If you’re craving a cocktail that’s fresh, zesty, and effortlessly refreshing, then you’re going to love this Mojito Recipe. It’s one of those timeless classics that bring together the brightness of lime, the cooling burst of mint, and the smooth kick of white rum, balanced with just the right touch of sweetness and fizz. Whether you’re relaxing on a warm afternoon or having friends over for a casual gathering, this mojito will quickly become your go-to drink, radiating tropical vibes and simple sophistication.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mojito Recipe is delightfully straightforward but each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and texture. From fresh mint leaves that add a fragrant pop, to the fizzy club soda that lifts the drink with bubbles, everything here is fresh and bright.
- Fresh mint leaves: Use about 10 leaves for an aromatic, cooling sensation that defines the mojito’s signature flavor.
- 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges: The natural tartness of lime juice brings vibrant citrus notes and balances sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps to mellow the sharper edges of the lime and rum for a harmonious blend.
- 1 1/2 oz white rum: The classic spirit that adds warmth and smooth complexity to the drink.
- 1/2 cup club soda: Adds refreshing bubbles and lightness without overpowering the flavors.
- Ice cubes: Chill the drink perfectly and keep it enjoyable sip after sip.
- Extra mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish: Elevate the presentation and add a final fresh aroma as you bring the drink to your lips.
How to Make Mojito Recipe
Step 1: Muddle Mint and Lime
Start by placing the fresh mint leaves and one lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently crush them together to release the essential oils from the mint and the juice from the lime. This is the magic moment where the foundational flavors of your mojito begin to emerge.
Step 2: Add Lime Wedges and Sugar
Next, toss in the remaining lime wedges along with granulated sugar. Muddle again gently to mix everything well and to help the sugar dissolve slightly, enhancing the natural sweetness and balancing the tart lime.
Step 3: Fill with Ice and Add Rum
Now fill your glass almost to the top with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled and refreshing. Then, pour in the white rum, which brings a smooth depth that perfectly complements the citrus and mint.
Step 4: Top with Club Soda and Stir
Finally, top off the glass with club soda. Stir gently just to combine the layers without flattening the bubbles or bruising the delicate mint. This ensures every sip is crisp and lively.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Complete your mojito with a fresh sprig of mint and a lime wedge for an inviting aroma and beautiful presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its freshest and most vibrant.
How to Serve Mojito Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are more than decoration in a mojito; they add to the sensory experience. A fresh mint sprig gently slapped before placing helps release fragrant oils, and a bright lime wedge gives a burst of citrus scent as you lift the glass.
Side Dishes
This Mojito Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, flavorful dishes like grilled seafood, fresh ceviche, or tapas such as patatas bravas and garlic shrimp. The citrus and mint brightness in the drink beautifully counterbalance savory and spicy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your mojito in a tall, clear glass to showcase the vibrant green mint and lime wedges. For a fun twist, use crushed ice instead of cubes—this creates a slushy texture perfect for hot days. You can also rim the glass lightly with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because mojitos are best served fresh, it’s ideal to enjoy them right away. However, if you have leftovers, store the mixture without club soda in the fridge in a sealed container and add the soda just before serving to keep the fizz.
Freezing
Freezing a mojito is not generally recommended as the ice and carbonation will lose their texture, and the mint flavor can turn bitter once thawed. Instead, prepare fresh for every serving.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, no-cook beverage, reheating doesn’t apply here. Your mojito is best enjoyed chilled and fresh from the glass.
FAQs
Can I use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar?
Absolutely! Simple syrup dissolves more easily than sugar granules, creating a smoother, more blended sweetness. It’s a great option if you want your mojito perfectly even in texture and flavor.
What type of rum works best for a mojito?
White rum is traditional because of its light, clean flavor that complements the fresh mint and lime. Avoid darker rums as they can overpower the delicate balance of this classic cocktail.
Can I make a non-alcoholic mojito?
Yes! Simply omit the rum and replace it with extra club soda or a splash of sparkling water. You still get the refreshing mint and lime flavors, making it a perfect mocktail.
How much sugar should I add if I prefer a sweeter mojito?
You can increase sugar according to your taste. Start with the recommended 2 teaspoons, then add more gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the level of sweetness you love.
Is crushed ice better than ice cubes for mojitos?
Crushed ice melts faster and dilutes the drink more quickly but gives a slushy, refreshing texture that many enjoy, especially on hot days. Ice cubes melt slower and keep the flavor more consistent throughout sipping.
Final Thoughts
This Mojito Recipe is a charming celebration of simplicity and vibrant flavors, perfect for any occasion that calls for something bright and uplifting. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try, whether you’re a seasoned cocktail lover or a first-time mixologist. Once you make it, you’ll find it hard to resist reaching for a fresh mojito time and time again.
Print
Mojito Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This classic Mojito recipe is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that perfectly balances the brightness of fresh mint and lime with the smoothness of white rum. Ideal for a hot summer day, this drink combines muddled mint leaves and lime wedges with rum, sugar, and club soda for a crisp and invigorating beverage.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1/2 cup club soda
- Ice cubes
- Extra mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle mint and lime: Place the mint leaves and one lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush them together gently, releasing the oils from the mint and the juice from the lime.
- Add sugar and lime wedges: Add the remaining lime wedges and granulated sugar to the glass. Muddle again to mix and dissolve the sugar with the citrus juice and mint oils.
- Add ice and rum: Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour in 1 1/2 oz of white rum over the ice.
- Top with club soda: Pour 1/2 cup of club soda into the glass and stir gently with a spoon to combine all ingredients evenly without losing the carbonation.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the mojito with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge. Serve the drink immediately while it’s cold and refreshing.
Notes
- For a sweeter mojito, increase the sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Substitute granulated sugar with simple syrup for a smoother blend and ease of mixing.
- Use crushed ice instead of ice cubes to make the mojito extra refreshing and chill your drink faster.
