Do Share Recipe

The Perfect Classic Mojito Recipe for a Refreshing Sip

I just whipped up this classic mojito, and I have to say, it’s the most refreshing thing I’ve had all summer. The balance of zesty lime, fresh mint, and a hint of sweetness is absolutely perfect. It’s so simple to make, yet it feels incredibly sophisticated.

It’s the kind of drink that makes any day feel like a small celebration. If you enjoy simple yet elegant recipes, you should also explore our guide for a Blueberry Mojito Recipe for your next meal.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to elevate the standard mojito. These small adjustments can make a big difference.

I always slap the mint leaves in my palm before putting them in the shaker. This helps to release the essential oils without the bitterness that can come from over-muddling.
Instead of granulated sugar, I sometimes use a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved). It mixes into the drink more evenly, so you don’t get any grainy sips.
I find that using crushed ice instead of cubed ice makes the drink even more refreshing and dilutes it perfectly as you sip.
If your limes aren’t very juicy, I recommend rolling them firmly on the countertop before cutting and squeezing. This breaks down the pulp and helps you get more juice out.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors. The mojito is a versatile base for creativity. You can also explore our other dinner recipes to find the perfect pairing.

Fruit-Infused Mojitos: Muddle in a few pieces of your favorite fruit along with the mint. Berries like strawberries or raspberries, chunks of pineapple, or slices of peach work beautifully.
Spiced Mojito: Add a cinnamon stick or a few slices of fresh ginger to the shaker for a warm, spicy twist on the classic.
Sugar-Free Mojito: Replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or a sugar-free simple syrup to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing sweetness.
Dark Rum Mojito: Swap the white rum for a dark or spiced rum. This will give the drink a richer, more complex flavor profile with notes of caramel and vanilla.

Equipment You Need

You don’t need a professional bar setup, but a few key tools will make the process much easier.

Cocktail Shaker: For chilling and mixing the ingredients together perfectly.
Muddler: Essential for gently pressing the mint to release its oils.
Jigger or Measuring Tool: To ensure your proportions of lime juice and rum are accurate for a balanced drink.
Strainer: A double strainer is best for keeping small bits of mint out of the final drink.
Lowball or Highball Glass: The classic choice for serving this refreshing cocktail.

How to Serve a Classic Mojito Recipe

Presentation is key to making your cocktail feel special. A few simple touches can elevate the experience.

Serve in a tall highball glass to showcase the beautiful layers of mint and lime.
Garnish generously with a large sprig of fresh mint and a wheel of lime on the rim of the glass.
For an extra touch of elegance, consider serving it alongside a sweet treat. Our Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf Recipe would be a perfect complement.
Use a stylish, reusable straw to complete the look and make sipping easier.

Calories Count

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one classic mojito.

Calories: Approximately 160-200 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 10mg

How to Store the Mojito

While a mojito is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance.

A freshly made mojito should be consumed immediately for the best taste and fizziness.
If you want to prepare ahead, you can mix the rum, lime juice, and sugar and store it in the fridge. Add the mint and club soda just before serving.
Freezing a mojito is not recommended, as the club soda will go flat and the texture of the mint will change upon thawing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this classic mojito recipe will become your new go-to cocktail.

Incredibly Refreshing: The combination of mint, lime, and soda water creates a drink that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and five minutes of your time, you can have a bar-quality cocktail ready to enjoy.
Easily Customizable: It’s easy to adjust the sweetness or add fruits and spices to create your own unique version.
Impressive for Guests: It looks and tastes sophisticated, making it a great choice for serving at parties and gatherings.

More About the Mojito

The mojito has a rich history that is as refreshing as the drink itself. Originating in Cuba, it’s believed to have been invented in the 1500s, making it one of the world’s oldest cocktails.

One popular story attributes its creation to Sir Francis Drake’s crew, who used a crude form of rum, mint, lime, and sugar cane juice as a medicinal tonic. The name “mojito” is thought to come from the African word “mojo,” meaning a small magic charm or talisman.

Over the centuries, it evolved from a rustic remedy to the beloved cocktail we know today. It was famously a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway, who often enjoyed them at the La Bodeguita del Medio bar in Havana. This classic drink’s simple yet perfect balance of flavors has ensured its popularity across the globe.

Ben Carraoli