Blueberry Basil Mojito Recipe – A beautifully refreshing twist on the classic Cuban mojito, the Blueberry Basil Mojito blends juicy blueberries, fragrant basil leaves, crisp lime, and sparkling soda into a drink that tastes as vibrant as it looks. This cocktail feels like summer in a glass — bright, herbaceous, lightly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic. The combination of fruit and herbs creates a layered flavor profile where each sip reveals new notes of citrus, berry, and garden-fresh basil. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, relaxing on a warm afternoon, or elevating your home bartending skills, this drink is as impressive visually as it is delicious in taste.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Active Time: 10 minutes
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Resting Time: None
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Cuisines: Cuban-inspired / Contemporary Cocktail
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Course: Drinks / Cocktails
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Servings: 1 glass
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Calories (approx.): 190–210 kcal per serving
Equipment Needed
To prepare this cocktail smoothly, you’ll need:
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Cocktail muddler
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Cocktail shaker or sturdy mixing glass
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Bar spoon
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Highball or Collins glass
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Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother finish)
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Crushed ice or ice cubes
While a shaker helps integrate flavors, this drink can also be built directly in the glass if preferred.
Ingredients
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2 oz white rum
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¾ oz fresh lime juice
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¾ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
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6–8 fresh blueberries
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4–5 fresh basil leaves
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Club soda or sparkling water (to top)
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Crushed ice
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Extra blueberries and basil sprig — for garnish
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Lime wheel or wedge — optional garnish
For a lighter, lower-alcohol version, simply reduce the rum and increase club soda.
Instructions
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Add the fruit and herbs.
Place fresh blueberries and basil leaves into the bottom of your shaker or mixing glass. -
Muddle gently.
Use a muddler to press the ingredients just enough to release juices and basil aroma — avoid over-crushing to prevent bitterness. -
Add liquid ingredients.
Pour in the white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. -
Lightly shake or stir.
Add ice and briefly shake (or stir) to combine and chill without over-diluting. -
Prepare your serving glass.
Fill a highball or Collins glass with crushed ice. -
Strain or pour.
Strain the mixture over the ice for a smooth texture, or pour unstrained for a rustic, fruit-forward version. -
Top with fizz.
Add a splash of club soda to lift the flavors and create refreshing bubbles. -
Garnish and serve.
Finish with a basil sprig, a few blueberries, and an optional lime wheel.
Serve immediately and enjoy chilled.
Flavor Profile & Serving Notes
This mojito variation is bright, juicy, and beautifully layered:
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Basil adds herbal depth and subtle peppery freshness.
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Blueberries bring gentle sweetness and berry richness.
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Lime provides crisp citrus brightness.
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Rum offers a smooth structure without overpowering the fruit.
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Club soda keeps the cocktail light and effervescent.
The balance can easily be customized:
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For a sweeter drink, increase the simple syrup slightly.
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For a tart finish — add a touch more lime juice.
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For a deeper berry flavor, muddle extra blueberries or use berry-infused syrup.
It pairs wonderfully with summer dishes such as grilled seafood, fresh salads, light appetizers, fruit platters, and cheese boards.
Nutrition
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
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Calories: 190–210 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 16–20 g
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Sugars: 15–18 g
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Fat: 0 g
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Protein: 0–1 g
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Sodium: <5 mg
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Alcohol content varies by rum brand and pour size.
These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands, syrup sweetness, and portion adjustments.
Because the drink contains fresh herbs and fruit, it is best prepared and served immediately. However, you may pre-mix the rum, lime juice, and syrup for entertaining, then muddle blueberries and basil fresh in each glass for optimal aroma.
Tips, Variations & Creative Twists
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Basil-mint blend: Use half basil and half fresh mint for a classic-meets-modern flavor.
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Sparkling wine version: Replace club soda with prosecco for a celebratory twist.
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Frozen mojito variation: Blend ingredients with ice for a slush-style summer drink.
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Mocktail alternative: Skip rum, increase blueberries, and top with sparkling water or lemonade.
Each variation keeps the refreshing essence while offering unique character and depth.
Final Thoughts
The Blueberry Basil Mojito is more than just a cocktail — it’s an uplifting, sensory experience full of color, aroma, and bright seasonal flavor. By combining fresh ingredients with simple technique, you can create a drink that feels refined yet fun, perfect for gatherings, warm evenings, or moments when you want something vibrant and refreshing.
