Classic Mojito – A Bright, Refreshing Rum Cocktail
The Classic Mojito is one of those drinks that instantly makes everything feel lighter and easier. It’s crisp, cool, and a little bit zesty, with fresh mint and lime doing most of the heavy lifting. This recipe keeps things simple and true to the original Cuban style, without fancy syrups or complicated steps.
You just need a handful of fresh ingredients and a gentle touch. If you’re craving something refreshing that isn’t too sweet, this is your go-to cocktail.
Classic Mojito – A Bright, Refreshing Rum Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Add mint, sugar, and lime to the glass. Use a sturdy highball glass.Add the mint leaves, sugar, and lime wedges.
- Muddle gently. Press the muddler down lightly 4–6 times. You want to release lime juice and mint oils without tearing the leaves into bits. If using simple syrup, muddle mint and lime first, then add the syrup.
- Add rum. Pour in the white rum and stir to help dissolve the sugar and combine the flavors.
- Fill with ice. Add ice cubes almost to the top.Cubes melt slower than crushed ice and keep the drink bright.
- Top with club soda. Pour in enough club soda to fill the glass, usually 2–4 ounces depending on your glass size and taste.
- Lift and mix. Use a bar spoon to gently lift the mint from the bottom and pull it through the drink. This spreads flavor without bruising the leaves.
- Garnish and serve. Add a mint sprig and a lime wheel if you like. Give the mint a quick clap between your palms to wake up its aroma before placing it in the glass.
What Makes This Special
The magic of a Classic Mojito lies in balance. You get brightness from lime, aroma from mint, a touch of sweetness from sugar, and the gentle warmth of white rum, all lifted by sparkling soda water.
When made well, it’s not syrupy or heavy—just clean and invigorating.
This version emphasizes fresh mint and real lime juice instead of shortcuts. It also uses white granulated sugar (or superfine sugar) so the sweetness stays light and crisp. A gentle muddle, not a mash, keeps bitterness away and preserves the mint’s fragrance.
Ingredients
- 10–12 fresh mint leaves, plus a small sprig for garnish
- 1/2 lime, cut into 3–4 wedges (about 1 ounce fresh juice)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or 1/2 ounce simple syrup)
- 2 ounces white rum (Cuban or light Caribbean rum preferred)
- 2–4 ounces chilled club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice, preferably cubed
- Optional: extra lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Add mint, sugar, and lime to the glass. Use a sturdy highball glass.Add the mint leaves, sugar, and lime wedges.
- Muddle gently. Press the muddler down lightly 4–6 times. You want to release lime juice and mint oils without tearing the leaves into bits. If using simple syrup, muddle mint and lime first, then add the syrup.
- Add rum. Pour in the white rum and stir to help dissolve the sugar and combine the flavors.
- Fill with ice. Add ice cubes almost to the top.Cubes melt slower than crushed ice and keep the drink bright.
- Top with club soda. Pour in enough club soda to fill the glass, usually 2–4 ounces depending on your glass size and taste.
- Lift and mix. Use a bar spoon to gently lift the mint from the bottom and pull it through the drink. This spreads flavor without bruising the leaves.
- Garnish and serve. Add a mint sprig and a lime wheel if you like. Give the mint a quick clap between your palms to wake up its aroma before placing it in the glass.
Storage Instructions
Mojitos are best enjoyed immediately.
The bubbles fade, the ice melts, and the mint can turn bitter if it sits too long. If you want to prep ahead, you can make a small batch of mint-lime syrup by gently heating equal parts sugar and water, cooling it, then briefly steeping mint and lime zest before straining. Store it in the fridge for up to a week.
For parties, keep your rum, syrup, and lime juice chilled in separate bottles.
When it’s time to serve, build each drink in the glass with fresh mint and top with cold club soda. Don’t pre-mix with soda, or you’ll lose the fizz.
Health Benefits
- Fresh mint offers a soothing aroma and can help with a refreshed, light feeling after a meal.
- Lime juice provides vitamin C and adds bright flavor without heavy calories.
- Club soda keeps the drink hydrating and refreshing compared to heavier, sugar-loaded mixers.
