Cool down this summer with this refreshing Cuban cocktail. The classic mojito recipe is a perfect blend of fresh mint and lime, with white rum and a touch of sweetness.
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I think it's officially summer once I have a mojito in my hands, I don't worry about what the calendar tells me.
This Cuban cocktail is truly refreshing - it's minty, sweet, tart, and bubbly! The key is in the balance of flavors.
This classic mojito recipe offers the best of both worlds - a bit sweet (from easy simple syrup) and a bit tart from fresh lime juice. Serve it for a crowd at your next cookout or sip it solo on the deck on a warm summer evening.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- mint: this is the star of the show. You can muddle it using a muddler or simply smack it between your hands to wake it up. Use fresh leaves to garnish.
- lime: use fresh lime for the brightest flavor.
- rum: white Rum is typical for mojitos. I use Bacardi or Havana Club but any white rum will work.
- sweetener: using a quick simple syrup instead of adding sugar eliminates sugar crystals in your drink. Simply boil a kettle of water and combine with sugar!
- bubbly: I like to use the lime flavored Bubly in this drink to accentuate the lime flavor.
Substitutions
- bubbly: use whatever club soda or bubbly water you prefer.
No muddler? Just smack the mint in your hands. Muddling mint releases its oils and flavors.
Instructions
Prep Tips
For the simple syrup, combine equal amounts of boiling water and sugar and stir until dissolved. You can also use the stove-top method as in my simple syrup blog post. Let the syrup cool and then make the cocktail.
If not using a muddler, place 4-6 mint leaves in your hands and smack them a few times.
- Place the mint leaves in a cocktail glass with the lime juice.
- Muddle a few times to just slightly bruise the leaves.
- Add ice and then the simple syrup and rum. Give a gentle stir.
- Top with bubbly water.
Garnish and serve.
Tips for making mojitos
- Using fresh mint leaves is the key to a good mojito!
- Fresh lime is always a little zippier than bottled lime and you can use the limes to garnish the drink.
- Garnishing your cocktails makes them look great when serving.
- Use a flavored bubbly water for a simple twist.
- Add fruit to customize - try blackberries or raspberries.
What to serve with a mojito
Mojitos are a refreshing cocktail and perfect serve at a summer happy hour with snacks like tortilla chips and guacamole or mango salsa, or finger foods like coconut chicken with honey dill sauce, or cheeseburger spring rolls.
More Cocktail Recipes
Storage
This drink is best made as needed. The simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
FAQs
White rum is typically used in a Mojito cocktail.
Recipe
Classic Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 4 mint leaves plus more to garnish
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup or to taste
- 2 oz sparkling water
- ice
Instructions
- If you don't have a cocktail muddler, smack the mint a few times between your hands and then carry on with the recipe.
- Add the mint leaves and lime juice to a glass. Muddle the leaves a few times.
- Add ice, simple syrup, and rum. Give a little stir.
- Fill with bubbly water. Garnish with lime wheels and mint leaves and serve.
Video
Notes
Fresh lime is always a little zippier than bottled lime and you can use the limes to garnish the drink.
Use a flavored bubbly water for a simple twist.
You can add fruit to customize - try blackberries or raspberries.
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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