Las Vegas is one of my favorite places to be. Before COVID, we made several fun trips there and for us Vegas always incudes mojitos and cigars. As an English teacher, I am well aware of the affinity Ernest Hemmingway had for the mojito. He was a minimalist writer, and the mojito is a minimalist drink. It usually has just four ingredients: mint, lime juice, sugar, and rum. There are limitless variations of the mojito, and they are p all delicious. The mojito was invented a Lo Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, Cuba, so it’s not surprising that it pairs so well with cigars. Today’s Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway gives us a reason to mix up some mojitos and fire up some cigars. Honestly, I love watching the races on our back patio, but nothing compares to the cigar lounges in Vegas. Our favorite spots for mojitos and cigars are Casa Fuente, Montecristo Cigar Bar, and Rhumbar. Casa Fuente has a classic mojito that is outstanding, Montecristo Cigar Bar has the Dragon’s Breath Mojito, and Rhumbar has fantastic mojito pitchers for the table. Rum goes so well with a good cigar and the mint with limes makes for a refreshing way to spend an afternoon watching NASCAR. My version is a little on the sweeter side and adds some bubbles. We like these so much in our house that we make them by the pitcher. Try out our version or one of the millions of versions you can find online.
Pitcher of Mojitos
1 c. sugar
Big bunch of fresh mint leaves
2 c. white rum
6 limes
1 liter Ginger ale
Cut up limes and pull mint leaves. Muddle the limes, sugar and mint leaves in the bottom of a glass pitcher. Add rum and ice. Stir well. Add ginger ale. Pour in glasses and enjoy!
Note: If you like your mojito less sweet, substitute the ginger ale with club soda. As with all drinks, adjust the other ingredients as well to reach your perfect combination of mint, lime. and rum.
Casa Fuente
Montecristo Cigar Bar
Rhumbar at The Mirage
