What spirit is the primary base of a Mojito?

The primary spirit in a Mojito is rum.

A traditional Mojito is a Cuban cocktail made with white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint and soda water. The rum supplies the drink's alcoholic base, while the other ingredients balance it with sweetness, acidity, herbal freshness and carbonation. It is commonly served over ice in a tall Collins glass.

The drink's exact origin is debated, but Havana is widely regarded as its birthplace. One historical theory connects it with an earlier drink called El Draque, which used aguardiente or brandy with lime, sugar and mint. As sugar-cane rum became more widely available in the Caribbean, it replaced the harsher spirit and the modern Mojito took shape.

The mint used in Cuba is traditionally associated with yerba buena, a light, citrus-scented variety. Outside Cuba, bartenders often use spearmint instead. A common preparation mistake is aggressively shredding the mint; gentle bruising releases its oils without making the drink bitter. A Caipirinha may look similar, but its base is Brazilian cachaça rather than rum.