Bar Buzz

Mojitos Nuevos

These hotspots go beyond the standard mint, rum, sugar and lime of this classic summer cocktail.

By E. J. Samson
Published Jul 18, 2005

Libation
The Spot: A fashion-forward crowd dances in Dior at this tri-leveled nightclub typical of the new Ludlow Street scene.
The Spin: Libation's O'jito ($11) complements the mint with orange-flavored rum and muddled tangerines for a more citrusy aftertaste then adds a splash of seltzer for zing.
• 137 Ludlow St., between Stanton and Rivington Sts., 212-529-2153.

King Size
The Spot: This tiny, hipster hangout exudes irony from the old-school board games to the Pepperidge Farm goldfish on the bar.
The Spin: King Size just introduced the Negril Sunset ($8), a mojito variation combining 126-proof Ray & Nephew rum and grapefruit soda. Apparently it packs such a punch that the bartenders are considering limiting the drink to two per customer.
• 21 Essex St., near Hester St., 212-995-5464.

Odea
The Spot: Be sure you're dressed to impress when stopping by this upscale, underlit and intimate Little Italy lounge.
The Spin: The Lychee, Strawberry, Raspberry, and Apple Mojito with fresh fruit puree gives the Cuban classic a tart makeover ($10).
• 389 Broome St., at Mulberry St., 212-941-9222.

Sly
The Spot: For most patrons, this lounge is a chic alternative to another night of boozing in Hoboken.
The Spin: Honey-infused vodka and ginger ale give the Sly Honey Mojito ($12) a syrupy sweet taste.
• 310 Spring St., between Greenwich and Hudson Sts., 646-546-5860.

Soho 323
The Spot: Way west nightclub where supermodels and Euros mingle amid the feng shui-arranged furniture.
The Spin: The Pineapple Mojito ($14), made with muddled pineapple and brown sugar, takes you to Havana by way of Hawaii.
• 323 W. Broadway, betweem Canal and Grand Sts., 212-334-2232.

Sutra
The Spot: Dark, romantic, and often crowded LES lounge that sets the mood with scattered rose petals, plenty of candles, and Kama Sutra wallpaper.
The Spin: The Holy Moses ($10) has citrus juices like Libation's O'jito, but its tequila base (instead of rum) gives this version an extra kick.
• 16 First Ave., at First St., 212-677-9477.

Cabana at the Maritime Hotel
The Spot: Page Six celebs and industry know-it-alls party together at this Chelsea rooftop.
The Spin: One sip of the slushy, Frozen Mojito ($11) and you'll wonder why more bars haven't caught on to this refreshing, Coney-Island-for-grownups treat.
• 88 Ninth Ave., between 16th and 17th Sts., 212-242-4300.

For a classic mojito, no one does it better than Calle Ocho. This Cuban eatery on the Upper West Side always uses fresh mint and lime juice with the perfect amount of rum then tops it off with a sugar cane stick ($8). For extra bite, you can "Make it Macho" with a float of Bacardi 8 ($11).