I’ve got so much mint in my backyard that it would be irresponsible to not make a batch of mojitos. The classic mojito recipe is a Cuban-born summer favorite made with white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice (or wedges), sugar (simple syrup), and a splash of soda water for a little fizz.
Mint leaves provide the cocktail’s iconic minty flavor that adds loads of freshness to each sip. The cocktail is thought to have first appeared in Sloppy Joe’s Bar Cocktail Manual in 1932.
The classic mojito makes for a great starting point for several fruitier spinoffs—like my blackberry mojito. The best part is you can basically muddle in any fruit you want and have different cocktails. Build your own mojito bar, anyone?
How to Make a Mojito
This classic cocktail is created by muddling together fresh lime wedges, fresh mint leaves, and sugar. The mojito is then shaken in a shaker or stirred in a serving glass with unaged white rum and topped with soda water. Always serve in a highball or narrow glass.
Tips & Tricks
- Invest in a good muddler: A muddler is a cocktail device used to mash and pulverize fruits and fresh herbs in order to extract flavors and juices. They’re inexpensive and a solid addition to any home bar set. It makes the whole process much easier.
- Simple syrup is the key to a good mojito. Liquid sugar syrup easily mixes/dissolves into the cocktail instead of sinking to the bottom like granulated sugar. You can buy simple syrup or easily make your own by heating equal parts sugar and water on the stovetop. Simple syrup can also be made in the microwave in a pinch.
- Add your favorite fruits: This recipe can be easily fruited by muddling in fresh or frozen fruits. It’s a great way to add flavor and the options are endless. Try blackberry, blueberry, kiwi, pineapple, strawberry, mango, or even sliced cucumber.
- Use mojito mint, spearmint, or peppermint: Mojito mint is the mildest mint and the official mint for the cocktail. Spearmint is most readily available at most grocery stores year-round and has the most intense flavor. Peppermint is another great mild alternative.
- Slap a mint sprig on the back of your hand before garnishing: This method releases the oils and makes the mint more aromatic with every sip.
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Mojito Recipe
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
The classic mojito is a refreshing summer favorite made with white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice (or wedges), sugar (simple syrup), and soda water for a little fizz.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces white rum
- 2 ounces club soda
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, or 3 lime wedges
- 6–7 mint leaves
- 1/2–3/4 ounce simple syrup (1 tablespoon of sugar will do)
- Cup of ice
Instructions
- In a Boston shaker, muddle limes, mint leaves, (optional fruit), and simple syrup until pulverized. Add rum and ice and shake or stir vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Pour contents into a glass (no straining) and top with two ounces of club soda. Stir and garnish with mint leaves.
Notes
Use mojito mint, spearmint, or peppermint: Mojito mint is the mildest mint and the official mint for the cocktail. Spearmint is most readily available at most grocery stores year-round and has the most intense flavor. Peppermint is another great mild alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 10.7g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: .02g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13.6g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Protein: 0.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: classic mojito, how to make a mojito
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