Last Updated on 25th March 2024 by Bejal
How could I go to Havana and not include a post about Cuba’s famous co*cktail, the Mojito made with the finest Cuban Rum, lashings of mint and a generous supply of sugar syrup?! Well lucky for you, I tried and tested numerous Mojitos, all in the name of research obviously, to compile a comprehensive list for you! I’ve scoured traditional bars, rooftop bars and local recommendations so read on for your list of where to drink that perfect Mojito in Havana! This is going to be a long one, but something tells me you guys really won’t mind…
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THE MOJITO
The mojito was born in Cuba although it has a somewhat disputed history, which I won’t go into here! However the story I’m going to go with as provided to me by a local is that it was invented by African slaves around the 1600’s who worked out in the sugar cane fields in Cuba. ‘Mojo’ comes from the African word meaning to place a little spell. The drinks main ingredients are Cuban Rum, mint, sugar and soda water. During the mid-1800’s the Mojito became very popular with the introduction of the Bacardi company in Havana.
The Mojito gained international prominence when writer Ernest Hemingway became quite the fan of the co*cktail (along with a daiquiri) and frequented at certain Cuban bars such as Bodequita del Medio and La Floridita.
For you Bond fans out there, the Mojito made a suave come-back in 2002 when it was used in a scene where Bond (Daniel Craig) tried to seduce the beautiful Jinx (Halle Berry).
Havana’s Finest Mojito Haunts
www.be-lavie.com
HOW IS THE CLASSIC MOJITO MADE?
Traditionally, lime, mint and crushed ice are added to a glass which is then topped up with crushed ice. Using a muddler the ingredients are then crushed and via twisting without crushing the mint to a pulp! When a good amount of liquid has been extracted from the ingredients, it’s probably time to stop. Add the desired amount of rum and top with soda water. A sprig of mint and some more lime can be added to garnish!
HAVANA CLUB RUM
I can’t write this post without mentioning the famous Havana Club Rum, which is used to make the potent unmeasured Mojitos in Cuba!
The rum is made in Cuba (obviously!) with the abundant sugar cane that is found on the island. It is aged in natural oak barrels for a number of years to give the rum its warm amber colour and smooth taste. Being aged in this manner it develops an almost vanilla-like taste and it the perfect mixer!
The name Havana Club captures the Cuba’s rum-making heritage and it very much a part of the Cuban culture and very iconic to the country, in particular Havana. I have a later post which talks about my visit to the Havana Club Museum!
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HAVANA MOJITO HAUNTS
HEMINGWAYS ICONIC MOJITOS
1LA BODEGUITA DE MEDIO
This place is super touristy but you HAVE to go!! It was one of Hemingway’s favourite bars and his top place to sip on a Mojito! The bar also serves food and has a great history associated with it, expressed by the graffiti and memorabilia.
La Bodeguita de Medio itself is of Saloon style with one of those Western styles doors and dons actual fans rather than air conditioning units! They have a live band, which is fantastic to listen too whilst sipping on the famous co*cktail.
Try and grab a seat at the bar and you’ll see the Mojitis being made right before your eyes and just above the bar taking pride of place, is Hemingway’s famous quote, ‘My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.’ This place for me is the home of the authentic Mojito!
Price of Mojito: 5 CUC (£3.70)
La Bodeguita del Medio
Empedrado No 207, entre San Ignacio y Cuba
Havana
Tel +53 78668857
2LA FLORIDITA
Again this bar is very touristy and is only a stones throw from Parque Centrale was regularly frequented by Hemingway (hence the famous saying!). It is far more touristy than La Bogequita del Medio and can often have queues of tourist outside so a drink at 11:30am when it opens is no problem at all when you’re on holiday!!In La Floridita, there is a bronze statue of Hemmingway in the corner with a Daiquiri almost in hand so really the only drink to sample in La Floridita is the Daiquiri.
Although I’m not a fan of the brain-freeze form the ice, I went for his other favourite, the Mojito! This is more of a mature and sophisticated bar which has seating along the back wall and adjoining room.
I’ve heard the sautéed shrimp here is excellent but be warned the prices here are steep but on the up side they do have brilliant bands – I even bought a CD!!
Price of Mojito: 6 CUC (£4.50)
La Floridita
Obispo No.557 esq. a Monserrate
Havana
Tel +53 8671300
3HOTEL AMBOS MUNDOS
Hotel Ambos Mundos is hailed as Hemmingway’s first residence in Cuba between 1932-1939. This is a hotel with a roof terrace, which you can access via an old-fashioned characterful elevator.
If you are not staying here, you will see numerous hotel staff outside on the street trying to sell the roof terrace to you. I had this terrace on my radar anyway as I was quite interested in the Hemingway hangouts and so we were taken up in the elevator by an attendant and through the bars you will see the colonial style of the corridors and hotel rooms. Once on the terrace, you can buy light bites and drinks.
