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This classic Mojito recipe creates one of the most refreshing cocktails you can make at home. Made with white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and bubbly club soda, this Cuban cocktail is crisp, citrusy, and perfect for summer parties, backyard barbecues, or relaxing on the patio.
This drink is like summer in a glass! I feel like I’m on a beach somewhere, and all I did was open my fridge. Minty, zesty, and so refreshing!
-Becky
What Is a Mojito?
A mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail made with white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and club soda. Known for its bright citrus flavor and refreshing mint, it’s one of the world’s most popular rum cocktails and is especially refreshing during warm weather.
Looking for more cool drinks to try? Mix up my Virgin Piña Colada, sweet and spiked Gummy Bear shots, or citrus flavored Orange Creamsicle Jello Shots. They are perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying a quiet moment for yourself. Or try these Red, White and Blue shots for your next holiday party.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- white rum– gives a smooth, balanced flavor.
- fresh lime juice– keeps it bright and refreshing.
- sugar or simple syrup– Sweetens the drink and helps bring out the flavor of the mint.
- fresh mint leaves– Gives the drink it’s fresh taste.
- Club soda– Adds a refreshing fizz.
- Lime wedge and mint sprig– Optional, but adds to the presentation.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below
Variations
- Strawberry Mojito: Muddle 2 to 3 fresh strawberries with the mint and lime before mixing the drink. The strawberries add a touch of sweetness and a pretty pink color.
- Raspberry Mojito: Swap the strawberries for a handful of fresh raspberries for a sweet and slightly tart variation that’s just as refreshing.
- Pineapple Mojito: Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist that’s perfect for summer parties or relaxing by the pool.
- Watermelon Mojito: Muddle a few cubes of fresh watermelon with the mint and lime for a light, fruity cocktail that’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
- Mango Mojito: Stir in a little mango puree or muddle fresh mango for a sweet tropical flavor that’s perfect for summer.
- Coconut Mojito: Replace some of the club soda with coconut water, or add a splash of coconut rum for an extra tropical flavor.
- Frozen Mojito: Blend all of the ingredients with ice until smooth for a frozen version that’s perfect for cooling off on warm summer days.
- Virgin Mojito: Skip the rum and replace it with a little extra club soda or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing, family-friendly mocktail everyone can enjoy.
How to Make a Mojito Cocktail
- In a tall sturdy glass (like a highball glass), muddle the mint leaves and sugar with the lime juice. Press gently to release the mint oils without tearing the leaves.
- Add ice to the glass. Pour in the white rum and stir to combine the flavors.
- Top with club soda and stir again gently to mix.
- Garnish with lime wedges or lime wheel and a sprig of mint for a fresh look.
How to Make Mojitos for a Crowd
This mojito recipe is easy to scale and perfect for parties or gatherings.
Pitcher mojitos: Combine 2 cups rum, 1 cup fresh lime juice, and ½ cup simple syrup, then add mint and top with soda just before serving.
- Mix the rum, lime juice, and sweetener ahead of time
- Add fresh mint just before serving
- Top each glass with club soda right before serving to keep it bubbly
This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the mint from becoming too strong.
Expert Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice: Freshly juice is always the best, although you can use bottled lime juice if you’re in a pinch.
- Be gentle when muddling mint: You don’t want to smash them down, just gently press them so it releases the oils.
- Chill your glass before building the drink: A nice cold glass helps the ice stay fresh longer so it doesn’t water down your drink. I also throw the rum in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes before making this drink.
- Adjust the sweetness or lime: Add just a bit more or less, depending on your personal taste.
- Use a cocktail shaker: You can muddle the mint, lime juice, and sugar directly in a cocktail shaker. Add the rum and ice, give it a quick shake, then strain into a glass and top with club soda. Just be careful not to shake too hard so the mint stays fresh and bright and don’t add the club soda to the shaker!
Planning a gathering? Serve this drink with light bites like these easy Fruit Skewers, or 3 Ingredient Grape Jelly Meatballs. Finish the evening with a peanut butter chocolate cake or a Patriotic S’mores Dip.
Mojito Recipe FAQs
Yes, simple syrup blends more easily and gives the drink a smoother texture. Replace the sugar with about half an ounce of syrup.
White rum is the best choice for mojitos. It has a clean flavor that pairs perfectly with the mint and lime without overpowering the drink.
Definitely. Multiply the ingredients by four or more and build the drink in a pitcher. Add the club soda and ice just before serving so it stays fizzy and doesn’t get watered down.
If you do not have a cocktail muddler, you can use the handle of a wooden spoon to gently press the mint and sugar in the bottom of your glass. If you have a mortar and pestle, you can muddle the mint in that before adding it to your drink. Another hint, you can use anything on hand you have to press the mint leaves.
More Easy Drink Recipes
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Recipe is intended for adults 21 and over, when alcohol is added. Please drink responsibly and follow the legal drinking age in your country or region.
Mojito Recipe
Equipment
- Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar, or 1/2 ounce simple syrup.
- 6-8 mint leaves
- club soda
Optional: lime wedges, wheels, or mint sprigs for garnish.
Instructions
- In a tall sturdy glass (like a highball glass), muddle the mint leaves and sugar with the lime juice. Press gently to release the mint oils without tearing the leaves
- Add ice to fill the glass. Pour in the white rum and stir to combine the flavors
- Top with club soda and stir again gently to mix
- Garnish with lime wedges or wheel and a sprig of mint for a fresh look
Video
Notes
- Be gentle when muddling mint: You don’t want to smash them down, just gently press them so it releases the oils.
- Chill your glass before building the drink: A nice cold glass helps the ice stay fresh longer so it doesn’t water down your drink. I also throw the rum in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes before making this drink.
- Use a cocktail shaker: You can muddle the mint, lime juice, and sugar directly in a cocktail shaker. Add the rum and ice, give it a quick shake, then strain into a glass and top with club soda. Just be careful not to shake too hard so the mint stays fresh and bright and don’t add the club soda to the shaker!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is my favorite vacation drink! And now I can make it at home!