Mojitos at Los Barbudos

October 30, 2013

I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about alcohol, so when I was offered the chance to expand my knowledge whilst meeting awesome new blogger friends, I just couldn't turn it down. Nuffnang invited us down to Los Barbudos, a Cuban bar in Fitzroy, to learn how to mix a traditional Mojito.

Before we got started, bartender and owner Tom gave us a quick insight into the history of rum, it's Caribbean roots and ties to slavery. It was really refreshing to see someone so passionate and knowledgeable about their product. And he didn't just Google the information, he traveled to Cuba and the Caribbean to hear the stories of the locals and to discover amazing cocktails to add to their menu. He gave us a demonstration as to how you make a traditional Mojito and spoke about all the different types of rum and how they're each made.

Pretty soon it was our turn to play mad cocktail scientists. We each went to a station stocked with all the essential ingredients and started making our Mojitos. We had it pretty down pat until we forgot how much rum was meant to go into the drink, so decided one and a half shots should do the trick.

With a little (or big) sprig of mint to garnish, it was time for the taste test. I didn't have much to compare it to but it tasted pretty good to me! I also nibbled a bit of mint at the end because, well, it's delicious.

Since I was there, I just HAD to try another cocktail so I got a Chanchanchara (try saying that 10 times fast), which consisted rum, honey and lime. I definitely recommend you check this place out. The drinks are delicious and the bartenders have so many amazing stories to tell. Also a Mojito is only $10! So much cheaper than the cocktails in the city.

Some of the other bloggers I met included Jouljet, Hold Your Horses, Two Halves, Cupcakes and Coffee Breaks, Amanda Summons and The Modern Con. If I forgot anyone please leave your blog link in the comments!