We went just before sunset and there was a nice laid back vibe. The views are fantastic over the Malecon and surrounding old Habana rooftops.
Price of Mojito: 4 CUC (£3.70)
Hotel Ambos Mundos
Calle Obispo esquina Mercaderes
Havana, 12345
Tel +53 7 8609529
4SLOPPY JOES
Sloppy Joes is situated just around the corner of our hotel, it was a no-brainer and obviously it was all in the name of very serious research to ensure sure I delivered to you guys! The bar was closed for 48 years and then in 2013 it opened it doors after an extensive restoration project. The bar is adorned in old fashioned Mahogany cabinets and décor and most definitely has an air of transporting you back in time to when the place was a point of gathering in the 1950’s. My advice, grabs one of the high stools, sit at the bar and watch the bar-tender create that perfectly delicious Mojito for you! Close your eyes and pretend your back with the sights and smells of Old Havana!
Price of Mojito: 4 CUC (£2.98)
Sloppy Joes
Calle Zulueta No. 252
E Animas y Virtudes,
Havana 10100
Tel +53 7 8667157
ROOF-TOP MOJITOS
1LOS DOS HERMANOS
This restaurant and bar is located in Old Havana but down by the docks. Unfortunately a lot of this area had been renovated to cater for the cruise ships, where passengers arrive in their hoards!
Los Dos Hermanos (The two Brothers) is a fine example of this as it was one of the most famous restaurants in town back in 1916 serving the finest seafood. To drop a few famous names, Ernest Hemeingway (Obvs), Marlon Brando, and Errol Flynn have all been here. My recommendation is to pull up a seat at the long wooden and watch the bartenders show off their Mojito skills!
The bar menu is a lot cheaper than the main menu so bear this is in mind if you just want a snack. Additionally, the Club Havana museum is literally a few steps away if you want to learn all about the origins of the Cuban Rum you’ve just sampled!
Price of Mojito: 5 CUC (£3.70)
Los Dos Hermanos
Avenida del Puerto 304
Havana
Tel +53 7 8613514
2IBEROSTAR PARQUE CENTRALE
This was our hotel whilst in Havana and it’s most definitely well located opposite the Parque Central and most importantly has a big roof-terrace to enjoy Mojitos! We were very lucky to be staying on top floor so literally only had to go up a floor to witness the panoramic views of the Capito building and old Havana!
This is an idyllic place to have sundowners and watch the sun set whilst sipping on the classic drink. The Iberostar Parque Centrale also has a pool on the roof and dinner can also be taken here. It may be an idea if you are not a guest of the hotel to check reservations or if non-guests have access to the terrace level.
Price of Mojito: 4.50 CUC (£3.40)
Iberostar Parque Centrale
Neptuno, esquina Prado y Zulueta
Havana 10100
Tel +53 7 8606627
3HOTEL INGALTERRA
Very aptly located opposite Parque Centrale, Hotel Ingalterra is a very colonial styled hotel with a roof terrace.
Take the old elevator to the top floor where you can enjoy some of the best views in town over Old Habana and you’ll be right beside the dome of the Capitol building.
When we visited, it was a glorious day and hardly anyone was on the terrace as everyone else was downstairs at their street-level restaurant, where the live band were playing. The roof terrace bar also serves light snacks to accompany the Mojitos. We had a quick afternoon Mojito here on my birthday to refuel for the afternoon.
Price of Mojito: 4 CUC (£2.98)
Ingalterra Hotel
Paseo del Prado No 416
San Rafael y San Miguel
Havana 10200
Tel +53 7 608593
4THE SARATOGA HOTEL
The Saratoga is one of most swankiest hotels in Old Havana. It’s definitely pretty sleek and mahogany toned from the minute you enter the classy lobby.
Take the elevator up to the top floor, where a fabulous pool and roof-terrace awaits you. The view is phenomenal over the Capitol building and main streets of Old Havana. Grab a table to watch the sun go down on another fabulous day in Havana.
Price of Mojito: 5.50 CUC (£4.10)
The Saratoga Hotel
Paseo del Prado 603 esquina Dragones
Havana 10200
Tel: +53 7 8681000
RESTAURANT MOJITOS
1LA GUARIDA
Of all the bars and restaurants in Havana, La Guarida is my absolute knock-out favourite! Love, love, love it! This is a restaurant and roof-top bar located down the Neptuno Road. It is on the top floor of a beautiful building and yes I have reviewed the restaurant separately in another post. The best place to enjoy a Mojito here would be on the swanky roof-top bar, which comes fully equipped with bright lights and a DJ in the evenings. Again the views are fabulous over the local houses of Havana. This is the place where Madonna had her birthday party and where Beyoncé dined when she was in Town. It’s stunning, it’s hip, it’s cool and the Mojitos are on point!
