Mint and lime are front and center in this vodka variation of the popular, summer cocktail.
The original, classic Mojito cocktail is made with rum, lime, mint and sugar… a popular and necessary concoction that sailors in the Caribbean, far back in the late 1800s, regularly imbibed to help fight off scurvy. These early mixtures, that would eventually evolve into something more recognizable as the modern Mojito, were heavily watered down in order to make sure that no ship captain had a crew that was falling down drunk on the job. Times have changed, obviously, and now when it’s time to have a drink, it’s usually done after the hatches have been battened down. And scurvy isn’t the problem it used to be, at least for me it isn’t.
The different types of rum have very distinct flavor profiles, but in this version of the Mojito we’re going to switch out the rum for vodka. Vodka works well in so many different cocktails because of its more neutral flavor base. A Vodka Mojito, while just as refreshing as the original, also brings the mint and lime flavors more to the front. The vodka doesn’t disappear, nor is it bland. It helps make the other flavors pop just a little bit more than they normally would in a rum based version.
When the vodka, lime and mint come together with the right amount of club soda, the taste can best be described as “effervescent”. I’ve had my share of cold and thirst quenching drinks on a hot day, but sipping on a tall Vodka Mojito during the dog days of summer is just as good as plunging into a sparkling, refreshing swimming pool.
When I first had a mojito, I liked it. When I first had a Vodka Mojito, I was refreshed. I found that the original rum version ran just a little too sweet for me on those really hot, muggy nights out. But the vodka version really lightened up the whole drink, without taking away any of the kick. When the summer months roll around, this is my go-to cocktail.
I talk a little more about the cocktail and its history in Twist and Toast’s Strawberry Mojito recipe.
What is the best vodka to make this cocktail with?
The higher the shelf your vodka sits on, the smoother your cocktails will be. Meaning that you’ll want to get a decent mid-to-top shelf spirit to make a truly delicious Vodka Mojito. I talked earlier about how vodka works so well in this drink because its flavor is neither overpowering or underwhelming, but just right. Especially in making the mint and lime flavors really sparkle. I also like to lean toward grain distilled vodkas, their texture feels silkier to me.
For fun, you can try making your Vodka Mojito with Grey Goose Le Citron for an added lemon zing. Or if you want a vodka that works with a subtle, sweeter rum-like touch, go with Tito’s.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1 ounce Fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons of superfine sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a sturdy glass, combine the fresh mint leaves and sugar. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush the mint and sugar together.
- Pour over the vodka and lime juice. Stir well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top up with club soda. Stir gently to combine. Finish off with a garnish of a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Nutrition
Tips and Tricks to Make a Perfect Vodka Mojito Cocktail
I always try to use the freshest ingredients possible whenever I can. For example, if I need lime juice I’ll squeeze some limes. But recently I discovered Key West Lime Juice, bottled, ready to go and super convenient. If you find yourself without fresh citrus or you just don’t feel like squeezing anything, grab yourself a bottle from your local grocery store.
Sometimes I find that using sugar alone in any cocktail recipe can make for a gritty affair if you don’t mix the drink just right. The solution is literally simple… simple syrup! In fact, any drink recipe I come across that calls for sugar to be added, I use simple syrup instead.
FAQs & Tips
A sturdy and tall Collins glass or tumbler, filled with crushed ice, is the perfect way to enjoy the Vodka Mojito. Cap it with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel, as you would in the classic version.
Cut out the hassle of making everyone’s drink at your next party by mixing up batches ahead of time, based on how many guests you’ll be expecting (so plan your recipe ratio accordingly). Mix everything together except for the club soda and garnish, which should be added when the drinks are ready to pour… you don’t want to lose any fizz, especially since this cocktail can be stored up to three days ahead your gathering.
One of the reasons why a lot of people like this variation of the original, is that they think it has less calories. But white rum and vodka carry about the same amount, so both versions of this cocktail have similar calorie counts. This Vodka Mojito recipe is at 169 per serving.
Some cocktails are “straw-friendly”, while others… Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be seen sipping my next martini through one, but since mojitos are summer drinks, and my very first mojito was served to me with the sipping device, nobody would look twice at you if you’re using one. A crazy straw maybe…
Vodka Mojito Cocktail Variations
All this talk about Vodka Mojitos has definitely made me thirsty for more of them. Twist and Toast has some great recipes for you to try, so let’s check a few of them out:
- Easy Mojito Pitcher Recipe – Throwing a big party and need a lot of drinks to go around? We got you.
- Coconut Mojito – A lightly creamy version brings more of the tropics to the classic.
- The Perfect Mojito – Learn how to make the original, irresistible drink.
- Virgin Mojito – All the flavor with zero chance of a hangover. Are you the designated driver tonight, or just taking a booze break? Here’s our alcohol-free.
Leave a Comment