The key to creating this refreshing, classic mojito drink is to muddle the mint leaves gently: pressing too hard bruises the leaves and releases bitter chlorophyll, while a light touch releases the sweet essential oils. It’s delicious served ice-cold on a hot day with a wedge of fresh lime.
Jump to RecipeMojito Drink Recipe Ingredients
- 5 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar + water, dissolved)
- Ice
- Club soda or sparkling water (to top)
- Lime slice, for garnish
How To Make Mojito Drink Recipe
- Muddle the mint: Place the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker and lightly muddle them just until you smell the fresh minty aroma; do not shred the leaves.
- Mix the cocktail: Add the white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake the mixture gently once or twice to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Pour and top: Strain the liquid into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top the drink with a splash of club soda or sparkling water.
- Garnish and serve: Add a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Make your own syrup: Simple syrup dissolves much faster than granulated sugar in cold drinks; just boil equal parts water and sugar until clear, then cool.
- Don’t have a muddler?: If you don’t have a cocktail muddler, use the end of a wooden spoon or a rolling pin to gently press the mint leaves.
- Release the scent: Before garnishing, give the mint sprig a light “slap” against your hand to wake up the oils and make the drink more aromatic.
- Choosing the rum: Stick to a crisp, white rum (silver rum) for a classic flavor profile; dark rums can overpower the delicate mint and lime.
What To Serve With Mojito Drink
This zesty, Cuban-inspired cocktail pairs perfectly with salty snacks or fresh seafood.
- A classic Cuban sandwich
- Chips with guacamole or salsa
- Grilled shrimp or fish tacos
- Ceviche with plantain chips
How To Store Mojito Drink
- Refrigerate: If making a pitcher (without ice or club soda), you can store the pre-mix in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add soda and ice just before serving.
- Freeze: You can freeze the lime and mint mixture in ice cube trays to add a burst of flavor to future drinks or water.
Mojito Drink Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 9g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and alcohol brands used.
FAQs
Yes, for a “Virgin Mojito” or “Nojito,” simply skip the rum and add a little more simple syrup or club soda to balance the tart lime.
While not traditional, you can substitute vodka for rum; the result is often called a “Vodka Mojito” and has a cleaner, less sweet finish.
A bitter taste usually comes from over-muddling the mint leaves, which tears them and releases bitter compounds, or from muddling the white pith of the lime skin.
Mojito Drink Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: CubanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes150
kcalA refreshing Cuban highball cocktail made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint.
Ingredients
5 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
2 oz white rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar + water, dissolved)
Ice
Club soda or sparkling water (to top)
Lime slice, for garnish
Directions
- Muddle the mint leaves gently in a shaker to release oils.
- Shake the rum, lime juice, syrup, and ice briefly.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with lime and mint.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the brightest citrus flavor.
- A highball or Collins glass is the traditional glassware for this drink.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter or more tart cocktail.
