Cinco de Mayo is coming up, and instead of serving up the usual lime or strawberry margaritas, spice things up a bit with my Tequila Mojito recipe!
Aloha from paradise, AKA Honolulu, Hawaii!
I'm so excited to be here covering the 14th annual Spam Jam! Actually, when you read this I will likely already have touched down in Seattle and will be on my way to Yakima for a specialty craft beverage tour, but I've spent the past few days in sunny Oahu, enjoying Waikiki Beach – palm trees! sunshine! sand and surf! – which has inspired today's Mixology Monday post!
I always opt for spicing things up a bit, and if you do too, I am so excited that my new friends at Chuck's Steak House in Waikiki Beach are sharing a Hawaiian-style mojito recipe with us all!
Meet Bartender Bob
I've been so fortunate to have met some really cool people during my short time in Honolulu on this trip. Bob Menton, AKA Bartender Bob, is one of them. He has been at Chuck's Steakhouse for 27 years.
Some of his expertly made cocktails have won him awards and trips to the Grammy's. Pretty cool, eh?
Bob greets customers with a big smile and easy going demeanor. He's clearly become an expert at mixing drinks and cultivating conversation - the two skills necessary for good bartenders.
I'm so honored that Bob has decided to share two versions of a Cinco de Mayo-inspired mojito with us for this Mixology Monday. And, there's a bonus cocktail drink at the end!
First, let's talk about mojitos.
A traditional mojito has five main ingredients:
- white rum
- sugar
- lime juice
- sparkling water
- mint
Cinco de Mayo Tequila Mojitos
For this Cinco de Mayo-inspired Mojito, instead of just the classic mint leaves, Bob adds Thai basil leaves for some island flair plus a single slice of jalapeño for some Cinco de Mayo kick. He also uses tequila instead of rum.
It's so delicious, and a fun twist on the traditional mojito! If you're looking to literally spice up your Cinco de Mayo festivities this year, make this tequila mojito. You and your friends will love it!
Now, if you're looking for something exciting but not too spicy, Bob suggests cutting back on the ginger beer a bit and adding guava and mango puree.
The fruit helps tame the spice and I love the slight hint of sweetness you get with this less spicy version.
Cinco de Mayo Tequila Mojito
Ingredients
- 2 oz Patron Reposado
- 6 Thai basil leaves
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 slice of jalapeno
- 2½ oz ginger beer
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- To make a less spicy version:
- -add guava and/or mango puree.
- -subtract ยฝ oz ginger beer.
Instructions
- Muddle basil and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Add remaining ingredients, then cover and give it a good shake. Strain over a chilled tall bar glass filled with ice and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Ho'okipa
Finally, for a bonus drink, you'll want to make Bob's popular drink Ho'okipa.
Ho'okipa means "hospitality" in Hawaiian, and is a term that exemplifies the aloha spirit. There is also a beach park along Oahu's North Shore by the same name.
I can see why this drink bears this name. It's light, refreshing, and feels like a big aloha hug. Made with Koloa gold and dark rum (made on the island of Kauai), shaken with strawberry, guava, and passionfruit puree. Serve over ice.
About Chuck's Steak House
Chuck's Steak House offers quality casual dining with a gorgeous view of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Located within the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Chuck's has been serving up delicious steaks, seafood, surf & turfs, and more for all ages since 1959. In a city that is going through rapid change, and an industry that also has shifted with time, Chuck's Steakhouse remains true to its original core values set by founder Chuck Rolles.
Even though the next generation has taken over (his son Scott now runs the business), many things have stayed the same. For instance, there are no computers at Chuck's. What the WHAT? I know. I am sure my face was a mixture of pure disbelief and awe when they told me that, but they say it with pride and rightfully so, because every order is taken by hand, every receipt, bar tabs - all done with good ol' pen and paper.
Amazing, right?
But this is a testament to Chuck's level of personal service. They are attentive to each customer's needs, watching to make sure you have everything you need when you want it, and do all they can to ensure you have a wonderful dining experience. They are proud of the fact that they have many loyal customers who have been dining with them for decades...who bring their kids, who also then become loyal customers.
Visit Chuck's Steak House
2335 Kalakaua Avenue
Inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
(808) 923-1228
I had such a fun time visiting with Bob – and enjoying these cocktails! I can't wait to get back home and try these Cinco de Mayo-inspired mojitos!
Many thanks to Chuck's Steakhouse for sharing these delicious recipes with us, and to my hosts Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. As always, all opinions and photos are my own.
Leah says
Yum! I love mojitos- the Thai basil & ginger beer look really interesting but I'm not sure I'm brave enough for the jalapeรฑo!
Also hella jealous you got to go to Hawaii!
Catherine says
Mm, tequila in place of rum PLUS Thai basil? I like the sound of this! Also, how fun to mix cultures - I love what interesting flavors unexpected combos bring!
Renรฉe โฅ The Good Hearted Woman says
Oh gosh, this looks soooo refreshing right now, especially with the record-breaking weather we've been having in Portland lately. Speaking of which, Portland called and it misses you, Marlynn. You've been globetrotting so much lately! Let's get together for lunch (and a mojito!) when/if you ever come home!
Melissa says
What a unique post! I love that we got a recipe all the way from Hawaii. :)
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
I hope you're having (or had) a FANTASTIC time in Oahu - The weather looked absolutely perfect. You can't beat Hawaii!
Kristina says
we were in Waikiki last month... since I cannot be back there right now, I'll take celebrating Cinco de Mayo with one of these mojitos - yum!
Mary Burris says
I love a good mojito. Is it wrong to want one at 10am Monday morning?
Pech says
With the temperatures reaching mid 80s today, I can definitely use all these tropical drinks!
Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says
I'll take all of them, please!
Ali says
I love mojitos. When I lived in NYC we lived down the street from a restaurant called Calle Ocho. They used to serve their mojitos with a piece of sugar cane in it like a straw. I miss that place!
Lauren says
I LOVE a good mojito! I always ask for extra mint.
Marye says
These mojitos look so good! I haven't had a good one in a long time!
Christie says
Love the addition of Thai basil. What a great way to shake up a mojito.