Looking for a unique twist on the classic Mojito? Then, this Dark Rum Mojito recipe is for you!
This refreshing cocktail uses simple ingredients and has everything you enjoy about the traditional recipe ... with the bonus of a deeper, richer flavor that you are going to absolutely love!
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Have you ever found yourself wondering: do you have to use white rum in Mojitos? The answer is actually no.
While white rum is typically used to make this popular drink, it's 100% possible to prepare a delicious Mojito with dark rum. And I'm going to show you exactly how to do it!
A Dark Rum Mojito is just as easy to make as the classic cocktail, and it actually tastes somewhat similar. However, this Dirty Mojito (as it's sometimes called) has a deeper flavor with hints of caramel.
If you're already a fan of the traditional drink, then you're going to love this fun variation! Keep reading for all the delicious details, then get ready to start sipping.
Ingredients
So, what's in this classic cocktail with a twist? The ingredients are actually really simple ... here's what you'll need:
- Fresh Lime
- Raw Sugar
- Club Soda
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Dark Rum
If you're familiar with the standard recipe for this drink, you'll probably notice a few changes to the ingredient list. The first, of course, is the use of dark rum instead of light / white rum.
Another change is that this cocktail uses a different type of sugar. Raw sugar is the residue left behind after sugarcane has been processed to remove molasses and refine the crystals. It tastes similar to brown sugar.
The residual molasses in raw sugar really enhances the caramel notes found in the dark liquor, creating an added flavor dimension to the finished drink. I used turbinado sugar (which is fairly easy to find), although you could also use demerara sugar for this recipe.
What rum is best for a Dark Mojito?
Use your favorite high-quality gold or dark rum to make this Dirty Mojito ... generally speaking, the darker the spirit, the more full-bodied the flavor. I used my go to Puerto Rican rum, Ron del Barralito (Two Stars, although you could use Three Stars if you want to splash out), and it worked perfectly here.
Note: this recipe was not developed with spiced rum in mind. You can certainly experiment with it, but the spices will definitely add another dimension to the finished drink. Keep in mind too, that this type of rum is usually quite a bit sweeter than dark or gold varieties.
You'll Also Need
To make this drink, you’ll also need a muddler, jigger, and bar spoon. If you don’t have these items, I’d recommend purchasing a cocktail making kit, which will have everything you need the prepare this recipe (and any other cocktail). You’ll also need a Collins glass (or large highball), plus plenty of ice, for serving the finished drink.
How to Make a Dark Rum Mojito
Okay, let's make this delicious dark rum cocktail!
You'll start by cutting a lime into eight wedges. Squeeze four of the wedges into a Collins glass (or a large highball), then drop the wedges into the glass.
To the lime, add three level bar spoons of raw sugar and one ounce club soda. Then, use your muddler to press and twist the ingredients together a few times.
Keep in mind that you're simply trying to extract the liquid from the lime and combine it with the sugar. You want to avoid pulverizing the limes, which will make your drink taste bitter, so don't go overboard.
Because raw sugar has large crystals, you will most likely have some remaining crystals in the glass at this point. I actually like this, but if you don't, you have couple options:
- Use your bar spoon to vigorously stir the juice and sugar together until better dissolved.
- Instead of using sugar crystals, make a simple syrup with equal parts raw sugar and water. Heat these two ingredients in a saucepan over medium, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, then cool before using.
Tip: this drink only uses half a lime. Save the rest to make another drink for yourself or for a friend.
Next, you're going to add the mint, and I'm going to show you a clever way to do it!
While most Mojito recipes have you muddle the mint with the other ingredients, this can lead to a bitter drink if you're not careful. And of course, all those little mint pieces have to go somewhere ... usually your teeth (ha).
On one of my trips to Puerto Rico, I took a mixology class at Casa Bacardí, and they showed us a cool trick for bruising mint and bringing out the flavor. Stack the mint leaves in the palm of your hand, then use your other hand to smack the mint about five to six times. You'll know you're done when you can smell the mint.
Rub the fragrant leaves over the rim of your glass, then drop them into the drink.
Once you've dropped in the mint leaves, add two ounces of rum. Then, fill the glass with ice and top off the drink with club soda.
Grab your bar spoon and stir vigorously. You want to distribute all the different ingredients throughout the drink ... it should look cloudy when you're done.
Keep in mind that the darker your rum is, the darker your finished drink will be. If you use a gold rum like I did, it will be a beautiful golden color when you're finished!
To me, no cocktail is complete without a garnish. It's the perfect finishing touch!
I'd recommend garnishing this Dark Rum Mojito with a simple lime wedge perched on the rim. And tuck in a few extra mint leaves if you're feeling fancy (always!).
And that's all there is to it ... your refreshing drink is ready for sipping. Cheers!
Related Recipes
There are many wonderful variations on this popular drink (so many cocktails, so little time). Here are my faves:
- Classic Mojito Recipe
- Strawberry Mojito
- Blueberry Mojito
- Pineapple Mojito
- Watermelon Mojito
- Mango Mojito
- Pomegrante Mojito
- Mojito Mocktail
Looking for more rum drink ideas? Then, make sure to try my Cuba Libre, Spiked Apple Cider, and Rum Old Fashioned recipes, too!
Dark Rum Mojito
Equipment
Instructions
- Squeeze 4 lime wedges into a Collins glass (or highball), then drop wedges into glass. Add 3 level bar spoons of raw sugar and 1 ounce club soda to glass.
- Using a muddler, press and twist ingredients together a few times.
- Stack mint leaves in your palm. Smack leaves with your other hand, 5 to 6 times, or until fragrant.
- Rub leaves over the glass rim, then drop in.
- Add rum to glass, then fill with ice. Top off with club soda.
- Use a bar spoon to vigorously stir ingredients until drink is well mixed.
- Serve drink immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
