Mojito
A refreshing Cuban highball cocktail traditionally made with white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime juice, sparkling water, and mint.
What is this drink?
The Mojito is Cuba's most beloved export after cigars and salsa — a tall, refreshing highball built on the trio of fresh mint, tart lime juice, and white rum, lengthened with club soda and sweetened with sugar. Its origins trace back centuries in Havana, where sugarcane spirits, citrus, and mint were plentiful, and the combination was simply inevitable.
Why you'll love it
Every sip delivers an explosion of cool mint aromatics, bright lime acidity, and a light rum backbone that stays perfectly in the background. It looks spectacular in a tall glass packed with crushed ice and a mint sprig bouquet, and it is genuinely one of the most refreshing cocktails ever conceived.
When to serve
The Mojito is a summer party essential — serve it at backyard barbecues, beach gatherings, rooftop parties, or any occasion that calls for something festive and cooling. It pairs exceptionally well with Cuban food, grilled seafood, and spicy dishes that benefit from the drink's bright, cooling counterpoint.
Pro tip
Never over-muddle the mint. Press the leaves gently with the muddler just long enough to bruise them and release their fragrant oils — vigorous pounding tears the leaves and releases chlorophyll, turning the drink bitter and green. Use granulated sugar rather than syrup for better extraction during muddling, and always top with soda right before serving.
White Rum
The light, clean spirit backbone of the Mojito. Un-aged white rum brings subtle sweetness and a hint of sugarcane without overwhelming the mint and lime. A rum with slight agricole character adds earthy depth.
Fresh Lime Juice
The essential acid component that brightens the entire drink. Freshly squeezed lime juice brings vibrant, aromatic tartness that works in harmony with the mint — never use bottled lime juice here.
Fresh Mint
The defining ingredient that makes a Mojito unmistakable. Spearmint is traditional, with its sweet, cool fragrance. The leaves are gently bruised to release their essential oils into the drink.
Club Soda
The effervescent backbone that lifts the drink and makes it refreshing and long. It dilutes and lengthens the cocktail without adding sweetness or flavor, keeping the mint and lime front and center.
Swap Options
For a rum-free version, omit the rum and add more soda for a Virgin Mojito. Swap white rum for aged rum for a richer, more complex Mojito. Try coconut rum for a tropical twist, or use sparkling lemonade instead of plain club soda and lime juice for a shortcut version. Basil or lemon thyme can replace mint for a completely different aromatic profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Muddle mint and lime
In a sturdy glass (like a highball glass), gently muddle (crush) 6-8 fresh mint leaves with 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lime juice and 2 teaspoons granulated sugar. Muddle just enough to release the oils from the mint, avoiding tearing the leaves.
Tips:
- •Do not over-muddle the mint, as it can make the drink bitter.
Add rum and ice
Add 2 ounces (60 ml) white rum to the glass. Fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice.
Tips:
- •Crushed ice works best for Mojitos as it chills the drink quickly and provides a good texture.
Top with club soda
Top the mixture with 2 ounces (60 ml) of club soda or sparkling water.
Tips:
- •Adjust the amount of club soda to your preference for a stronger or lighter drink.
Stir and garnish
Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the sugar is dissolved. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Tips:
- •Give the mint sprig a gentle clap between your hands before garnishing to release its aroma.
Flavor Profile
Alcohol Content
Fun Fact
Bartender's Tips
- For a sweeter Mojito, add more sugar or simple syrup to taste.
- Experiment with different fruits like berries or watermelon for a fruity Mojito variation.
- Use good quality white rum for the best flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and increase the lime juice and club soda.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Strawberry Mojito
Muddle fresh strawberries along with the mint for a fruity, rose-hued twist. The sweetness of ripe strawberries complements the rum and balances the tartness of lime, making it a crowd-pleasing summer favourite.
Coconut Mojito
Swap white rum for coconut rum and add a splash of coconut cream. The tropical flavour pairs beautifully with mint and lime, transporting you to a beachside bar with every sip.
Spicy Mojito
Muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño with the mint for a cocktail that delivers both cool freshness and a lingering heat. The contrast between the spice and the sparkling soda makes it surprisingly addictive.
Tools that make this drink come together
Muddler
Essential for gently pressing the mint leaves and releasing their fragrant oils without over-bruising them. Over-muddling creates bitter, astringent flavours, so a light touch is key.
Highball Glass
The tall format gives plenty of room for ice, mint, and soda, while keeping the drink cold and fizzy from top to bottom. A wide mouth lets the mint aroma enhance each sip.
Bar Spoon
Used to gently stir the drink after adding soda water, combining the layers without losing carbonation. A long handle reaches the bottom of a tall glass easily.
Can't Find These?
No muddler? Use the handle of a wooden spoon to press the mint. Any tall glass works in place of a highball. A regular teaspoon can substitute for a bar spoon — just stir gently.
The right glass makes a real difference
Highball Glass
The Mojito's natural home is a tall highball glass, which accommodates generous amounts of ice, fresh mint, and soda while keeping the drink cold throughout. The height also showcases the layered colours of the drink and lets the mint aroma waft upward with every sip, enhancing the sensory experience before you even take a drink.
Alternatives
A Collins glass works perfectly and is essentially the same shape. In a pinch, a large tumbler or even a Mason jar gives a rustic, casual feel that suits the relaxed nature of the Mojito.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Grilled Prawns
The citrus and mint in the Mojito cut through rich, charred prawns beautifully, making every bite feel light and refreshing. A squeeze of lime over both ties the pairing together.
Ceviche
The bright, acidic lime notes in the Mojito mirror the citrus cure in ceviche, creating a harmonious pairing that highlights the freshness of both.
Cuban Sandwich
A pressed Cuban sandwich with roasted pork, ham, and pickles pairs naturally with Cuba's most famous cocktail, making this combination a classic for good reason.
Mango Salsa & Chips
The tropical sweetness of mango salsa echoes the rum's character while the mint freshness cleanses the palate between bites of crispy tortilla chips.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Batch the Base
Combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add mint and soda only when serving to keep the carbonation and freshness intact.
Pre-Juice Limes
Squeeze limes several hours in advance and store the juice in a sealed container in the fridge. Fresh-squeezed juice holds its bright flavour for up to 12 hours without noticeable degradation.
Make Simple Syrup
Prepare a large batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Having it ready eliminates the most time-consuming step when mixing drinks for a crowd.
Freeze Mint Ice Cubes
Freeze fresh mint leaves inside ice cubes a day ahead. They look stunning in the glass and slowly release minty flavour as they melt, keeping the drink well-flavoured to the last sip.
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