Warm weather means a slew of new drink options: daiquiris, coladas and wine coolers.
I tend to be a creature of habit—to a fault. Unlike normal people, I don’t change my drink of choice to fit the season. Plop me on a sizzling beach in Bali, and I will still be sipping on Shiraz. That said, I have been known to cork my stubborn habits for a good mojito.
When looking for a decent mojito, it’s good to start with basics: A Cuban bar. So off to Boogaloo, a Cuban/Creole/Caribbean restaurant and bar in Maplewood, for an authentic Latin libation.
The original Cuban drink keeps it simple with sugar, citrus, and mint complementing the rum flavor. Simple is good, but simple can also be boring. So I went out on my mojito limb and opted for the coconut-flavored.
Just as an aside, coconut water is a great rehydrater and replacer of electrolytes. I’m not sure coconut-flavored rum has the same curative properties, but if you need an excuse to drink, there you go.
A few minutes of muddling later and my Cuban cocktail was ready. It was cute, which means “presentable but small.” I knew this would be gone in three grown-up gulps, so I decided to sip like an old lady and chew on my straw to slow myself down.
The drink was delicious. I am a big fan of all things coconut, and this certainly didn’t disappoint. After 10 minutes of sipping and swinging (the bar has swing seats!) I was ready for another.
Feeling adventurous from my diminutive yet punch-packing drink, I opt for a cucumber caipirinha—no doubt soothing and refreshing. Tasty and true to its Brazilian roots, but somewhat lacking in cucumberness.
To cap off my happy hour Caribbean-style, I decide to wash down my two delicious drinks with a Jamaican beef patty. Excellent decision.
Boogaloo
7344 Manchester
314-645-4803
