Classic Mojito

Everyone should have the classic mojito recipe in their back pocket for a refreshing, summer cocktail that’s easy to love. Rum, lime juice and mint are a picture perfect pairing.

About this Classic Mojito recipe

The mojito was the first cocktail I ever tried, and it instantly won me over with its cool, minty charm. From wedding receptions to late nights in Prague, I’ve sipped this refreshing drink in some unforgettable places. I even named our new kitten “Mojito” (though we call him “Momo” most of the time now).

Not surprisingly, the mojito was one of the first cocktails I learned how to make when I got interested in mixing drinks at home. If it’s not already one of your favorite cocktails, let me show you how to make the best one ever (and it might just take the top spot on your list).

With its bright lime flavor, fresh mint and fizzy finish, the classic Cuban mojito is refreshing, simple and endlessly satisfying — especially on a hot day. Once you master the original, it’s easy to experiment with fun variations like a fruity blackberry mojito or citrusy lemon mojito.

More classic rum cocktails: Hurricane Cocktail • Rum Hot Toddy • Classic Daiquiri • Airmail Cocktail • Cubanita

What is a mojito?

The mojito is a classic cocktail featuring rum, sugar, lime juice, fresh mint leaves and a splash of soda. The result is a refreshing drink that’s equal parts sweet, sour and herbal.

While the lime-mint-rum combo is the traditional recipe, it’s very versatile and can be mixed with fresh fruit, other citrus, flavorful syrups and different types of rum.

History

The mojito’s roots are undoubtedly in Cuba, but exactly how those roots were formed is a mystery — much like many classic drinks.

One tale suggests the mojito was originally named “El Draque,” for Sir Francis Drake, in the 16th century. It was made with a crude version of rum called “aguardiente,” and with the introduction of rum distillation, evolved into the mojito.

Another likely possibility is that the drink was invented by Africans working in Cuba, giving it the name “mojito” from the word “mojo,” meaning “a magic charm.”

Yet another theory is that the bartenders at a Havana bar, La Bodeguita del Medio, invented it. Ernest Hemingway was known to catch a drink there after a long day of writing, and the mojito was one of his favorites. If you ever make it to Cuba, you can try one at the same bar — it’s still there!

Tools & glassware

The mojito is a recurring character at bars and restaurants, but they’re very easy to recreate at home. You don’t need tons of fancy equipment.

To make a mojito, you will need a good muddler ^*. This is a stick-shaped tool that is used to mash the fruits and herbs together. If you don’t have one, you can use the blunt end of a wooden spoon.

Feel free to make the cocktail right in the glass. However, if you like a smooth cocktail — without bits mint leaves floating about — muddle the drink in a cocktail shaker ^* or in a mixing glass ^*, then strain the drink into a cocktail glass with a small fine-mesh strainer.

Serve up the mojito in a highball glass ^*, a skinny, tall glass perfect for highlighting this drink’s vibrant colors.

mojito essentials

basic bartending set

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citrus press juicer

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muddler

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^*

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make classic mojito — you can find them easily!

1. Fresh mint: Fresh mint often comes in little, clear, plastic boxes with just a few sprigs, but if you want to make a lot of mojitos, see if your store carries it in a big bundle. (Save extra for the garnish!)
2. Simple syrup: It’s easy to make in less than 10 minutes with just two ingredients. You can also use sugar or sugar cubes, but it will take longer to dissolve and more elbow grease as you muddle.
3. Fresh limes: If at all possible, don’t skip this part! You’ll want some for juice and a few more for garnishes.
4. Light rum: This is a clear rum. (In the next section, I talk about some of my faves!)
5. Club soda: A few bubbles help your drink to have a lighter body and more volume. You don’t need a ton. This part can be optional, but I find it gives the mojito the balance it needs to become your new favorite drink.

Best rum for mojitos

For the classic mojito recipe, you will want to use a light rum, also known as white rum or silver rum. This kind of rum is light and crisp, and goes well with fruit flavors, which makes it perfect for the mojito, rum & coke or a daiquiri.

You can also use gold rum, AKA oro or ambre, which is light rum aged in oak barrels. Since it has a golden color it will alter the appearance of mojitos, so I tend to suggest light rum but either way it will taste great! Similarly, I don’t recommend spiced rum, as the spices will overpower the delicate flavor.

My favorite brands are Bacardi, Cruzan and Plantation, but, as always, use the best rum you can afford. Check out this rum guide if you want more ideas!

Substitutions & variations

Mojitos are fun to make your own because you can mix in other fruits and serve it so many ways. This classic mojito recipe is a great place to start:

• Berries: Muddle in some blueberries or strawberries — they’re a perfect match for mint!
• Rums: Experiment with aged rum or flavored rums, like spiced rum in this dirty mojito.
• Other citrus: My lemon mojito is one of my favorites, but you can also use orange or even grapefruit.
• More fruit options: A fig mojito would be delicious and different, too! We also love them with watermelon, coconut and mango.

Mojitos are also fun for holidays! This red, white and blue mojito made with berries is perfect for the summer holidays. In the fall and winter, try an apple cider mojito or a white cranberry mojito.

The classic lime and mint flavor is a must-try for treats, too. Frozen mojitos are so fun for summer. You can even enjoy mojitos as jello shots or popsicles!

Instructions

The mojito is a fairly simple cocktail to make, promise. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect cocktail:

In a Collins glass ^* or highball glass ^*, add the mint leaves and simple syrup. Muddle to release the oils of the mint leaves.

Next, squeeze in the lime juice and pour in the rum.

Stir gently, then top with ice cubes, filling the glass all the way.

Top with club soda. Finish it off with a lime wedge and a mint sprig. Add a straw if you like!

Mojito pitcher

If you want to make a big pitcher of mojitos, it’s easy to do! To save time on muddling, make a mint simple syrup. Just add 1-2 sprigs of mint after the boil and let it steep as it cools. Then remove the leaves before storing.

And surely you don’t want to juice a ton of limes! It’s okay to use concentrate, but you can taste the difference. See if your grocery store sells pre-squeezed, fresh lime juice. You can also substitute sour mix or limeade in a pinch! But you may need to cut down on the sweetener.

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