The Mojito, was once known as an El Drake (late 16th C), named after Sir Francis Drake who was known as the “dragon” of the seas, and regarded as the ultimate Bad Ass to ever float on a piece of wood, possibly even walk on wood. He did a huge stint in Caribbean waters where mint was available especially in Cuba. They used to use the local aguardiente (fire water) as the base spirit, but when rum became the norm (c.a. 1650), the El Drake became the Mojito