Once upon a time, on an island far away that time forgot, an elixir known as the mojito was created with the most natural of properties: mint leaves, sugar, lime juice, seltzer, and rum. When the natives experienced this mouthwatering concoction, their bearded chief saw no need for them to leave the island. Thus they drifted along for years, until one day, Manhattan, a rival island, discovered the powerful potion and distributed it among its alcohol-thirsty dwellers. Not content with the meager sample, the inhabitants discovered the recipe and tried perfecting it. A few tribes (Chicama, 35 East 18th Street, 505-2233; Baraza, 133 Avenue C, 539-0811) came close, but it was ESPERANTO who mixed the perfect blend of sweet and tart that created a revolution.