Explore the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with the Perfect Mojito, an irresistible blend of rum, lime, and mint.
We just moved to a new house with a feature I never knew I needed, and now I never want to do without it. It has a screened-in porch. Safe from mosquitos but still able to join the fresh air, I’ve taken to spending most evenings out on the porch. And because I live in a walking town, some evenings involve many of my friends. There’s nothing better than a porch party—especially when it’s mojito night!
This cocktail features fresh mint, zesty lime, and a warm ripple of rum, topped off with a tinge of sweetness offered by the simple syrup. While we usually all partake in the mojitos, sometimes one or two will opt for other beachy drinks like the Hurricane or Rum Runner. Sooner or later though, everyone comes back to the mojitos. It’s a classic for a reason!
Why You Will Love This Cocktail Recipe
This drink tastes like summer with its light and fresh energy. With a drink in hand, you’ll be in fine company. The mojito was reportedly the favorite drink of author Ernest Hemingway. You might even go super-meta and read one of his famous books like The Old Man and the Sea while sipping on this Cuban cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of light rum
- 2 teaspoons of granulated white sugar
- 1 ounce of juice from a freshly squeezed lime
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Club soda to finish it off
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves and sugar in a glass, then muddle them together.
- Pour the lime juice and rum into the glass and stir it well.
- Fill up the glass with ice and then top it off with some club soda.
- Give it a final stir and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
Nutrition
Tips & Tricks to Make the Perfect Mojito
- Making a mojito is part art, part skill. When muddling the lime and mint, go gentle. Over-muddling can make your Mojito taste bitter. Aim for releasing the flavors, not annihilating the ingredients.
- Use crushed ice, which melts more evenly; larger ice cubes can water down the drink.
- Always add your rum last. This allows the mint, lime, and sugar to blend well before adding the alcohol.
FAQs
Muddling is a fancy bartending word that simply means to mash herbs or fruits to release their flavor into a cocktail. There is an official muddler tool (kind of like a pestle) that you can purchase, but you can also use the flat side of a wooden or bar spoon.
Opt for white rum. It has a lighter flavor than dark or aged varieties so it won’t bulldoze over the fresh lime and mint.
Of course! You’re the bartender. You can add fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and pineapple, substitute the rum with a different liquor, or increase or decrease the amount of simple syrup.
Mojito Variations Worth Trying
- Low-Carb Mojito: Use Stevia or a sugar-free sweetener instead of sugar if you’re watching your carb intake.
- Virgin Mojito: Ideal for those abstaining from alcohol, this mocktail version replicates the refreshing flavors and substitutes sparkling water for the rum.
- Strawberry Mojito or Pineapple Mojito: This variation adds a fruity touch with fresh strawberries or pineapple.
- Coconut Mojito: This tropical twist replaces white rum with coconut rum, infusing the drink with island charm.
- Spicy Mojito: With dash of heat with a hint of jalapeño (or habanero) like the Spicy Margarita.
How to Serve and Store
You can prep your mojitos in advance of your porch parties. Whip up a batch of the lime and mint mixture and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Add the ice and rum to a chilled glass when it’s time to party, along with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime. (Note: don’t over-muddle the mint. A little bit goes a long way).
To store leftovers, remove the ice, pour the rest in a glass container, seal it up, and store in the fridge to drink in the next day or two. Make sure to add a dash of soda water when
Got a load of leftover limes? Freeze them and keep them for your next cocktail night. Leftover mint? Throw them into tea or salad or use as garnish for other dishes.
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