Learn how to make a classic Mojito with this easy, refreshing recipe!
This delicious cocktail is the perfect warm weather drink! Once you master this simple recipe, you will be reaching for it all summer long. Best of all, you only need five minutes and a few basic ingredients to make it!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are you a Mojito fan?
I'll always remember the first time I tried one. It wasn't on vacation or anywhere tropical, but at a Cuban restaurant in Chicago. With one sip, I was hooked, and it quickly became the drink of the summer.
I've loved this refreshing, minty drink ever since. So when I was in Puerto Rico recently, I was super excited to take a mixology class at Casa Bacardí. During the class, we learned to make three classic rum drinks (including a Cuba Libre .. yum).
Of course, one of the drinks was a classic Mojito. This easy recipe couldn't be simpler to prepare, and I can't wait to show you how to make one, too!
About the Recipe
The Mojito cocktail was invented in Havana, Cuba, although its exact origins are a little muddled.
If you've ever had one before, then you know that the fresh, bright flavors are what make this drink so special. It's the perfect lightly-sweetened combination of citrus and mint.
This drink is truly refreshing. It's the ideal cocktail for cooling off after a long, hot summer day! And best of all, this recipe uses simple ingredients, so it's quick and easy to make.
Are you ready to get started? Then keep reading, because I'm going to walk you through the process step-by-step ... you'll be making the BEST Mojito in only five minutes!
What's in a Mojito?
Let's start by talking about ingredients ... they're really quite simple! Here's what you'll need:
- Fresh Lime
- Granulated Sugar
- Club Soda
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- White Rum
Because the ingredients are so basic, make sure they're high quality. You don't want to use any mixes or bottled juice for this drink. Fresh really is best ... seek out the juiciest limes and the perkiest mint you can find.
Best Rum for Mojitos
As far as rum goes, you can use any white rum, although Bacardí Carta Blanca (Superior) is a classic choice. The Bacardí brand was founded in Cuba in 1862, and it has been family owned for seven generations. It's what we used in our mixology class, and I like that it's super easy to find and affordable.
You'll Also Need
For this cocktail, you’ll also need a muddler, jigger, and bar spoon. If you don't have any of these items, I'd recommend purchasing a cocktail making kit. It will have everything you need for this and any other drink you might want to make. To serve the drink, you also need a highball or Collins glass (which is what I used), plus plenty of ice.
How to Make a Mojito
Ready to start mixing?
You're going to start with the lime. The recipe calls for one medium lime, but you'll only use about half. Which means there's enough left for another drink for you or a friend.
Cut the lime into eight wedges, then squeeze four of those wedges into a highball or Collins glass. Drop the wedges into the glass, then add three level bar spoons of sugar, plus an ounce of club soda.
Grab your muddler, then press and twist it into the glass a few times. There's no need to pulverize anything ... you're simply trying to extract the juice and combine the ingredients a bit.
Tip: a classic Mojito isn't super sweet. If you prefer your drinks sweeter, feel free to add additional sugar to taste.
The mint comes next, and this cocktail recipe has a unique technique for adding it.
Most Mojito drink recipes call for muddling the mint with the lime and other ingredients. The problem with muddling mint, is that if you're not careful, your drink can end up tasting bitter. Not to mention all those little mint pieces will probably get stuck in your teeth later. And that's never pretty!
We learned an awesome trick at Bacardí for bruising the mint that's so simple and clever! Simply stack the leaves in your palm (I used 12 small to medium leaves), then smack the leaves with your other hand about five to six time ... or until they're fragrant.
Once you can smell that wonderful mint fragrance, rub the leaves over the rim of your glass. Then, drop them into your drink.
Next, you'll add the rum. This recipe calls for two ounces.
After you've added the rum, fill your glass to the top with ice.
After adding the ice, top off your drink with club soda.
Grab that bar spoon again, then vigorously stir your drink. You'll know it's done when it turns whitish / cloudy, as in the photo below.
During our class, the instructor recommended sticking the bar spoon into the drink, then rolling the spoon between your hands to stir the drink ... as if you were building a fire.
Give it a try! It's a little awkward, but rest assured, whatever stirring method you use will work!
Before serving, I like to garnish this easy cocktail with a sprig of fresh mint and another lime wedge. The more lime, the better in my book!
Doesn't this pretty drink look inviting? I really can't think of a better, more refreshing cocktail. If you need me this summer, I'll be relaxing on my patio with a mint Mojito in hand.
And now that you know how to make one, you can do the same!
Mojito Variations
Once you've mastered this easy drink, try one of these refreshing flavored mojitos cocktails next!
If you're looking for other rum cocktails, then try my Cuba Libre, Spiked Apple Cider, and Rum Old Fashioned, as well. Or try one of my favorite summery drinks, like an Easy Chelada, Spicy Paloma Cocktail, Cherry Smash Cocktail, Beergaritas, or Strawberry Mint Gin and Tonic.
Mojito
Ingredients
- 1 medium lime, cut into 8 wedges
- sugar
- club soda
- 12 mint leaves
- 2 ounces BACARDÍ Superior White Rum or other white rum
Equipment
Instructions
- Squeeze 4 lime wedges into a highball or Collins glass, then drop wedges into glass. Add 3 level bar spoons of sugar and 1 ounce club soda to glass.
- Using a muddler, press and twist ingredients together a few times.
- Stack mint leaves in the palm of your hand. Smack leaves with your other hand, 5 to 6 times, or until fragrant.
- Rub leaves over the rim of the glass, then drop in.
- Add rum to glass, then fill with ice. Top off with club soda.
- Use a bar spoon to vigorously mix ingredients until drink is whitish and cloudy.
- Serve drink immediately, garnished with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Are you a fan of this refreshing cocktail, too?
Question: If you were to use a sweetener to replace the sugar, do you have any recommendations? Off the top of my head I was thinking monk fruit. Thanks!
Hi, Mark! Sorry for the delay getting back to you (I just moved). I not all that familiar with sugar replacements, however you should be able to substitute your favorite with no issues (other than the taste being slightly different). Just use the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of regular sugar. Hope that helps!