CubaPLUS Magazine

While remembered as a great historical figure, the name of Sir Francis Drake inspired terror on the world seas for over 30 years, People from Galicia, Portugal, the Canary sands, Puerto Rico, Havana, and Panama feared him, Spanish spies kept watch over his departures from Plymouth and when he was spotted in Europe they would try to warn the settlers of the New World colonies.

t is said that the Spanish built walls and forts around their overseas cities because of the fear inspired by the notorious British corsair, Drake was knighted by the Queen of Eng and, died in 1596, and his remains lie in a tin coffin at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea, t is said that some of his treasures still remain hidden.

His legacy of raids and hidden fortunes can take second place to something else that he left behind during his voyages over the seas of the Americas - Sir Francis created a cocktail he named the "Drake," The Drake, which was in great demand in the West Indies until the 19th century, is the predecessor of today is Mojito and is said to have curative properties, A character in Ramón de Palmar 1838 novel.

Cholera in Havana, says "I drink a little firewater Drake with sugar everyday at 11:00 a.m. and feel perfectly well."

With the passing of time, the firewater was rep aced by distiled rum to prepare the cocktail, n 1910, people started referring to the shaken Mojito but it was twenty years until the drink we now know as the Mojito emerged, it was first served at La Concha beach resort west of Havana and then it passed to other bars in Havana, it became more popular until finally reaching La Bodeguita del Medio in the 1940s where it rose to its current fame.

The Mojito may lack the refinement of the Daiquiri, the presence of the President the baroque style of the Mary Pickford, the haughtiness of the Mulata but it remains one of the top ten Cuban cocktails along with the Saoco, Isla de Pinos, Havana Special, Cuba Libre and Rum Colins.

La Bodeguita del Medio.

In a tall glass, combine half a teaspoon of sugar and the juice of a half lime. Dissolve well with a little bit of sparkling water. Add a sprig of fresh peppermint and crush the stem without damaging its leaves. Then add some ice cubes and an ounce and a half of white rum. Complete filling the glass with sparkling water. Stir well Garnish with a sprig of fresh peppermint.