The BEST Mojito Recipe!
The best Mojito cocktail recipe is not too minty, sweet, or tart—and easy to make! One of my favorite rum cocktails, these Mojitos are easy to drink—and delicious. I feel like I’m on a beach every time I sip on one!
This is my favorite recipe for homemade Mojito cocktails! You only need 5 ingredients to make this refreshing, classic cocktail. I’ve shared all my tips for making the very best Mojito. Although it’s STRONG, my recipe makes it taste SO good.
Want more classic summer cocktails? Try my Best Margarita Recipe Ever and The BEST Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe.
Why I LOVE this Mojito recipe
In its purest form, the Mojito is a delicate balance of white rum, mint, sugar, fresh lime juice, and club soda. This is a fabulous cocktail for summer!
My classic Mojito recipe is perfect—light and refreshing. When made correctly, you’ve got a drink that’s smooth and delicious.
What does a Mojito taste like?
Mojitos are refreshingly minty, sweet, and citrus-y. You’ll also notice a warmth from the rum, and fizz from the club soda!
The key to the perfect Mojito is finding the right balance. Too much sugar will leave you sipping liquid mint candy. Overdo the lime, and the drink is a puckering pool of tartness.
Mojito cocktail ingredients
My recipe uses classic ingredients native to Cuba including rum, sugar, mint, and lime. Here’s what’s in it:
- White Rum–High quality Cuban white rum is a must. I chose Havana Club 3 Años for this recipe. This is the go-to brand for Mojitos in Cuba. Bacardi Cuban rum works well too.
- Mint–Fresh mint sprigs is essential for muddling and garnish. Yerba buena is used in Cuba. You can buy fresh yerba buena at your local Home Depot or on Amazon. In America, spearmint (a yerba buena variant) is common in Mojito’s–it has a stronger mint flavor.
- Lime Juice–The secret to a top-notch drink is freshly squeezed lime juice. It makes this drink deliciously tart. I squeeze my limes by hand. The oils from the rind add extra intensity that boost the Mojito’s aromatics.
- White Granulated Sugar–I recommend white sugar for a classic Mojito! The occasional undissolved sugar adds a signature texture. Simple syrup is not traditional. Don’t use brown sugar–it darkens the drink’s color.
- Club Soda–I used Fever Tree club soda in my Mojito here. But choose a brand you enjoy. Schweppes is commonly used in Cuba for that fizzy finish.
- Ice–A Mojito cocktail is better on the rocks!
There are also lots of twists to try (see the “alterations” section of this post).
How to make a Mojito
Detailed instructions are included in the recipe below. Here’s an quick overview of how to make a Mojito.
- Muddle the mint. Combine mint, sugar, and freshly squeezed lime juice in your glass. Gently press and twist 3-5 times. Do not over muddle.
- Stir. Add ice. Then rum. Stir gently–while pulling up the muddled mint from the bottom of the glass.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with a mint sprig. And add a straw. You’re ready to sip!
This drink is easier to make than you think. Want something stronger? Add more rum! Or less if you prefer.
Please note that the full recipe (with amounts and steps) below is the classic, strong cocktail version.
How to muddle the mint in a classic Mojito
The secret to the BEST Mojito is all in the muddling. I recommend a gentle ‘sugar muddle’, or a standard muddle. I’ve included instructions for both methods below.
Standard method
Here’s how to release the mint’s aromatic oils without over-muddling. It’s easy!
- Add granulated sugar.
- Add mint leaves.
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Muddle gently. Press down on the mint leaves with a rounded muddler (don’t use a toothy muddler–it will shred your mint and can make the drink bitter). This should take about 3 to 4 gentle presses.
The intention is to release essential mint oils–not tear the leaves to bits.
‘Sugar muddle’ method (recommended)
When making my Mojito cocktails, I like to ‘sugar muddle’. The sugar granules gently abrade the mint and extract their essential oils. This technique takes longer, but the Mojito evolves as you sip it.
- Add mint sprigs.
- Add sugar. The granulated sugar helps pull up the mint’s oil.
