This easy mojito recipe is made with a quick homemade simple syrup that intensifies all of the flavors and results in a show-stopping cocktail! Learn how to make a mojito for one, or a pitcher of mojitos for a crowd!
What Makes This the Best Mojito Recipe?
Calling this the “best” mojito is a bold statement, I know, so allow me to provide you with evidence. I’m very fond of this recipe for a few different reasons:
- Super Refreshing: The zesty lime flavor, mixed with rum, pairs perfectly with fresh mint. This is a refreshing, easy cocktail that you can make right at home and that’s a real treat to your tastebuds.
- Adaptable: You can use this recipe to make individual drinks, or a pitcher to share with friends and family. Whether you’re preparing a drink to relax with at the end of the day, or prepping for a party, this mint mojito recipe is perfect!
- Easy: It takes just about 20 minutes to make the simple syrup, and then the rest of the drink comes together in a snap. If you already have some simple syrup sitting in the fridge, the process goes even quicker!
- Fun Flavors: You can customize a mojito quite easily! I love this classic version, but if you’re craving something sweeter, definitely try this Blueberry Mojito, made with fresh blueberries!
What is a Mojito?
Mojitos are a cocktail from Havana, Cuba. At the time, Cuban rum was not what it is today. It was not smooth and was hard to enjoy on its own. Thus, the mojito was created! With a little sugar, mint, and lime juice, Cubans were able to transform the unpalatable rum into something absolutely delicious!
As Americans were permitted to visit Cuba, the love for mojitos began to spread and now it’s one of the most well-known cocktails in the world! A few fresh ingredients, ice, and a good white rum are all you need to enjoy this classic Cuban drink.
Recipe Ingredients
The list of mojito ingredients for today is not extensive. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. Be sure to check out the recipe card below for specific amounts. You’ll find info on how to make a single mojito, as well as make a pitcher of mojitos for a larger group of people.
- Simple syrup – This requires a combination of granulated sugar, water, mint leaves, and lime juice. See how it all comes together below.
- Fresh mint leaves – Mint leaves serve both as a source of refreshing minty flavor and a colorful garnish.
- Fresh lime juice – Don’t use bottled lime juice, the flavor won’t be as bold.
- Ice cubes – You can used crushed ice or ice cubes, whichever you prefer. (Crushed ice melts faster, so I generally prefer ice cubes.)
- White rum – If you don’t have any rum you could use vodka, but for a classic mojito this is a key ingredient.
- Club soda – In place of club soda, you can also use sparkling water (if you like your Mojito less sweet) or some people choose to use Sprite. I prefer club soda, as it doesn’t change the overall flavor of the cocktail and keeps it true to the original.
How to Make Simple Syrup
The key to making the BEST mojito is the simple syrup! It’s incredibly easy and can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for later!
- Add all ingredients to a medium-sized pot.
- Bring to a simmer. Place the lid on the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cool. Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Strain the simple syrup. Use a sieve to remove the mint leaves and lime wedges.
- Store in the fridge. The syrup will keep in an airtight container for up to a week!
How to Make a Mojito
Now that you’ve got your handy simple syrup all ready to go, it’s time to make your mojito. Here’s how to do it. Check out the recipe card below for the full set of instructions.
- Add mint and lime to glass. Place the mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass (or a cocktail shaker if you’re using a delicate glass to serve).
- Muddle. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
- Add more lime and the simple syrup. Add 2 more lime wedges and the simple syrup, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
- Pour. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and then fill the glass with club soda.
- Stir, taste, and add more simple syrup if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sugar cane stick, if desired.
How Do You Muddle Mint for a Cocktail?
Muddling is a technique used in drinks to gently mash herbs or fruit to release their juices. You can do this with the bottom of a wooden spoon or with a proper muddler. Either way will work!
- Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a sturdy cup or cocktail shaker.
- Gently mash the mint a few times with a muddler (or the bottom of the wooden spoon) to release the oils from the mint.
You do not want to pulverize the mint, just press firmly to release the oils!
Tips for Success
Here are a couple tips that I’ve learned throughout the years of making my own mojitos at home.
- The key to this recipe is the added mojito simple syrup. Do not skip it! It elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
- Serve it chilled. Mojitos that are served extra chilled and cold go down so much smoother. Just make sure you chill the simple syrup fully!
- Use a good quality rum! It makes all the difference to your final cocktail if you use a good quality white rum. There are so few ingredients in a mojito, make sure to use quality ones.
- Drinks always taste better with friends. Okay, so maybe this isn’t really a tip but just one of those things that I think is true!
Can I Make a Pitcher of Mint Mojitos?
Yes, excellent idea! Mojitos are an easy cocktail to make in larger quantities that you can serve to a crowd. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine the ingredients. Add the mint leaves, rum, lime juice, and mojito simple syrup to a large pitcher.
- Muddle. Right in the pitcher, you can muddle the mint to release its flavors.
- Add ice. Fill the pitcher most of the way full with ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Serve in tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with extra mint, lime wedges, and a sugar cane stick, if desired.
Mojito FAQs
As mentioned above, white rum is the best choice for making a classic mojito. Some brands will advertise this as “silver rum” or “rum blanco.” Bacardi, Captain Morgan, and Havana Club are just some of the choices you’ll see.
If you muddle the mint leaves too much, your beverage may end up tasting bitter. Make sure that you gently mash them just a handful of times to achieve the desired refreshing minty flavor.
Yes, you can. I usually prefer club soda to Sprite because it does not add extra sugar or alter the overall flavor of the drink, but if you would like some additional sweetness, go for the Sprite!
Can I Make Mojitos in Advance?
The short answer is, yes!
The longer answer is as follows. If you want to make this mojito recipe to take on the go to a party, I would recommend following all of the steps for making a pitcher of mojitos, except for adding the ice and club soda. If you add the ice too early, it will obviously melt and the club soda will go flat. So, prepare the rest at home, then add the club soda and ice right before serving!
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
If you loved this easy mojito recipe, try a few of my other favorite cocktail recipes:
- Pineapple Coconut Mojito
- The Best Frozen Peach Bellini
- Puerto Rican Coquito
- Blackberry Smash Cocktail
- Loaded Bloody Mary
Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
For the Mojito Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For a Single Mojito:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons Mojito Simple Syrup
- ½ a lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 fluid ounces white rum
- club soda, for serving
For a Pitcher of Mojitos:
- 60 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups white rum
- 5 limes
- ½ cup mojito simple syrup
- ice
- club soda
Instructions
For the Mojito Simple Syrup:
- Add all ingredients to a medium sized pot and bring to a simmer. Place lid on the pot and let simmer for about 10 minutes. (It’s important to keep the lid on or too much of the water will dissolve.)
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Strain the simple syrup through a sieve to remove the mint leaves and lime wedges. Chill in fridge until cold. Store in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 7 days.
For a Single Mojito:
- Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
- Add 2 more lime wedges and the simple syrup, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
- Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and then fill the glass with club soda. Stir, taste, and add more simple syrup if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sugar cane stick, if desired.
For a Pitcher of Mojitos:
- Add the mint leaves, rum, lime juice and mojito simple syrup to a large pitcher. Muddle the mint to release its flavors.
- Fill the pitcher most of the way full with ice. Top with club soda. Serve in tall glasses filled with ice, then garnish with extra mint, lime wedges and a sugar cane stick, if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Categories:
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
