The Mojito

For some reason, this drink was lost to humanity for like 50 years until it made a comeback in 2002ish. This probably has to do with the fact that making an actual mojito is too time consuming for today's general public. The fine people at the drink mixer corporations have seen it fit to premix some mojito juice, and thus its a little bit more accessible. I've only ever had a mojito out on one occasion, and only because Friday's had $5 Ultimate Mojitos.... the restaurant version of this drink pales in comparison.

The Mojito
1 Lime
1 tsp sugar
5-6 mint leaves
rum
soda

I have found that the best way to make the mojito is to cut the lime into 4ths, and then one of the 4ths in half again. Squeeze all the limes except for one of the eigths into a rocks glass. Put the last piece in whole. Add the sugar, mint leaves, and just a dash of soda. Muddle this for a few seconds, then add ice, as much rum as you want, and then soda to fill the glass. Stir and then enjoy.

My dad once commented that I should make mojitos for the bar, and I replied that I would have to charge $15 a piece. Such is the power of a homemade mojito.

The Gimlet

Though technically I added soda to this and made it a Gin Rickey, the Gimlet is probably one of the tastier of the vintage cocktails no longer seen today.

The Gimlet
Gin
Lime Juice

While not as good as rum and lime juice, the Gimlet is a refreshing drink. The flavor of the gin is cut ever so slightly by the lime juice, but neither ingredient overpowers the other. A neat mix of flavor.

The Margarita

The Margarita is the only acceptable way to drink Tequila, in my book. Shots are just a waste of time, if i want to get drunk real fast, I'll do shots of something more amazing, like Rumple Minze or something. Also, Tequila mixes in nothing else very well.

The Margarita
Mostly Tequila
Some Triple Sec
Sweetened Lime Juice/Sours Mix
Rim Salt

Sadly most people in today's age think that Margaritas are tequila and prepackaged margarita mix. While this is an acceptable shortcut, the full recipe is so much better. Pre-packaged mixes have a tendency to be too sweet or too acidic sometimes. Also I prefer my margaritas on the rocks. The frozen margarita just leads itself to brain freeze more often.

I never, ever, drink flavored margaritas. Just like the daiquiri, the margarita is best served in it's original concoction.

The Cuba Libre

To most people this drink is just rum and coke, but throw in a little bit of lime and you end with the Cuba Libre.

Cuba Libre
Rum
Cola
Lime Juice

My favorite incarnation of this drink involves using Pepsi Max Cease Fire. I suppose Diet Coke Lime would work the same, but Pepsi Max is more caffeinated. Cease Fire is a special release from Pepsi, so I snag it up while I can. I once tried this drink with Pepsi Twist a few years ago and it was terrible. Fake lemon flavoring bad, fake lime flavoring good. Amazing, I know.

Rum is the only drink that is acceptable to be mixed in cola for me, and even then I don't think its all that great, the daiquiri is a far better rum drink.

The Daquiri

The Daquiri has long been known to me, but mostly in strawberry or banana varieties. Banana Daquiris are still the only drink I order at Red Robin, but the original formula was one I did not try until a few months ago, mostly because I got tired of making my mojitos by hand. Amis gives the recipe using Bacardi, but I have become a Sailor Jerry fan and as such am using that. Light rum is for the birds.

The Daiquiri
4 Parts Rum
1 Part Lime Juice
Sweetened to taste with simple syrup

Now I didn't have and fresh lime juice, nor did I feel like making simple syrup, which is what the drink calls for. Thankfully Rose's Lime Juice exists. The Daiquiri in its original incarnation has long been lost to casual drinkers because it lacks the sweetness and frozenness of it's fruity varieties, but let me tell you, there is no drink that is better. Amis favors his Dry Martini, I choose the spiced rum daquiri (albeit I enjoy it more when made into a tall cocktail by adding club soda).

Judging from my bartender friends, I am the only person that regularly drinks rum, lime juice, and soda. My friend Cam, who drinks rum like it's water when mixed with diet coke, called the drink "so bitter." I guess I'm just that old school for liking bitter drinks.