Mojito, Cuba

Take your pick of which legend to believe about the origins of the Mojito — pirates who visited Cuba under the command of Sir Francis Drake, African slaves working the Cuban cane fields, or bartenders at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. What’s undisputed is that this classic mix of white rum, lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar syrup originated in Cuba. The last three ingredients were intended to take the edge off the harsh rums originally used in the drink; today’s far more refined rum makes the Mojito an easy-to-drink delight on a summer day.