The mojito is one of the world’s most loved cocktails—a refreshing mix of mint, lime, sugar, rum, and soda water.
Originating from Cuba, this drink perfectly balances sweetness, citrus, and herbal notes, making it a go-to choice for hot days and social gatherings.
Best of all, you don’t need to be a professional bartender to make one at home. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a crisp, cool mojito whenever you like.
Mojito Recipe
The mojito is a light and refreshing cocktail that combines the brightness of fresh lime, the cooling essence of mint, and the sweetness of sugar with the smooth kick of white rum.
It’s then topped with sparkling soda water for a bubbly finish.
This drink is traditionally served over ice, making it both thirst-quenching and satisfying.
The combination of flavors makes it versatile—it pairs well with summer barbecues, seafood dishes, or can be enjoyed on its own as a relaxing evening drink.
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
- ½ lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 2 teaspoons white sugar (or to taste)
- 2 ounces white rum
- ½ cup club soda (sparkling water)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions
1. Muddle the Mint and Lime
Place the mint leaves and two lime wedges into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to gently press down, releasing the lime juice and mint oils.
Don’t overdo it—you want to bruise the mint, not shred it. This step is key to building the mojito’s signature fresh flavor.
2. Add the Sugar
Sprinkle the sugar over the muddled mixture.
Press lightly again with the muddler to mix the flavors. The sugar helps balance the tart lime and enhances the aroma of the mint.
3. Pour in the Rum
Add the white rum and stir the mixture well, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. Rum is the heart of the mojito, giving the drink its smooth, tropical character.
4. Add Ice and Club Soda
Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour club soda over the top. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break up the mint leaves too much.
The bubbles from the soda water give the mojito its refreshing effervescence.
5. Garnish and Finish
Add the remaining lime wedges and a fresh mint sprig for garnish. This not only makes the drink look beautiful but also enhances its aroma as you sip.
How to Serve It
The mojito is traditionally served in a highball glass filled with ice. It’s perfect as a single serving, but you can also scale up the recipe to make a pitcher for parties.
If you want to get creative, you can experiment with variations like strawberry mojitos, pineapple mojitos, or even a virgin (non-alcoholic) mojito by skipping the rum and adding extra soda water.
Always serve chilled for maximum refreshment.
Conclusion
The mojito is more than just a cocktail—it’s a refreshing experience that combines simple ingredients into something special.
By learning the basic recipe, you open the door to endless variations and flavor twists.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or unwinding after a long day, a homemade mojito is the perfect way to add a little sparkle and freshness to your glass.