That said, this is still an alcoholic drink. Keep portions moderate and sip slowly.
If you want something lower in alcohol, try a half-pour of rum and extra club soda—it still tastes great.
What Not to Do
- Don’t pulverize the mint. Over-muddling releases bitterness and gives your drink a murky look.
- Don’t skip fresh lime. Bottled lime juice tastes flat. Freshly squeezed lime makes a big difference.
- Don’t over-sweeten. A Mojito isn’t a dessert. Keep the sugar light so the lime and mint shine.
- Don’t use dark or spiced rum. It overpowers the delicate mint and lime.Stick to light rum.
- Don’t add warm soda. Use chilled club soda to keep the drink crisp and bubbly.
- Don’t let it sit. Mojitos fade fast. Mix it and enjoy right away.
Recipe Variations
- Simple Syrup Mojito: Swap the sugar for 1/2 ounce simple syrup for quicker mixing and a smoother texture.
- Low-Sugar Mojito: Use 1 teaspoon sugar or a sugar substitute that dissolves well, and add more club soda.
- Frozen Mojito: Blend mint, lime juice, rum, a touch of sugar, and ice until slushy. Top with a splash of soda for fizz.
- Fruit Twist: Add a few berries, a slice of peach, or a couple of pineapple chunks before muddling.Keep fruit minimal so it doesn’t overwhelm the mint.
- Herbal Swap: Mix in a couple of basil leaves with mint for a softer, floral note. Use sparingly so mint still leads.
- Zero-Proof Mojito: Skip the rum. Use extra club soda and a splash of tonic or nonalcoholic rum for body.
- Batch Mojitos: For 8 servings, combine 1 cup lime juice, 1 cup simple syrup, and 2 cups white rum in a pitcher.Add 1 large handful of lightly bruised mint leaves just before serving, lots of ice, and top with chilled club soda in each glass.
FAQ
Can I use brown sugar?
You can, but it changes the flavor. Light brown sugar adds a hint of molasses that can be nice, yet it moves the drink away from the classic profile. If you try it, start with a small amount and taste as you go.
What’s the best rum for a Mojito?
A clean, light-bodied white rum is ideal.
Cuban-style or Caribbean rums with subtle sweetness and no heavy oak influence work best, letting the mint and lime stand out.
How do I muddle without making it bitter?
Use a gentle press and twist, just enough to release oils and juice. Stop as soon as you smell mint strongly. Avoid shredding the leaves or scraping them harshly against the glass.
Can I make it without club soda?
Yes, but you’ll miss the fizz.
If you don’t have club soda, use sparkling water or seltzer. Tonic water will add bitterness, changing the drink’s character.
How sweet should a Mojito be?
It should be balanced—bright, minty, and lightly sweet. Start with 2 teaspoons sugar (or 1/2 ounce simple syrup), then adjust to taste.
The lime should never be drowned out by sweetness.
Why is my Mojito cloudy or grassy?
That often means the mint was overworked. Try fewer muddles, use fresh leaves, and stir gently after adding soda. Also, avoid crushed mint bits floating everywhere by straining if needed.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh is best.
Bottled lime juice tastes dull and can be too acidic. Squeezing half a lime takes seconds and makes a big difference in flavor.
What glass should I use?
A tall highball glass is traditional. It gives room for mint, ice, and soda, letting the aroma rise as you sip.
Is it okay to use crushed ice?
You can, but it melts faster and can water the drink down.
If you like the frosty look, use crushed ice and add slightly less soda, then serve right away.
How do I make it for a crowd?
Pre-chill rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Build each drink with fresh mint in the glass, then add ice and top with club soda. This keeps the fizz lively and the mint fragrant.
In Conclusion
The Classic Mojito proves that simple ingredients can feel special when they’re balanced just right.
With fresh mint, real lime, light rum, and a gentle hand, you’ll get a bright, bubbly drink that never feels heavy. Keep it crisp, keep it fresh, and enjoy it the moment it’s made. Once you dial in your sweet-tart balance, this becomes the kind of cocktail you’ll make on repeat all season long.
