recipes suggest that you serve the Mojito in a highball glass (or any tall glass), we say funky glasses are part of the cocktail fun.

Cheers!

Image via The Culinary Geek/Flickr