The mojito, a refreshing and classic cocktail, has been enjoyed by many around the world. In this ar...
MojitoCocktail recipe
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You’ll find the Mojito is one of the great rum highballs: bright, minty, and built for hot weather. Its roots sit in Cuba’s long love affair with rum, lime, sugar, and fresh herbs, with the drink often linked to earlier “rum-and-lime” refreshers that evolved as ice and soda became commonplace. Over time it becomes a modern bar staple, prized for how it balances sweetness, citrus, and lift without feeling heavy.
With white rum as the base, you get a clean spirit backbone that lets the other ingredients speak. Lime juice brings a sharp, mouthwatering snap, while sugar smooths the edges and turns that acidity into a rounded, juicy sweetness. Mint leaves add a cool, green freshness that sits right on top of the drink, and soda water stretches everything into a crisp, lightly sparkling finish that keeps each sip feeling airy and bright.
Serve it in a highball glass when you want something refreshing and sociable—think sunny afternoons, garden gatherings, or a laid-back start to the evening. If you like citrus-forward drinks with a clean, herbal lift, this is an easy go-to that stays light and thirst-quenching from first sip to last.
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Cocktail Colin says:
White rum leads with a clean, lightly sweet backbone, while lime juice snaps bright and tart against two teaspoons of sugar, and mint leaves flood the highball with cool, green aromatics lifted by a soda water top-up. It works because the sugar rounds the lime’s edge and the bubbles carry mint through the rum, ideal for anyone who likes crisp, refreshing, herb-forward drinks.
Method
How to make a Mojito
- White rum 45ml, Lime juice 20ml, Soda water Top up, Mint leaves 15, Sugar 2 teaspoons
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- In the bottom of a highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and lime juice to release the oils from the mint leaves
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- Next add a splash of soda water and fill up the glass with crushed ice
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- Add the rum, top up with the soda water and give it a stir
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- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime and serve
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Find out more- Use fresh, fragrant mint leaves and gently bruise them while muddling to release their essential oils without over-crushing, which can add bitterness.
- Opt for superfine sugar or sugar syrup for easier mixing and a smoother, more consistent sweetness throughout the drink.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Mojito?
The Mojito is believed to have originated in Cuba. Its exact history is a bit muddy, but it's thought to have been derived from a 16th-century drink called 'El Draque', named after Sir Francis Drake. Over time, it evolved into the Mojito we know today, gaining popularity both in Cuba and worldwide.
Can I make a Mojito without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of a Mojito, often called a 'Virgin Mojito' or 'Nojito.' Simply omit the white rum and increase the amount of soda water, or use a non-alcoholic spirit substitute to mimic the flavor of the rum.
What type of mint is best to use in a Mojito?
Spearmint is the most commonly used type of mint in Mojitos due to its sweet flavor and aromatic properties. It complements the lime and sugar well, enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail.
How important is the muddling process in making a Mojito?
Muddling is crucial in making a Mojito because it releases the essential oils and aroma from the mint leaves, which are key to the cocktail's refreshing taste. It's important to gently press and twist the mint leaves with the sugar and lime juice, rather than mashing them, to avoid releasing bitterness from the stems.
What food pairs well with a Mojito?
Mojitos are versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. They go especially well with light and fresh dishes like seafood, grilled chicken, salads, and dishes with bold, spicy flavors like Cuban, Thai, or Mexican cuisine. The refreshing qualities of the Mojito can help cool down the palate when eating spicy foods.
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