Easy Mojito Recipe
This easy mojito recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Cuba right to your home bar in just five minutes with five simple ingredients. The cooling power of fresh mint, bright citrus from lime juice, a touch of sweetness, crisp white rum, and bubbly soda water create the perfect refreshing cocktail for hot summer days.
Equipment
- Cocktail muddler - Essential for releasing mint oils; a wooden spoon can substitute
- Highball glass or Collins glass - 12-16 ounces (350-475 ml)
- Measuring jigger - For accurate proportions; measuring spoons can substitute
- Cocktail shaker - Optional, though not traditional for mojitos
- Citrus juicer - Makes extracting lime juice easier and more efficient
- Bar spoon - For stirring; a long spoon can substitute
- Knife - For slicing limes
- Cutting board - For preparing garnishes
- Large glass pitcher - Optional, for making pitcher servings (4-6 mojitos)
Ingredients
- 10-12 leaves fresh mint leaves - about 1/4 cup or 10g, spearmint preferred
- 1 medium lime - yields about 2 tablespoons or 30 ml juice, plus extra for garnish
- 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar - 8g
- 2 ounces white rum - 60 ml, also called light, clear, or blanco rum
- 4-6 ounces club soda - 120-180 ml, or sparkling water
- ice cubes - plenty for filling the glass
- mint sprigs - for garnish
- lime wedges - for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the mint leaves. Cut the lime in half; juice one half to yield 2 tablespoons (30 ml) and cut a thin round slice from the other half for garnish. Fill your glass halfway with ice.
- Place 10-12 mint leaves in the bottom of your highball glass. Add 2 teaspoons (8 g) of sugar and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of fresh lime juice. Using a muddler, gently press and twist for 10-15 seconds to bruise the leaves and release their oils without shredding them.
- Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of white rum over the muddled mint mixture. Stir for about 5 seconds with a bar spoon to help dissolve any remaining sugar and distribute the mint flavor throughout the liquid.
- Add enough ice cubes to fill your glass nearly to the top, leaving about an inch (2.5 cm) of space at the rim. Gently stir once more to chill all the ingredients.
- Pour 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml) of cold club soda or sparkling water over the ice to fill the glass. Pour slowly to avoid fizzing over the rim.
- Gently clap a reserved mint sprig between your hands to release its aromatic oils, then slide it into the glass. Place a lime wheel on the rim. Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
- Don't over-muddle: Aggressive muddling releases bitter compounds from the stems and veins. Gentle bruising is all you need to release the mint's essential oils.
- Use the freshest mint possible: Wilted or browning mint will make your mojito taste dull. If your mint looks sad, revive it by soaking in ice water for 10 minutes.
- Always use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice has a flat, artificial taste that ruins the bright, citrusy character of a mojito. Squeeze your limes fresh every time.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with 2 teaspoons of sugar and add more if needed. Some people prefer 1 tablespoon for a sweeter drink, while others enjoy just 1 teaspoon for a drier mojito.
- Choose quality rum: Mid-range rums like Bacardi, Flor de Caña, or Plantation 3 Stars offer the best value and taste for mojitos.
- Serve immediately: Mojitos are best enjoyed right after preparation when the soda is still bubbly and the ice is cold. Don't make them ahead of time.
- Chill your glasses: Put your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before making mojitos. The extra-cold glass keeps your drink colder longer.
- Virgin mojito (non-alcoholic): Simply omit the rum and use extra club soda. You might want to add a splash of extra lime juice to compensate for the missing rum's sharpness.
- Pitcher version: For serving 4-6 people, multiply all ingredients accordingly. Muddle everything in a large pitcher, add rum, fill two-thirds with ice, and top with club soda just before serving.
- Make-ahead tip: You can muddle mint, lime, and sugar up to 1 hour ahead and keep it at room temperature. Add rum, ice, and soda just before serving.