Virgin Mojito

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

You can imbibe glass after glass of this booze-free version of the Cuban cocktail without worrying about the morning after.

The venue was hidden, and only those who were invited knew of its existence. Not only was I amongst the privileged few, but I was also there to play. And win.

The prize would make anyone swoon… A 1957 Aston Martin DB Mark III, in black and with only 11k miles on the odometer. It stood at the center of this cavernous and mysterious arena, illuminated from above by an unseen and much-too-bright overhead light. Lens flares seemed to shine off of the car’s surface, causing all who looked at it to squint, lest they go blind. I would win this car today. I swore to myself that it was already mine.

I sat at the octagon-shaped gaming table, my opponent directly across from me. I had seen that diamond-encrusted eyepatch before, and its owner. Our previous encounter in Monte Carlo saw our game of Go Fish ending unfinished, so this evening should be interesting. Was my rival seeking retribution for being thoroughly annoyed during our last encounter? Perhaps. But I didn’t care. All I wanted was the Aston.

I kept my poker face while our game was revealed… Jenga. The crowd that sat around us gasped unseen from the shadows. We players kept our cool. I knew my way around these blocks. But did my opposition?

A bartender appeared, asking what we’d like to drink. I missed what my adversary requested, as I was quickly formulating a plan. When it was my turn to order, I quietly asked for a Virgin Mojito. The minty, sweet and citrusy drink would keep me refreshed and my throat from getting dry. And since there wouldn’t be any liquor involved, my wits would be kept about me.

We played, contemplating and moving each piece with the care and concentration of a chess player whose life depended on the game. My opponent in the diamond-encrusted eyepatch kept having glass after glass of what looked to be straight vodka on the rocks. My Virgin Mojitos kept me happy, while my mind and hands remained steady. My opponent, however, began to teeter… not unlike our precarious and now-taller Jenga tower. With a gentle grasp that was steady as stone, I moved another slender brick from the bottom and placed it gingerly on top. The structure began to weeble and wobble… yet it didn’t fall down. Across from me, my rival’s own hand reached out, vibrating and unsure. The play was an inebriated one, and the tower soon came crashing down. The audience cheered, groaned and clapped. I had won. Across from me, one good eye glared and turned, its owner attempting to gracefully saunter away. Instead, they promptly passed out after their second step. Just what exactly was in those drinks?

Then I was sitting in my prize, a luxurious spoil I had only ever fantasized about. Where would I go first? How fast could I open this baby up on the open road? My heart was thumping so hard from excitement and anticipation that I thought my chest would explode. I gawked around the interior of the car, playing with the keys in my hand. My gaze finally settled on the gear shift.

I don’t know how to drive stick.

What Is A Virgin Mojito?

A Virgin Mojito, or any cocktail with the word “virgin” at the front of its title, will traditionally be free of any alcohol. You’ve probably heard them referred to as “mocktails” as well. Whatever label they go by, the general rule of thumb is you don’t put liquor in them. Folks enjoy this style of beverage for a multitude of reasons… Maybe they drink too much or perhaps their health took a turn, so they need to cut back. Others, myself included, will take little breaks from imbibing every few months. Some people just don’t drink, but still enjoy socializing and partaking in making mixed beverages. Oftentimes you might find yourself out and about late at night, with an early morning tapping you on the shoulder. So mocktails play an important role in the cocktail world.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Chill a collins or a highball glass in your freezer for up to thirty minutes. Fill with ice and garnish with a juicy lime wedge and fresh sprig of mint on top.

CAN YOU USE ANY KIND OF MINT?

No. The ideal mint to use is Cuban mint. Spearmint is often used in the making of Mojitos, but the Cuban variety is milder in its flavor and has a more citrus-leaning taste that mixes perfectly with the lime juice.

Other Virgin Cocktails Worth Trying

Nobody needs to know why you want to take it easy, regarding your consumption of adult beverages. Your reasons are just that, yours. Besides, it’s healthy to take a step or two back from anything and take a little sabbatical. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, as the saying goes. So if you want your next booze-filled treat to taste extra sweet after some time away, try a few of these spiritless sippers as you dry out.

• Virgin Margarita – No tequila required to enjoy this version of the classic cocktail.
• Virgin Piña Colada – Pineapple juice and cream of coconut is all you need to make this creamy drink.
• Virgin Miami Vice – This booze-free concoction will keep you cool by the pool on a hot summer’s day.
• Disneyland Mint Julep – Bring the Happiest Place on Earth to your home with this family-friendly elixir.