43 pineapple mojito

This 43 pineapple mojito is a bright and fruity twist on the classic, with the addition of the vanilla-based licor 43 liqueur. It's easy to make and perfect to feel those tropical vibes in every sip.

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Mojitos were one of the first cocktails that won me over to the idea of cocktails. I know, if you look in the cocktail archives that might be hard to believe. But in years gone by, I was more of a wine or beer person, only making an exception for a gin and tonic, (I was brought up in the UK after all). 

I think part of my initial cocktail-skepticism was because some of the first ones I tried were overly-sweet. But then I had some proper mojitos in a hidden Cuban bar in Madrid, and I was converted. Well, at least to those.

In recent years, I have become much more of a cocktail fan. I've always been a citrus fan, in everything from drinks to dessert, and so love cocktails that include some. This twist on the mojito theme is actually pretty non-citrus flavored, but it still has that fresh fruitiness. Plus lots of other more complex flavors, too.

Core mojito ingredients 

The mojito is now considered a classic cocktail and while it's agreed that it is from Havana, Cuba, the exact origin beyond that is a little disputed. It's made with a few core ingredients:

• Rum - the classic spirit of choice in Cuba
• Mint - you traditionally muddle the leaves in the bottom to bring out their fresh aroma
• Lime - gives a wonderful freshness
• Sugar - just a little, to balance out the citrus and rum
• Soda water - adds a gentle sparkle and dilutes slightly.

From this base, you'll find many variations. For example in Mexico, you'll find it made with tequila rather than rum, apparently some Cuban bars add a little Angostura bitters to cut through the sweetness. 

It's also a great base cocktail to add in extra flavors. I have a few on here already, and highly recommend all, from my fancier-feeling champagne mojito and ginger mojito or fruity versions like a watermelon mojito or grilled peach mojito.

This version is one I came across that was apparently first created in a London bar called Apartment 195 (no longer running), according to Difford's Guide. I've given it my own slight twist and it's such a great combination.

What is Licor 43?

The other aspect of this cocktail that is a little different (other than the pineapple, too), is the addition of some Licor 43. You may have seen me use it before in the super simple and delicious Mexican carajillo coffee cocktail. 

Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur made with a broad mix (43!) herbs and spices. These give a lovely complexity of flavor, with vanilla bring one of the more dominant notes. I is wonderfully smooth and makes a great drink to sip on, but also works well in a few cocktails. Here it adds a lovely extra depth and fits well with the tropical feel.

Options for adding a little sweetness

To me, a mojito should not be overly sweet, and particularly when using some fruit juice, you don't want to add too much more (if anything). While sugar itself is probably most traditional, these days simple syrup is just as common to add sweetness that blends more easily.

For this version, I decided to make a simple syrup with coconut sugar to add to the more tropical feel. And oh my goodness it is so good. I definitely need to make more use of it in other things. It has a wonderful complexity of flavor with toasty, caramel notes.

If you don't have coconut sugar, I'd recommend making the simple syrup with demerara or brown sugar rather than white, just for a little more depth of flavor. Yes, all make the drink a little more brown in color but it's a good trade off.

This 43 pineapple mojito is a surprisingly complex-tasting twist on the classic, with fruit flavors and hints of vanilla and caramel. It's easy to make and makes a great summer cocktail choice.

Try these other fruity cocktails:

• Passion fruit margarita
• Raspberry caipirinha
• Blackberry bourbon smash
• Plus get more cocktail recipes in the archives.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

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