Cuban Lemonade also known as a Virgin mojito
Have you ever been on holiday, and there was a meal or drink that you had that created that perfect holiday memory? ( Tastes and memories go hand in hand!)
Way back in 2015, we went on that family trip of a lifetime to the USA
We spent one week at the Florida Theme parks and two weeks cruising the Caribbean, and then a week down in the Florida Keys
We loved the food on offer ( except at Disney itself) and sampled new tastes and stuck to what we knew, and enjoyed
Out of the four weeks, we were away, three food experiences stuck out the most, and they centred around Disney.
The first one was we stayed for four nights at a Disney resort, and the food was so bad – it was beige and fried. There was not a speck of fresh colour.
The next resort we stayed in was linked to Universal Studios, and the first night there, we went to the buffet, and there was COLOUR everywhere!
So many fresh food choices we selected a steak with Chimichurri sauce. OMG – we were in heaven. A nice steak with a bright green, zesty sauce and a side of vegetables!
Even my 10 year old boys took a double serve of vegetables!
The next meal that stuck in my mind was next to Universal Studios. In the mall, where you walk down to enter the gates, and we found an awesome hotdog stand, and we all ordered different dogs. I ordered the Chicago dog, packed with toppings, and the staff were amazing and friendly.
Eating that hot dog has never been replicated, and I have tried a few American-loaded dogs here in Australia and on holiday in Hawaii, and they can never measure up!
The third memory was in Orlando at Disney Springs, and we booked into the very popular Cuban restaurant Bongos ( which has now closed down)
This is where I had the most incredible drink, and nothing has come close
It was on the menu as a “Cuban Lemonade.”
I googled nonstop when I got home and realised it would have been a version of a Virgin Mojito.
So I came up with a version that was close to what I enjoyed in Florida.
Recipe For A Virgin Mojito
Are you looking for a refreshing drink that won’t leave you with a hangover?
Look no further than the classic virgin mojito!
Its sweet, minty flavour and fresh appearance make it the perfect non-alcoholic drink!
For any restaurant or bar owner reading this, adding this alongside a lemon lime, and bitters would make non-drinkers like me extremely happy!
The virgin mojito is a refreshing and delicious drink that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s also a great way to get into the spirit of summer! With just a few simple ingredients, anyone can make this classic cocktail in no time.
Virgin Mojito Recipe
The main ingredients of a Virgin Mojito are simple: fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar or simple syrup. To make sure your drink is packed with flavour, be sure to use limes that are ripe and juicy.
Mint leaves should also be freshly picked for maximum flavour.
Finally, you’ll need sugar or simple syrup to sweeten your drink; both will work fine!
To assemble your Virgin Mojito:
- Start by muddling the mint leaves in a glass until they’re thoroughly crushed and releasing their aroma.
- Add the other ingredients – lime juice, simple syrup or sugar – and fill up the glass with ice cubes and fill the glass with soda water or sparkling mineral water.
- Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the drink. To finish off your beverage, garnish it with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime.
- Now enjoy!
For an added flavour boost, try muddling some fruit with the lime juice before adding soda water and stirring – Strawberries and blueberries work well!
You can even dip the rims of the glasses into mint sugar for an extra sweet touch. It gives another burst of flavour and a touch of sweetness.
Making fresh mint sugar is always the premium choice – but if you are running a bar – using dried mint to create mint sugar will also work!
Another common query is what kind of syrup to use in a virgin mojito. You can use any syrup, such as agave or honey, but simple syrup works best as it blends easily into other liquid ingredients while still providing sweetness.
Remember that if you opt for something thicker than simple syrup, you may need to adjust the added amount to ensure your drink isn’t too sweet or tart.
Herbs and spices in drinks will take them to the next level, and it is exciting to see how they are now used as infusions for alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages!
I hope this summery fresh drink brings some memorable moments while you sip it somewhere and create a magical memory like mine.
