The Cubanito is a fresh twist on the Mojito, where cucumber and ginger add extra spice. White Rum meets mint, lime and the sharp sting of fresh ginger — a drink built in the glass and perfect for hot days. The cucumber brings a subtle green note that surprisingly elegance the classic.
What you’ll need for the Cubanito
6 cl white Rum
2 cl lime juice
1.5 cl sugar syrup
3 thin slices of cucumber
3 thin slices of fresh ginger
8–10 mint leaves
Soda
What matters
The ginger should really be sliced thin, otherwise the drink becomes too spicy. I slice it with a peeler into wafer-thin strips — so it gives spice without dominating. Cucumber is often underestimated: it doesn’t just cool optically, but brings an almost melon-like freshness that rounds out the rum. When muddling, go easy on the mint — just tap it, don’t tear it, otherwise it’ll turn bitter. The Cubanito lives on the balance between spice, coolness and sweetness — if you leave out the ginger, you’re basically drinking a Mojito with cucumber.
Variations
- Cubanito Picante — With half a red chilli pepper in addition to the ginger for significantly more heat.
- Cubanito Verde — Instead of ginger, muddle a slice of green bell pepper — milder, but with more veggie note.
- Cubanito Dulce — With 2 cl honey syrup instead of sugar syrup for a softer sweetness that offsets the ginger.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave out the ginger?
Yes, but then the typical spice will be missing. The drink will be milder and will remind you more of a classic Mojito with cucumber.
Which rum works best?
A light white Rum from Cuba or the Caribbean — it lets the cucumber, ginger and mint shine without dominating.
Do I have to use crushed ice?
Crushed ice is ideal because it cools faster and distributes the flavours better. Regular ice cubes work, but they dilute more slowly.
How much soda should I use?
About 6–8 cl, until the glass is full. Too much soda dilutes the flavours, too little makes the drink too sweet.
Can I replace the cucumber with something else?
Yes, watermelon or honeydew melon work well and bring a fruitier note — but the green freshness will be missing.
