Fitness / August 17, 2023

The Best Mojito Recipe (Really!)

Uncover the secrets of making the perfect Mojito at home with our tried and tested recipe that truly lives up to its name.

Table of Contents

Toggle

What’s summer without a serious Mojito, right? For mine, I don’t just slap it with a bold statement, I truly believe this is the best one I’ve had. Light rum, sugar, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and a splash of club soda fraternize to bring you a taste fiesta.

Fancy cocktails like the Mint Julep and the caipirinha are Mojito’s glamorous cousins. I mean, they share the basics, but our Mojito has a certain lightness to it, thanks to the rum. If it’s rum you like, why not try my Rum Runner Cocktail or a Pina Colada — both are lovely on hot summer days!

INGREDIENTS

Ready for a Cuban treat? Here’s what you’ll need:

2 oz. light rum
2 tsp white sugar
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 handful of mint leaves
club soda

equipment needed

Highball glass
Muddler
Bar spoon
Jigger
Knife and cutting board
Small strainer (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Muddle

In a glass, muddle or smash together the mint leaves and sugar. This releases the essential oils from the mint.

Add

Add the lime juice and rum. Give it a good stir to help dissolve the sugar.

Fill

Fill the glass with ice and top up with club soda.

Garnish

Give it a final stir, garnish with an extra sprig of mint and a lime wheel. Enjoy!

How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Mojito

Skip the white sugar and use something like Stevia, which doesn’t carry any calories. You can also use a touch of raw honey.
Seek out brands that have lower-calorie, less carb-loaded versions (Captain Morgan, for example).
Choose a sugar-free club soda.
To enjoy this refreshing classic sans alcohol, skip the rum, and voila, you’ve got a refreshing lime and mint spritzer that’s perfect for all ages.

Tips & Tricks to Make a Perfect Mojito

Choose a good-quality light rum. Look for brands that have a robust and smooth flavor.
Muddle the mint leaves and sugar gently to release the oils of the mint, not tear the leaves, which can lead to a bitter taste.
Avoid the additives and sweeteners of store-bought juice and go with freshly squeezed.
Crushed ice in your Mojito instead of ice cubes creates a pleasing texture and allows the drink to chill evenly.
A sprig of mint and a lime wheel not only make the drink look appealing but also enhance the overall flavor profile.

FAQs

How many calories are in this mojito?

This classic Mojito recipe has about 216 calories (give or take a calorie). That’s everything from the rum to the sugar and even the club soda. Keep in mind though, your calorie count might dance around a bit depending on your ingredient brands.

What’s the best way to enjoy my Mojito?

To enjoy that refreshing, crisp taste, serve it cold, chilled even. And remember, savor the moment and let that mint and lime vibe just melt on your tongue.

What’s the top pick for rum when making a Mojito?

Old-school Mojito calls for a white or light rum. But don’t be afraid to level up—the higher-quality the rum, the smoother and richer your drink!

how do i muddle mint without shredding it?

Muddling is all about that soft touch. It’s more about a light press to coax out that minty freshness from the leaves. Crush it too hard and you’ll end up with mint bits floatin’ in your drink and a bitter taste.

any variations you recommend?

Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your Mojito for a blend of sweet and spicy, or go tropical by using coconut rum instead of the traditional light stuff.

Where is the Mojito From?

The Mojito is from Cuba. It’s a traditional Cuban highball that’s popular worldwide.

how to prep and store mojitos

You can get parts of your cocktails ready beforehand — that’s the good news — though you’ll need to bruise that fresh mint and mix the drink right before serving for the best taste.

Put together the rum, lime juice, and sugar in a big jug and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to enjoy, add the mint to the bottom of the glass, splash in your cooled mix, and crown it with some club soda.

Leftovers can be bundled up in an airtight flask and stashed in the chiller for a couple of days. Just remember, squeeze in that fresh mint and club soda right before serving to maintain that nippy, bubbly vibe.