Is it the tart infusion of fresh lime wedges? The crisp burst of crushed mint? The generous splash of rum? We can’t pin down the exact reason we’re infatuated with the mojito, but like all great loves, logic doesn’t really come into play. To prove our love for this crafty cocktail, we’ve rounded up a list of the tastiest mojitos in Cape Town.

Café Mojito (Long Street)

Mojito at Cafe Mojito. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Named for the iconic cocktail, Café Mojito radiates saucy Cuban flair at their bustling Long Street location. All mojitos are made with authentic Havana Club light and dark rum and muddled with tart lime wedges, fresh mint and crushed ice. Keep it classic with a standard mojito (R48) or experiment with a flavoured mojito (R52): try the strawberry, coconut, blueberry, chilli, peach or litchi versions. The popular Racing Mojito (R85) is charged with Red Bull Silver Edition and delivers a strong kick.

A mojito at Cape to Cuba. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Cape to Cuba (Kalk Bay)

With the vivid décor and the heady aroma of Cajun spices wafting about, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into a sultry Havana café. The classic Mojito (R42 or R80 for a jug) is made with Havana Club three-year old Añejo muddled with lemon slices, pure cane sugar and torn mint leaves and charged with soda. For something different, try the hibiscus and cranberry mojito (R46 or R88 for a jug) infused with natural hibiscus extract and topped with cranberry juice, or the mango and chilli version (R47 or R90 for a jug) flavoured with fresh chilli and mango puree.

Pepenero (Mouilie Point)

The expansive deck and uninterrupted ocean views at this restaurant provide the perfect setting for mojito sipping. Charged with soda, the classic mojito (R50) is crafted with Bacardi rum and muddled with fresh lime quarters and mint leaves. The granadilla mojito (R60) comes with a tangy passion fruit twist, while the elegant French mojito (R65) is infused with fresh strawberries and charged with sparkling wine.

Rick’s Café Americain (Gardens)

Jugs of mojito at Rick’s. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Their legendary happy hour (3pm to 7pm) has secured Rick’s Café as one of Cape Town’s favourite after-work haunts. The pineapple and passion fruit mojito (R46, or R34 during happy hour) is a fusion of fresh pineapple and passion fruit, Bacardi Superior, fresh mint, lemon juice, brown sugar and soda. The Mojito Diablo (R46 or R34 during happy hour) consists of El Jimador Tequila and Crème de cassis muddled with fresh mint, lemon juice and brown sugar, and charged with lemonade. The Sparkling Mojito (R53 all day) is an elegant alternative, served as it is with Miss Molly MCC. If you’re particularly thirsty, the 1l classic mojito jug is bound to keep you busy (R175, or R140 during happy hour).

Salushi (Claremont)

A great cocktail menu coupled with striking views of Table Mountain make this chic Asian fusion restaurant the ideal spot to wind down after work. The Tanqueray (R42) puts a twist on the classic mojito by using Tanqueray Gin instead of rum, while the Wild Berry mojito (R40) is a sweet and strong, with Spiced Gold and a burst of fresh berries. If you’re after the classic version, theirs is prepared with Bacardi Superior rum and costs R40.