Classic Mojito

Name: Classic Mojito
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 cocktail
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 10 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 small sprig for garnish; 1 ounce fresh lime juice, from about 1 lime; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 2 ounces white rum; Ice cubes; 3 to 4 ounces chilled club soda; Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish

This bright Cuban cocktail is built right in the glass with fresh mint, lime, a little sugar, white rum, and fizzy club soda. It is crisp, not too sweet, and easy to mix one drink at a time.

Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 cocktail
Difficulty: Easy

Prep 5mCook 0mCubanDrinks

A mojito is a simple, refreshing cocktail from Cuba. The flavor comes from fresh mint and lime, so it is worth using good, bright leaves and a juicy lime.

The key step is muddling, which means gently pressing the mint with sugar and lime juice. Do not smash the mint into bits; light pressure releases the oils without making the drink taste grassy.

This recipe makes one cocktail, which is the easiest way to keep the balance right. You can scale it for a small pitcher if you are serving a few adults.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

7 items · 1 cocktail

10 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 small sprig for garnish
1 ounce fresh lime juice, from about 1 lime
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 ounces white rum
Ice cubes
3 to 4 ounces chilled club soda
Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish

02How to make it

Step-by-step

1. Choose a sturdy glass
Use a highball glass or another tall glass that can handle gentle muddling. Add the mint leaves, fresh lime juice, and sugar to the glass.
2. Muddle gently
Press the mint, lime juice, and sugar with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon about 6 to 8 times. Muddling means pressing to release flavor. Stop when the mint smells fragrant and the sugar starts to dissolve.
3. Add the rum
Pour in the white rum. Stir for a few seconds to help dissolve any sugar sitting at the bottom of the glass.
4. Fill with ice
Add ice cubes until the glass is nearly full. Cubes work better than crushed ice here because they melt more slowly.
5. Top with soda
Pour in 3 to 4 ounces of chilled club soda, depending on the size of your glass and how light you like the drink.
6. Stir lightly
Use a bar spoon or long spoon to lift the mint and lime mixture from the bottom of the glass. Stir gently so you keep the bubbles.
7. Garnish and serve
Add a mint sprig and a lime wheel or wedge. Serve right away while the drink is cold and fizzy.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

Make-ahead: Mix the lime juice and sugar up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate it. Add mint, rum, ice, and club soda just before serving so the drink stays fresh and bubbly.
Storage: A finished mojito does not store well. The soda goes flat, the ice melts, and the mint can turn dark. If you have leftovers, strain out the mint and refrigerate for a few hours, then refresh with ice and more soda.
Sugar swap: Use 1/2 ounce simple syrup instead of the granulated sugar. Simple syrup dissolves faster and gives the drink a smoother texture.
Rum swap: White rum is traditional because it has a clean flavor. A lightly aged rum can work, but dark rum will make the drink richer and less crisp.
Mint tip: If your mint tastes bitter, it was probably muddled too hard. Press just enough to bruise the leaves and release their oils.
Nonalcoholic version: Skip the rum and add more club soda, or use a nonalcoholic rum alternative. Taste and add a little extra lime or sugar if needed.

Cook's note

Nutrition is calculated for one cocktail made with 2 ounces 80-proof white rum, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons sugar, mint, and about 4 ounces club soda. Values can vary by rum brand and club soda sodium level.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

Can I make mojitos in a pitcher?

Yes. For 6 drinks, use 60 mint leaves, 6 ounces lime juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 12 ounces white rum. Muddle the mint, lime, and sugar in the pitcher, then stir in the rum. Refrigerate briefly if needed, and add ice and club soda to each glass right before serving.

Do I need a muddler?

No. The handle of a wooden spoon works well. Use gentle pressure and twist slightly. Avoid tearing the mint into tiny pieces, which can make the drink taste bitter.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is strongly recommended. Bottled lime juice often tastes flat or harsh, and a mojito has so few ingredients that the lime flavor stands out.

What is the difference between club soda and sparkling water?

Club soda has added minerals and sometimes a little sodium, which gives it a crisp taste. Sparkling water or seltzer will also work, but the drink may taste slightly softer.

How sweet should a mojito be?

A classic mojito is lightly sweet. Start with 2 teaspoons sugar. If you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in another 1 teaspoon sugar or 1/4 ounce simple syrup after tasting.

05Per serving

Nutrition Facts

1 cocktail

Amount per serving

Calories167

% Daily Value*

Total Fat0 g: 0%
Saturated Fat0 g: 0%
Cholesterol0 mg: 0%
Sodium25 mg: 1%
Total Carbohydrate11 g: 4%
Dietary Fiber0 g: 0%
Total Sugars9 g
Protein0 g: 0%

Vitamin D0 mcg: 0%
Calcium7 mg: 1%
Iron0.1 mg: 1%
Potassium33 mg: 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

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