When it comes to refreshing cocktails, few can rival a well-made Mojito. Sipping a mint Mojito always tastes like vacation and feels like summer all year round.
The roots of the Mojito can be traced back to Havana, Cuba, during the late 16th century. Originally known as “El Draque,” the drink was crafted by Francis Drake and his ship crew. Ernest Hemingway was famously a fan, ordering them at the Havana bar La Bodeguita del Medio.
More refreshing cocktails: Paloma, Tom Collins, Caipirinha, Margarita, French 75, Ranch Water, Mint Julep.
A mojito is a classic cocktail that is easy to make at home. It’s simple, sweet, and only requires 5 ingredients. This is the best at-home mojito recipe, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do.
Here’s a video on how to make a mojito in under one minute:
Best Mojito Ingredients:
- White Rum – This is the classic and most traditional choice. Pick a light rum such as Bacardi Silver Rum.
- Lime Juice – freshly squeezed by hand or use a press.
- Simple Syrup – You can make your own or buy a simple syrup. This will mix into the liquid drink better than granulated white sugar muddled in with the leaves, another option. And you can up the flavor with Mint Simple Syrup
- Club Soda -to top the drink with. You can use any sparkling (non-sweetened) water including ones flavored with lime.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – used for both muddling and garnish.
How to make a Mojito:
Prepare a glass by muddling (smashing lightly) the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. This step releases fragrant minty oils. A few taps with a wood muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) should do the job.
In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass filled with ice.
Top off the drink with the club soda.
Garnish with a mint sprig.
Different Types of Rum:
- White Rum: White rum allows the flavors of the mint and lime to shine through. It provides a clean and smooth base for a refreshing Mojito. This is also what is most commonly and traditionally used. So, if you had a great mojito on vacation and are trying to recreate it, more than likely white rum was used.
- Aged Rum: For a richer and more complex profile, consider using an aged rum. The notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice complement the mint and lime, resulting in a sophisticated Mojito experience. A few of my favorites are Ron Zacapa and Appleton. If I make a mojito I use either white rum or aged rum.
- Dark Rum: If you prefer a more intense flavor, dark rum can add depth to your Mojito. It offers a distinct molasses-like sweetness. There are many dark rums but one I use sometimes is Goslings. Note the darker the color of the rum the more it will color your drink, making the mojito a caramel or brown color.
Mint Varieties:
Mint plays a crucial role in the Mojito, providing a refreshing and aromatic profile. While spearmint is the traditional choice for crafting this cocktail, there are other varieties worth exploring to add unique flavor dimensions.
Here are a few popular types of mint to consider:
- Spearmint: This is the most commonly used mint for Mojitos. It offers a cool, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Peppermint: With a more intense and minty taste, peppermint can add an invigorating twist to your Mojito. This is also fun if you are making a mojito during the holiday (Christmas) season.
- Thai Mint: This mint has a vibrant green color with purple stems and leaves that are slightly elongated and pointed. Its aroma is reminiscent of anise and licorice, and has a bold flavor can be fun in a Mojito.
Mojito Variations:
More Rum Cocktails:
- Dark and Stormy Cocktail
- Best Pina Colada
- Blue Hawaiian
- Queen’s Park Swizzle
- How to Make a Daiquiri
- Rum Runner
- Rum & Coke
- Rum Punch
- Mai Tai
- Painkiller
- Jungle Bird
- Bahama Mama
- Fishbowl Cocktail
In the recipe below, you’ll see that muddling the mint leaves is an important step. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use a spoon or the end of a wooden spoon. Sometimes you will also see bartenders clap the mint between their hands. This is another technique to smash or muddle mint leaves.
The goal is to smash the mint leaves so they release their oils, as this enhances the flavor and aroma.
And, major bonus points if you use chipped or pebble ice. This really elevates any at-home drink. Sometimes, I will buy a bag from Sonic and keep it in my freezer—especially if I’m hosting a party. Cheers! xo. Emma
Best Mint Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ ounces rum white
- 1 ounce lime juice fresh
- 1 ounce simple syrup see recipe notes
- 8 mint leaves fresh
- club soda or sparkling water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
- Muddle (smash) the mint leaves well.
- Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass.
- Add ice and top off with the club soda.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.