Classic Mojito Recipe – Refreshing, Easy, and Perfect for Summer
When it comes to refreshing summer cocktails, nothing beats the classic Mojito Recipe. Originating from Cuba, the mojito is a timeless favorite that combines the brightness of fresh mint, the tang of lime, and the subtle sweetness of sugar, all enhanced by a splash of white rum and topped with bubbly soda water. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that makes it an ideal drink for warm-weather gatherings, barbecues, or relaxing evenings.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or enjoying a quiet moment on the porch, this simple yet sophisticated cocktail is sure to elevate your experience. With just a few ingredients and minimal equipment, you can whip up a mojito that’s crisp, cool, and undeniably satisfying.
Nutrition & Instructions
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Active Time: 5 minutes
- Resting Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Course: Beverage, Cocktail
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories per Serving: ~160 kcal
Equipment
- Highball glass (or any tall glass)
- Muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon)
- Bar spoon or regular spoon
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Straw (optional)
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
- 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or simple syrup)
- 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
- Ice cubes
- Club soda (to top off)
Optional Garnishes:
- Lime wheel or wedge
- Extra mint sprig
- Sugar rim (for extra flair)
Instructions
Step 1: Muddle the Lime and Mint
Place the mint leaves and lime wedges into a sturdy glass. Add the sugar on top. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently mash the ingredients together. The goal is to release the lime juice and mint oils without shredding the mint to bits. This step is crucial for infusing your mojito with flavor.
Step 2: Add the Rum
Pour in the white rum and stir gently to dissolve the sugar and combine the flavors. If you’re using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar, you can skip the dissolving step.
Step 3: Add Ice
Fill the glass with ice cubes. Crushed ice can be used for a more traditional look and quicker chill.
Step 4: Top with Club Soda
Pour club soda over the ice until the glass is nearly full. Stir gently from the bottom to mix.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge or wheel. Serve immediately with a straw for easy sipping.
Tips for the Perfect Mojito
- Use Fresh Mint: Spearmint is the traditional choice, and its light, sweet flavor is ideal for cocktails.
- Don’t Over-Muddle: Crushing mint too harshly can result in a bitter taste. Gently press just enough to release the oils.
- Simple Syrup Substitute: If you prefer a smoother texture without undissolved sugar, use simple syrup instead (1:1 ratio of sugar to water).
- Chill Everything: Using cold ingredients, including pre-chilled rum and soda, helps keep your drink crisp without too much melting ice.
- Adjust to Taste: Some like their mojitos sweeter, others more tart. Taste and tweak your ratios to suit your preference.
Variations
- Strawberry Mojito: Add a few muddled strawberries along with the lime and mint.
- Pineapple Mojito: Use pineapple juice instead of club soda for a tropical twist.
- Coconut Mojito: Replace white rum with coconut rum and add a splash of coconut water.
- No-Alcohol Mojito (Mocktail): Omit the rum and add more club soda or a splash of lemonade.
Pairing Suggestions
A mojito is a versatile cocktail that pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled seafood like shrimp or fish tacos
- Light appetizers such as ceviche or bruschetta
- Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrettes
- Cuban dishes like ropa vieja or plantain chips
Conclusion
This Mojito Recipe delivers a perfectly balanced cocktail that is as invigorating as it is easy to make. The blend of mint, lime, sugar, rum, and soda water creates a delightful drink that’s both refreshing and flavorful. Whether you’re sipping it poolside or toasting with friends at dinner, this classic Cuban cocktail is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any sunny day. Cheers to good times and great drinks!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.