Fresh Mint Mojitos
Use up that fresh garden mint in this oh-so refreshing classic mint mojito recipe. The bright, fresh flavors of fresh lime juice are lightly sweetened with sugar, then topped with white rum, and a splash of soda. It's an easy-to-make and much-loved summer cocktail that's perfect for sipping on hot days, or anytime!
Enjoy this refreshing drink in the sunshine with a patio-friendly snack like our summer peach salsa or corn guacamole with crispy tortilla chips.
This recipe was originally published in 2012. We've updated the post with some new photos and more information, but we've left the delicious recipe exactly the same.
Grab some mint from the garden and get muddling! This refreshing drink is the real deal – a classic Cuban cocktail that's bursting with the simple yet traditional flavors of fresh-squeezed lime, mint, sugar, and rum. You'll love how easy this pretty cocktail is to make in under 10 minutes with just a few ingredients. We keep things casual by making and serving it in the same glass, which also means clean-up is a breeze. Make a big batch because it's the perfect drink for sipping with friends and family all summer long!
What is a mojito
The classic mint mojito is a popular rum drink that originates from Cuba. It's a simple mixed drink made with traditional Cuban ingredients: lime, mint, sugar, white rum, and soda. It's believed it was originally made as a medicinal drink to ward off illness. This summertime cocktail has become a worldwide favorite with countless delicious variations – don't miss our tips below to put your own spin on this classic cocktail!
Here's what you'll need to make a classic mint mojito
When it comes to fresh cocktails, the better your ingredients, the better the cocktail. For this classic mint mojito, you'll need:
- Lime – freshly juiced limes for their zesty, bright flavor.
- Mint – fresh mint, and lots of it! Save some for garnishing at the end.
- Sugar – fine white sugar is traditional and adds a wonderful sweet balance.
- White rum – white rum is also traditional for mojitos.
- Soda – any type of carbonated water or seltzer for added sparkle.
You'll also need a couple of simple kitchen tools:
- Tall glass – a collins or pint glass, or any other tall glass for serving.
- Muddler – a long, thick stick designed to smash and mix herbs and other ingredients together for drinks. They are like a bartender's pestle and can be made of wood, plastic, or steel (although, avoid using steel to muddle directly in the glass so you don't crack it.) You could also use the back of a wooden spoon.
How to make a classic mint mojito
You can choose how much sugar to add depending on how sweet you like your cocktails. Using one teaspoon will make a mojito that is fairly tart, two teaspoons make a more traditionally sweet mojito. A classic mint mojito is surprisingly simple to make in just a few easy steps:
- Place the lime slices, mint leaves, and sugar into a tall glass.
- Muddle them well for at least 10 seconds so that the juices release from the lime and mint.
- Fill the glass with fresh ice, add the rum, and a splash of soda water.
Full recipe instructions are in the recipe card below.
Tip: Making a mojito this way is wonderfully easy-going, but it does make a casual, slightly messy cocktail. For a prettier drink, strain the lime juice after you muddle it into a new glass before adding the rum and soda ā it's what we did for the photos.
Make a mojito pitcher for your party
This is the perfect summery cocktail to enjoy with company on a hot day. It's a refreshing crowd-pleaser for serving at backyard barbecues or special occasions like birthday parties, baby or bridal showers, and weddings. Make a large batch in a pitcher to get the party started! Just keep in mind that it's best enjoyed right away so the ice doesn't melt and dilute the other flavors.
Mojito variations to try
There are so many ways to mix up this classic cocktail. Here are a few variations that taste great:
- Fruit mojito – add fresh fruit for sweetness and flavor (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, orange, or mango are all delicious)
- Cucumber mojito – muddle in some refreshing cucumber slices.
- Spicy mojito – add fresh jalapeno or serrano chili slices to taste.
- Lemon balm mojito – lemon balm is an herb from the same family as mint. It has a slightly minty flavor with a hint of lemon.
- Coconut mojito – add a splash of hydrating coconut water.
- Frozen mojito – blend it all together for a refreshing slushy mojito.
FAQS
Mojitos are best enjoyed right away. When the ice melts, it dilutes the drink and changes the flavor.
White rum is traditional for a mojito but any rum could work. A darker rum will of course make the drink a darker color and give it a more full-bodied flavor.
This is a cocktail that's easy to make non-alcoholic and tastes lovely without the rum. Just add more soda water to fill the glass.
What to serve with a classic mint mojito
Sip your mojito patio-side with all things grilled on the barbecue! For a light snack, we love it with a simple bowl of chunky grilled guacamole and some tortilla chips, or juicy prosciutto wrapped grilled peaches.
Serve it with our best grilled chicken breast and a side of summer tomato and grilled corn salad for a heartier complete meal.
Popular mojito recipes
Fresh Mint Mojitos
If you love this recipe as much as we do, let us know with a 5-star rating!
Ingredients
- 1 lime, sliced into 4 slices
- 10 mint leaves
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ounces white rum
- Soda, to top
Instructions
- Place the lime slices, mint leaves, and sugar into a tall glass.10 mint leaves, 1-2 teaspoons sugar, 1 lime
- Muddle well for at least 10 seconds to squeeze the juice from the lime and release the flavor from the mint leaves.
- Fill the glass with ice then add the rum and top with soda water.2 ounces white rum, Soda
This mojito turned out perfectly! Great mint flavor and light and refreshing. Will make it again soon!
Couple of tips that make this drink even better! Add loads and loads of ice, preferrably crushed. This makes for an even more refreshing drink. Also, don’t muddle the mint (just the limes and sugar), as this releases bitter oils, just slap it around a little bit. Enjoy!