- Stir quickly. With a bar spoon (not a muddler) for 2 minutes. Do not crush the mint leaves–very gently stir and press.
- Add fresh lime juice and water. To dissolve the sugar granules, stir quickly for another 2 minutes–without crushing the mint.
This gentle technique helps the sugar to soak up the mint oils. Trust me, it makes a huge difference! You get more of that sweet, minty flavor profile in your Mojitos.
What rum is best for a Mojito?
The best rum for a classic Mojito is a Cuban white rum. I like traditional Havana Club or even Bacardi. You can also choose a high-quality Puerto Rican rum.
- Havana Club Añejo 3 Años: This Cuban rum adds depth and character.
- Bacardi Superior: A well-known Cuban brand that offers a clean taste.
- Don Q Cristal White Rum: A crisp and smooth Puerto Rican rum, perfect for Mojitos.
Cuban and Puerto Rican rums are column distilled–making them smooth and light–perfect for a Mojito.
But feel free to use any white rum that you like to drink! You can even try Malibu Rum for a coconut-y twist.
I recommend avoiding a dark spiced rum in your Mojito–it can overpower the bright flavors.
Mojito alterations
A Mojito is one of the most iconic cocktails around. It’s also one that people don’t always agree on when it comes to making it. Sugar or simple syrup? Shaken or stirred? Ice cubes or crushed ice? Lime garnish?
Because there are so many twists, it’s always good to start with my classic recipe for a Mojito. But here are some of my favorite improvisations.
- Muddle with lime wedges—I sometimes muddle the mint sprigs (and sugar) with 4 quartered lime wedges. I also like to garnish my drink with a lime wheel for visuals.
- Simple syrup—Simple syrup ensures the sugar crystals are dissolved. A classic Mojito gives you the occasional sugar crystal through your straw (which not everyone enjoys). You can also opt for a richer demerara simple syrup.
- Brown sugar. I recommend demerara “raw” brown sugar. It has a complex molasses and toffee flavor.
- Shaken, not stirred—Cubans stir their Mojitos, but feel free to use a shaker to dilute and chill your drink. Don’t add the club soda to the shaker, simply top your drink after you’ve strained it.
- Crushed ice—Mojitos are traditionally served with cubed ice. You can choose crushed or pebbled ice instead, but I would add more lime and sugar if you do.
- Aromatherapy—Before garnishing with the mint sprig, clap it between your hands to release aromatic oils.
- Chilled glass—I like to serve up my Mojitos in a chilled glass. Before I build my drink, I put my glass in the freezer to chill. I also store my rum in the freezer (don’t worry, it won’t freeze).
Related: Tequila and Sprite Cocktail Recipe
Fun Mojito variations to try
The combination of rum, mint, and lime never gets old. As the primary ingredients are there–feel free to experiment as much as you like! I certainly have. Here are the top Mojito variations (including a virgin version)!
- Frozen Mojito (Frohito): An icy, refreshing spin on the classic with an amplified mint flavor.
- Limoncello Mojito: Incorporates limoncello for lemon flavor.
- Gin Mojito: Replaces rum with gin.
- Vodka Mojito: Swaps rum for vodka, though it loses some of the tropical essence.
- Tequila Mojito: Uses tequila instead of rum for a different flavor profile.
- Cucumber Mojito: Adds muddled cucumber for a refreshing twist.
- Strawberry Mojito: Incorporates fresh strawberries for a fruity flavor.
- Pineapple Mojito: Combines pineapple juice and chunks for a tropical touch.
- Mango Mojito: Features mango nectar for a sweet, tropical flavor.
- Champagne Mojito: Topped with champagne instead of soda water.
- Virgin Mojito: A non-alcoholic version that maintains the minty, refreshing taste.
- White Christmas Mojito: With coconut cream and pomegranate seeds, it’s a festive twist on the summer cocktail.
Want more classic summer cocktail inspiration? Check out my Best Margarita Recipe Ever and The BEST Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe.
Equipment needed to make a Mojito
- Muddler: Essential for muddling mint leaves and releasing their oils.
