Break a classic · No mint
Mojito, No Mint
The herb is a slot, not the mint.
White rum · Lime · Sugar · Herb (shiso · basil · lemon verbena) · Soda
A Mojito is rum, lime, sugar, soda and mint. Mint brings herbal freshness and aroma — but that slot is filled just as well by other herbs. Shiso, basil or lemon verbena change the drink's character without touching its skeleton: still long, tart, fizzy and refreshing.
The lesson: in many classics the aromatic is an interchangeable slot. Swap the herb and you have a whole family of Mojitos, each with its own personality.
Method
A classic Mojito —white rum, lime, sugar, soda, plenty of crushed ice— with the mint swapped for another fresh herb, gently muddled. Tall glass, topped with soda.