Price of Mojito: 4 CUC (£2.98)
La Guarida
Concordia. No. 418
Gervasio y Escobar
Havana 10700
Tel +53 7 8669047
2CAFÉ LAURENT
In the subhurb on Vedado, a short walk from the Malecon or a short taxi ride from our hotel, is a pretty 5th floor Mediterranean restaurant in a private residence that serves up a mean Mojito. It’s name, Café Laurent. Again I have a separate restaurant review to tickle your taste buds. It does feel a bit like a little secret gem when you’re inside though, as it’s pretty small and quaint! It also served the cheapest Mojito I’ve had in Havana but no compromise on the taste!
Price of Mojito: 3 CUC (£2.24)
Café Laurent
Concordia. No. 418
Gervasio y Escobar
Havana 10700
Tel +53 7 8669047
3DOÑA EUTIMIA
This restaurant is located just outside the artistic workshop off Cathedral Square and its one of those very old fashioned restaurants where the food is so good that there is a queue outside, however you do not need to feel the need to rush! I’ve done a separate review where I’ll explain more on why this is hailed as Cuba’s finest traditional restaurant. But for now grab a seat and sip your Mojito amongst the locals! DOÑA EUTIMIA should definitely be on your Mojito and food list!
Price of Mojito: 3 CUC (£2.24)
Doña Eutimia
Callejon del Chorro # 60-C
Plaza de la Catedral
Havana
Tel +53 7 8013332
4ECLECTICO AT PASOE 206
Although Eclectico is an Italian restaurant at this small boutique hotel, I would recommend trying a Mojito here on the outdoor terrace or to kick off your meal. Admire the 1950’s mansion surrounding the property with a classic Mojito in hand and imagine this affluent street in the bygone era of classic cars and flowy skirted dames. You can read a full review of the restaurant and hotel in a separate post.
Price of Mojito: 6 CUC (£4.40)
Eclectico at Pasoe 206
Avenida Paseo 206
Havana
Tel +53 7 8313423
4SAN CRISTOBEL
San Cristobel can be found a short walk down Neptuno from the Parque Centrale and occupies an old twentieth century mansion filled with eclectic, cluttered items such as photos, clocks, statues and religious statues. It’s full of character and as well as some fantastic food, a Mojito is made to perfection here. If you fancy you can even pick a Cigar from the big brown cigar box and have it accompany your Mojito. This place oozes Cuban character and charm and therefore I’ve featured it in another post.
Price of Mojito: 3.50 CUC (£2.60)
San Cristobel
San Rafael No 469
E Lealtad y Campanario
Havana
Tel +53 860-1705
5O’REILLY
This is a fantastic little characterful restaurant and bar which serves simple meditarranean cuisine with some simple co*cktails, including the Mojito! Grab a balcony seat on the first floor of O’Reilly’s and watch the world go by sipping on the refreshingly minty beverage.
Price of Mojito: 5 CUC (£3.75)
O’REILYS
106 San Juan de Dios
Havana 10100, Cuba
Tel+53 7 8636684
6MOJITO MOJITO
This is a friendly and atmospheric eaterie and bar situated perfectly behind the old square. There is entertainment provided by a live band throughout the day. Mojito Mojito serves up some nice grub as well as the name suggest excellent Mojitos served in Jam jars!
If you don’t fancy stopping for food then the Mojitos will accompany the music very well and you can even take Mojito and cookery classes here!
Price of Mojito: 5 CUC (£3.75)
Mojito Mojito
Muralla # 166
Entre Cuba y San Ignacio
Havana
Tel +53 7 8018187
OTHER MOJITOS
1HOTEL NATIONALE DE CUBA
The Hotel Nationale de Cuba is a historic and iconic hotel having the perfect location overlooking the Malecon and Caribbean sea. It dates back to the 1930s and many stars have stayed here in their time including Madona. If you do make it here (that’s if you’re not staying here already!) then take a walk through the foyer and feast your eyes on all the old photographs and old world décor. But when it comes to the Mojito, make sure you order this from the bar outside and grab a table overlooking the sea. Drink in hand, sunglasses on and sea breeze on face, all set to emulate the stars who sipped here before you!!
Price of Mojito: 5 CUC (£3.75)
Hotel Nationale de Cuba
Calle 21 y O
Vedado, Plaza
Havana 10400
Tel +53 7 8462120
2BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
Now this in my opinion is how you should enjoy your Mojito! Attend a fantastic Cuban dance at The Buena Vista Social Club and music show filled with lots of authentic numbers and make sure that Mojito glass is fully topped up throughout. The best way to spend a chilled out evening dancing the night away in typical Rumba and Salsa rhythm!
Mojito’s are included in your ticket price.
Buena Vista Social Club
Zulueta 660 Apodaca y Gloria
Havana
Tel +53 7 8617761
OK, and that’s a wrap! Thankyou for staying with me, told you it was long!
If you’re headed to Havana in the near future, then you’re all set to sample the Mojito. All you need to do now is tell me in the comments below if you’re going to have yours on the Hemingway trails, in a roof-top bar or at one of the many restaurants serving up the Cuban co*cktail classic.
À Bientôt…
