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Overview
Back in 1862, when Don Facundo Bacardi created the rum that would bear his name, little could he know its importance to one particular drink. At the time, the mojito already existed in another guise; however, with the addition of Bacardi, the clear, fragrant jumble of fresh mint, sugar, lime juice and ice become something extra special. That's one of the reasons why the brand is known as a pioneer of rum cocktail culture, and why they're throwing Bacardi Rum Month to celebrate. Although every day is a good day to knock one back, International Mojito Day on July 11 is when you'll find Brisbane ablaze with sweet but tart taste sensations — including at the city's five best mojito spots.
COVE BAR & DINING
South Bank isn't quite the same as Cuba, but enjoying sweeping water views and laidback dining in elegant surrounds still feels fun and tropical in the river city. A shareplate-heavy menu, coupled with a considerable cocktail list, certainly doesn't dampen that relaxed atmosphere. Indeed, in such a scenic spot and with such a chilled mood, a mojito is the ideal beverage. Cove Bar & Dining make theirs with Bacardi Carta Blanca, fresh lime juice, soda water, castor sugar and mint leaves. They call it the original mojito for a reason.
LARUCHE
Many a big night out has started and ended at Laruche, just a hop, skip and jump from the Fortitude Valley mall on Ann Street. When it comes to their mojito, think winter, in a variation taken from a twist on another classic drink: the Mulata daiquiri. Called the Mulata mojito — what else? — it includes white crème de cacao, house-made falernum (aka a syrup typically made of almonds, ginger, cloves, lime and vanilla) and ginger beer. A summertime drink this is not, but who said mojitos couldn't warm you up when it's cold outside? Not us.
LYCHEE LOUNGE
If there was a time before Lychee Lounge became one of Brisbane's premier cocktail bars, no one remembers it. Everyone does remember their Barbie doll chandeliers and fish-scaled walls, though, as well as the eclectic but tasty drinks list. In the same quirky spirit, their take on the mojito is rather unique and unusual. Showcasing the freshness of the cocktail while highlighting the richer characters of aged Bacardi rums is the aim, with dashes of raspberry, pomegranate and burnt honey for good measure. That word you're looking for? It's yum.
PAPA JACKS
There's nothing standard about the Creole-themed Papa Jacks, and that includes its drinks. Sorry, we mean dranks. That's the Deep South term they prefer, and one that rolls off the tongue while eating finger lickin' good food. Trust such a bar to serve up mojitos in the only fashion they could, which is in any fashion you'd like. At their make your own mojito stand, you can swap out the fresh herbs and citrus, try an original syrup, stick with the basics, or do something completely different. That's the Papa Jacks style, all right.
PRESS CLUB
From burlesque to R'n'B nights, Press Club is the kind of place that has something for everybody. There's a reason it has stood the test of time as many other bars and clubs have opened and closed around it — and its love of variety is never a bad thing. Take the Press Club mojito, for example, which will hopefully leave you feeling like you've been transported to a spot under Havana's burning sun. It's the spice that does it, with house chilli and smoked agave syrup, as well as a garnish of peri peri. Now that's hot stuff.