- Bar spoon: Useful for thoroughly stirring ingredients without disturbing the mint too much.
- Jigger: This measuring tool helps ensure you get the right proportions of liquid ingredients.
- Citrus juicer: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Glassware: I use a highball or Collins glass. You can also buy traditional 10 oz. Mojito glasses online. I sometimes sip my Mojitos in a rocks glass.
How to scale up for a party
I have served Mojitos for a crowd with this pitcher recipe. People loved it! It takes a bit of work but it’s totes worth it! Serve over ice.
Gently muddle a large handful of mint leaves with simple syrup and lime juice in your pitcher. This will release minty aromatics.
Pour your rum in the pitcher. Then, refrigerate the pitcher. I do not recommend adding ice to your pitcher–it can water down your Mojitos.
Add ice to individual glasses when you’re ready to serve. Then, top each drink with club soda, and stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, white rum
- 1 cup, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup, simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups, club soda (to top off)
- Large handful, fresh mint leaves (for muddling and garnish)
- 2 medium, lime wedges (optional)
- Ice
Classic Mojito Recipe
I love this classic Mojito recipe! It’s easy to make one or a pitcher for a crowd. Use a white rum you enjoy. Cuban or Puerto Rican rum is especially delicious. I LOVE adding lime wedges to my Mojitos. Sure, it’s not traditional, but I like the burst of citrus.
Mojito Recipe
The classic Mojito cocktail recipe is not too minty or sweet, and really easy to make. One of my favorite white rum cocktails, these Mojitos are easy to drink and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces white rum (Cuban rum like Havana Club or Bacardi)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 2 springs fresh mint leaves (plus an extra for garnish)
- 2 ounces club soda (to top off)
- Ice (cubed)
Instructions
- Muddle the Mint and Sugar: In a sturdy glass, combine the mint leaves, sugar, and fresh lime juice. Gently muddle the mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the essential oils. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can make the drink bitter.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the Rum: Add the white rum over the ice.
- Mix: Stir gently to combine the ingredients, pulling up the muddled mint from the bottom.
- Top with Club Soda: Fill the glass with club soda to your desired level.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge if desired. Serve with a straw.
Notes
- For an extra refreshing twist, clap the mint sprig between your hands before adding it as a garnish to release more aroma.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 8 oz.Amount Per Serving:Calories: 155Sodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 11gNet Carbohydrates: 11gSugar: 10g
If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off your weekend, I hope you give my classic Mojito recipe it a try!
Mojito FAQs
Did you know? The Mojito originated in Cuba and has become one of the most popular cocktails worldwide.
What does “Mojito” mean in Spanish?
There are several theories behind the origin of the name Mojito: one such theory holds that name relates to mojo, a Cuban seasoning made from lime and used to flavor dishes. Another theory is that the name Mojito is simply a derivative of mojadito (Spanish for “lightly wet”), the diminutive of mojado (“wet”)
How did the Mojito originate?
The cocktail has roots dating back to the 16th century when it was consumed as a medicinal drink made with aguardiente (a precursor of rum) tamed by sugar, lime, and mint. Ice and soda water were added to the mix around the Prohibition era.
Are classic Mojitos a strong drink?
Traditional Mojitos have a generous amount of alcohol–typically two ounces of rum. My classic recipe made with white rum has an estimated ABV of around 10–15%, making it refreshing yet light.
Is the Mojito a womans drink?
The Mojito, like the Margarita is sometimes labeled as “feminine”. These days, more people feel free to order what they enjoy without concern for societal labels.
How do I pronounce Mojito?
The Mojito is a Cuban drink, it is pronounced “mow·hee·tow“.
When is National Mojito Day?
July 11th is National Mojito Day in the United States.
More of my favorite cocktail recipes
If you LOVE my classic Mojito recipe, try one of these cocktails next:
- The Best Margarita Recipe Ever
- The BEST Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe!
- 30 Kraken Spiced Dark Rum Cocktails
- 30 Malibu Rum Cocktail Recipes
- 50 Easy Tequila Cocktails (+ Recipes)
Cheers!