Recently a friend stopped by with a bottle of ready-to-drink Bacardi Classic Mojitos. After tasting the saccharine-saturated contents inside, a thought occurred to me: converted to ethanol, this single bottle might fuel the next space mission. That one sip alone made me crave a freshly made, minty sip from one of the city's mojito masters. If you really want to challenge (i.e. piss off) your bartender, request some angostura bitters be added to your drink (it's how Cubans concoct the highball, to cut the sweetness). For the full experience, we like to mix our mojitos with the sweet sounds of salsa music. And to excel on the dance floor, we find the key is enough social lubrication to settle the nerves but not so much that our dips become floor dives. To really enjoy this Latin staple, check out these area spots that offer both the famed elixir and a bit of Latin dance that can transport us from Philly to Havana.  

Cuba Libre
This might well be the closest you ever get to Cuba. Even if it’s a contrived, Americanized version of Havana circa 1950, it’s still a blast (I once saw a bartender blow fire here). It might also be the closest you ever get to Dancing with the Stars, as professional salsa dancers perform on weekend nights. You’ll find the well-dressed, well-moneyed Old City types here so be prepared for rejection should you ask someone to dance. Having been rejected at the door once for failing to adorn the proper footwear, I know what it feels like to be turned away in humiliation. But leaving the dance floor may actually be a blessing in disguise; the bar offers more than fifty varieties of rum and a vast mojito selection, adding everything from Red Bull to watermelon to tequila. These mojitos are some of the best around.   

Brasil’s
If the high-ceilinged sophistication of Cuba Libre doesn’t quite match your needs, this dirtier (and typically packed) dance hall might squelch your salsa craving. Ladies should be warned: nobody leaves baby in the corner at Brasil’s, and women will be guaranteed a dance proposition faster than you can say, “Thanks but I’m here with my boyfriend.” After a few salsa spins, you’ll definitely be ready for a breather, and if you can make it through the crowd to the bar you might just get one. Brasil's bar is small, but for good reason: it’s all about the baile (music) here and you'll need as much room as possible. For beginners, come on Wednesday night for the free salsa lessons and don’t worry about bringing a date.       

Tierra Colombiana
If the popped collars of Second Street are too much for you, get away from the crowds and head to this mojito hideaway. If I had relatives visiting from Cuba or Colombia, this is where I’d take them. While the neighborhood’s nothing to write home about, the food, drink and dazzling nightclub make it worth a trip out of your comfort zone. Weekends are the nights for those with dancing shoes to come out; Reggaeton Fridays seem to be the most popular, with DJ Kure playing the sounds of merengue, salsa and a bit of hip-hop. Remember to order one of their famed strawberry-kiwi mojitos. Designated drivers can sip a Batidos de Frutas (one of their fresh fruit smoothies).

Moshulu
Moored safely along the Delaware waterfront, this storied 104-year-old vessel offers elegance, spectacular views and mixologists whipping up perfect mojitos. One day a week this four-masted schooner morphs into a salsa-lover’s paradise. Every Sunday evening the ship’s top deck is dedicated to Latin dance with free lessons provided by Atrium Dance Studio’s Barbara Capaldi. Get there between 8 and 9pm and there's no cover, after you'll pay $7 for this outdoor dance lesson.