When it comes to refreshing cocktails, few can rival a well-made Mojito. Sipping a Mojito always tastes like vacation and feels like summer all year round.
The roots of the Mojito can be traced back to Havana, Cuba, during the late 16th century. Originally known as “El Draque,” the drink was crafted by Francis Drake and his ship crew. Ernest Hemingway was famously a fan, ordering them at the Havana bar La Bodeguita del Medio.
More refreshing cocktails: Paloma, Tom Collins, Caipirinha, Margarita, Dark & Stormy, French 75, Ranch Water, Mint Julep.
A mojito is a refreshing classic cocktail to make at home. It’s simple, sweet, and the perfect cocktail to make this weekend. This is the best at-home mojito recipe, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do.
Here’s a video on how to make a mojito in under one minute:
Best Mojito Ingredients:
- White Rum Choose a light rum such as Bacardi Silver Rum.
- Lime Juice freshly squeezed.
- Simple Syrup (or up the flavor with Mint Simple Syrup)
- Club Soda to top
- Fresh Mint Leaves used for both muddling and garnish.
Instructions
Prepare a glass by muddling (smashing lightly) the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. This step releases fragrant minty oils. A few taps with a wood muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) should do the job.
In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass.
Add ice and top off with the club soda.
Garnish with a mint sprig.
Different Types of Rum:
- White Rum: White rum allows the flavors of the mint and lime to shine through. It provides a clean and smooth base for a refreshing Mojito.
- Aged Rum: For a richer and more complex profile, consider using an aged rum. The notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice complement the mint and lime, resulting in a sophisticated Mojito experience.
- Dark Rum: If you prefer a more intense flavor, dark rum can add depth to your Mojito. It offers a distinct molasses-like sweetness.
Mint Varieties:
Mint plays a crucial role in the Mojito, providing a refreshing and aromatic profile. While spearmint is the traditional choice for crafting this cocktail, there are other varieties worth exploring to add unique flavor dimensions.
Here are a few popular types of mint to consider:
- Spearmint: This is the most commonly used mint for Mojitos. It offers a cool, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Peppermint: With a more intense and minty taste, peppermint can add an invigorating twist to your Mojito.
- Thai Mint: This mint has a vibrant green color with purple stems and leaves that are slightly elongated and pointed. Its aroma is reminiscent of anise and licorice, and has a bold flavor can be fun in a Mojito.
Mojito Variations
More Rum Cocktails:
- Dark and Stormy Cocktail
- Best Pina Colada
- Blue Hawaiian
- Queen’s Park Swizzle
- How to Make a Daiquiri
- Rum Runner
In the recipe below, you’ll see that muddling the mint leaves is an important step. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use a spoon or the end of a wooden spoon.
The goal is to smash the mint leaves in the mix so they release their oils, as this enhances the flavor and the aroma.
And, major bonus points if you use chipped or pebble ice. This really elevates any at-home drink. Sometimes, I will buy a bag from Sonic and keep it in my freezer—especially if I’m hosting a party. Cheers! xo. Emma
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Ingredients
- 2 ½ ounces rum (white)
- 1 ounce lime juice (fresh)
- 1 ounce simple syrup (see recipe notes)
- 8 mint leaves (fresh)
- club soda (or sparkling water)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
- Muddle (smash) the mint leaves well.
- Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass.
- Add ice and top off with the club soda.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Notes
- You can buy simple syrup or make your own. The simplest way is to combine equal parts water and sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved, and do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Cool and use as needed, or store in a container in the refrigerator and use for months as needed.
- You can use any rum, but white rum is traditional. And you can use plain club soda or sparkling water instead of lime-flavored, but I think lime-flavored is just a little better.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Mojitos are the perfect refreshing drink!
I love to have mojitos, it’s my summer go to, I’m looking forward to try this recipe.
Excited to try this recipe
🌲🌲🌲
I have so much mint to use up and this was the perfect use! Thanks!
Refreshing and perfect for a hot summer evening!
Love a mojito!
Perfect!
Looks very yummy! I love everthing mint-y 🤩
Delicious!!
Yum!
So good for the summer heat!
Great classic recipe.
Perfect ratio of ingredients! Turns out delicious every time. 🙂
Yumm! Favorite so far! Can’t wait to sip my way thru them all!
I just planted my first herb garden and put in Peppermint, mojito mint and grapefruit mint. Excited to try this recipe with each of them and see how they turn out!
I was wondering if we could change the type of rum or brand.
Yes- use any brand of rum you have on hand. We recommend light rum, but I have used dark before and it still works great!
I never heard of a mojito drink; however, this mint mojito sounds so refreshing – thanks for the recipe!
The best mojito recipe you can make at home!
Perfect for summer! Thank you for the basic steps- can’t beat a classic!