Cinco de Mayo is coming up, and instead of serving up the usual lime or strawberry margaritas, spice things up a bit with the Tequila Mojito recipe!
Aloha from paradise, AKA Honolulu, Hawaii!
We'm so excited to be here covering the 14th annual Spam Jam! Actually, when you read this We will likely already have touched down in Seattle and will be on the way to Yakima for a specialty craft beverage tour, but We'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!
We always opt for spicing things up a bit, and if you do too, We am so excited that the new friends at Chuck's Steak House in Waikiki Beach are sharing a Hawaiian-style mojito recipe with us all!
Meet Bartender Bob 
We've been so fortunate to have met some truly cool people during the 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 simple going demeanor. He's clearly become an expert at mixing drinks and cultivating conversation – the two skills necessary for good bartenders.
We'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 simply 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 tasty, 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 We love the slight hint of sweetness you get with this less spicy version.
Cinco de Mayo Tequila Mojito
By Marlynn Schotland Prep Time: 2 mins Total Time: 2 mins Servings: 1 These tasty mojitos have a surprising twist: tequila instead of rum!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 1/2 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
Calories: 246 kcal, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 0.4 g, Saturated Fat: 0.1 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03 g, Sodium: 24 mg, Potassium: 302 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 26 g, Vitamin A: 1522 IU, Vitamin C: 110 mg, Calcium: 44 mg, Iron: 2 mgNutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
We 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 tasty 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? We know. We am sure the 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
We had such a fun time visiting with Bob – and enjoying these cocktails! We can't wait to get back home and try these Cinco de Mayo-inspired mojitos!
Many thanks to Chuck's Steakhouse for sharing these tasty recipes with us, and to the hosts Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. As always, all opinions and photos are the own.