Recipe Friday...Chili Mojito's - mmm

The mojito was born in Havana, Cuba. There are many variations of the drink. This recipe calls for the five customary ingredients of mint, rum, powdered sugar, lime, and club soda. If you are throwing a Havana or Cuban theme party, plan on serving these fashionable yet traditional mojitos.

Chilli mojito

A chilli-sugar rim adds a touch of spice to the traditional lime and mint flavours of this classic Cuban rum cocktail.

Ingredients (serves 8)

A chilli-sugar rim adds a touch of spice to the traditional lime and mint flavours of this classic Cuban rum cocktail.

Preparation Time

• 170g (3/4 cup) white sugar
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 2 egg whites
• 16 fresh mint sprigs
• 160ml (2/3 cup) lime cordial
• 2 limes, coarsely chopped
• 24 ice cubes
• 320ml white rum
• Soda water, to serve
• 2 long fresh red chillies (optional), halved, deseeded, thinly sliced

Method

1. Place the sugar and chilli flakes in a mortar and pound with a pestle until finely crushed. (Alternatively, use a coffee or spice grinder.) Transfer to a small plate.
2. Use a fork to whisk the egg whites in a bowl until frothy. Dip the rim of 1 serving glass into the egg white, then into the chilli mixture to coat. Repeat with the remaining serving glasses. Set aside until set.
3. Divide the mint, cordial and lime among the glasses. Use the end of a rolling pin to gently pound until coarsely crushed. Divide the ice cubes and rum among the glasses. Top with soda water. Add a slice of chilli to each glass, if desired, to serve.