Limoncello Mojito
This sunny twist on a mojito swaps some of the usual sweetness for lemony limoncello. It is bright, minty, lightly fizzy, and easy to build right in the glass.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mItalian-CubanDrinks
A limoncello mojito brings together two warm-weather favorites: the mint-and-lime snap of a Cuban mojito and the sweet lemon flavor of Italian limoncello.
It is a simple stirred cocktail, so you do not need a shaker. The only technique to know is muddling, which means gently pressing the mint to release its oils without tearing it into bitter little pieces.
Serve it in a tall glass with plenty of ice and cold club soda. It is a good drink for patios, brunches, and relaxed dinners where you want something citrusy but not too heavy.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
8 items · 1 cocktail
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 small sprig for garnish
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice, from about 1 lime
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup, plus more to taste
- 1 1/2 ounces limoncello, chilled if possible
- 1 ounce white rum
- Ice, for filling the glass
- 2 ounces chilled club soda or sparkling water
- 1 lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Fill a tall highball glass with ice water while you gather the ingredients. A cold glass helps the cocktail stay crisp and fizzy longer.
2. Add the mint
Empty the glass, then add the mint leaves to the bottom. If the leaves are very large, give them a light slap between your palms first to wake up their aroma.
3. Muddle gently
Add the lime juice and simple syrup. Use a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon to press the mint 4 to 6 times. Muddling means pressing and twisting lightly, not grinding.
4. Pour in the spirits
Add the limoncello and white rum. Stir for a few seconds to combine the citrus, mint, syrup, and alcohol.
5. Fill with ice
Pack the glass with fresh ice. Use enough ice to fill the glass nearly to the top; a full glass melts more slowly and keeps the drink balanced.
6. Top with bubbles
Pour in the chilled club soda or sparkling water. Add it slowly so the drink does not foam over.
7. Stir and garnish
Stir once or twice from the bottom of the glass to lift the mint through the drink without knocking out too much fizz. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.
8. Taste and adjust
Take a small sip. If you want it sweeter, add a splash more simple syrup. If you want it sharper, add a little more lime juice.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Mix the lime juice, simple syrup, limoncello, and rum up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the mint, ice, and club soda just before serving so the drink stays fresh and fizzy.
- Batch option: For 6 cocktails, combine 6 ounces lime juice, 3 ounces simple syrup, 9 ounces limoncello, and 6 ounces white rum in a pitcher. Chill, then muddle mint in each glass and top each drink with about 2 ounces club soda.
- Storage: Once mixed with soda, this cocktail is best served right away. Leftovers will lose bubbles and the mint can turn dull after sitting.
- Swap the rum: Vodka makes a cleaner, less tropical drink. For a lighter cocktail, skip the rum and use 2 ounces limoncello total, then top with extra soda.
- No simple syrup: Stir 2 teaspoons superfine sugar with the lime juice until dissolved, then muddle with the mint. Regular granulated sugar works, but it takes longer to dissolve.
- Use fresh lime: Bottled lime juice tastes flatter and can make the drink harsh. Fresh lime gives the clean tartness that balances the sweet limoncello.
Cook's note
Nutrition is estimated per cocktail using 1/2 ounce simple syrup, 1 1/2 ounces limoncello, 1 ounce white rum, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, mint, and 2 ounces club soda. Limoncello varies widely in sugar and alcohol, so the exact numbers will change by brand.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make a limoncello mojito without rum?
Yes. Leave out the rum and add an extra 1/2 to 1 ounce of limoncello, or simply top with more club soda for a lighter drink.
What kind of limoncello should I use?
Use a limoncello you enjoy sipping cold. Some brands are sweeter than others, so start with the listed simple syrup amount and adjust after tasting.
Can I use sparkling lemonade instead of club soda?
You can, but the drink will be much sweeter. If using sparkling lemonade, skip the simple syrup at first and add only if needed.
Why does my mojito taste bitter?
The mint was probably muddled too hard, or too much lime peel was crushed into the drink. Press the mint gently and use fresh lime juice rather than crushing whole lime wedges aggressively.
Can I make this as a mocktail?
Yes. Replace the limoncello and rum with 2 ounces lemonade, 1/2 ounce lemon juice, and a few drops of nonalcoholic lemon extract if you have it. Top with club soda and adjust sweetness to taste.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium12 mg
- 1%
- Total Carbohydrate22 g
- 8%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars20 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium7 mg
- 1%
- Iron0.1 mg
- 1%
- Potassium40 mg
- 1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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