Traditionally made with only lime, this Lemon Mojito’s combination of sweetness, citrus and mint complements this Cuban classic’s characteristic punch of rum. The addition of lemon brings a brighter citrus flavor that you’ll love.
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About this Lemon Mojito recipe
When life gives you lemons, you could make lemonade. But why not step it up a notch and make Lemon Mojitos instead? The classic mojito stars a few simple ingredients — rum, sugar, lime juice, mint leaves and club soda — to make a cocktail that’s equal parts sweet, sour and herbaceous.
Note from the author
2025 update: The classic mojito was the drink that made me fall in love with making delicious craft cocktails, and this lemon version was one of my first blog posts from 2014. I’ve updated it with an improved recipe, fresh photos and more details to help you make it perfectly every time.
This lemon version turns that original recipe on its head, swapping the lime for lemon. It’s a subtle difference, but fresh lemon juice has a softer sweetness than zingy lime.
Mojitos are the quintessential summertime drink, but they are delicious all year round, especially for group get-togethers. And they’re also one of the easiest cocktails to customize, as you can throw in some fresh fruit or a simple syrup and wind up with a watermelon mojito or blackberry mojito. Or, you could change the citrus from lime to lemon, which I highly recommend!
The result is a minty, lemonade-esque rum cocktail that’s refreshing from early spring to well past the dog days of summer. Whether you’re out of lime juice or just looking for an unbeatable twist on the traditional mojito, this a drink that everyone will love. Let’s get into how to make it!
More mojito recipes: Coconut Mojito • Blueberry Mojito • Mango Mojito
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It is oh-so-flavorful, thanks to the delightful combination of crisp rum, fresh mint, sour lemon and a hint of sweetness from simple syrup.
- It’s a simple recipe is great for beginning cocktail mixologists and advanced ones alike.
- Mix up just one or serve a crowd. This recipe is easy to customize into a big pitcher for a party!
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
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Ingredients
Here’s your ingredient list for this lemon mojito recipe — everything should be easy to find!
- Fresh mint (save extra for the garnish!)
- Simple syrup
- Fresh lemons, for juice and garnishes
- Light rum
- Club soda
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Best rum for mojitos
The traditional mojito calls for rum for its alcoholic element. Because it is clear-colored, white rum (AKA silver rum or light rum) is the best choice. Bacardi is probably the most popular brand of white rum, but Mount Gay or Cruzan are also solid choices for this summer drink.
White rum is light, crisp and great for mixing into drinks like the rum & coke as well as the mojito. A dark rum like gold rum or aged rum will add some color, though they are fine to use. I don’t recommend spiced rum, as the spices will overpower the delicate flavor.
Don’t miss Rum 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
Substitutions & variations
Looking for a twist? These variations make this lemon mojito even more versatile:
- Lemon lover’s mojito: Increase the lemon flavor with a splash of limoncello or by using lemon syrup instead of plain.
- Lemon basil mojito: Use basil instead of mint to make a delicious twist on this drink. Try it with basil syrup or muddle fresh basil leaves.
- Non-alcoholic mojito: Make this a virgin mojito by substituting a zero-proof spirit such as Ritual rum alternative *. You can also simply omit the rum.
Instructions
Learn how to make your own lemon mojitos with this easy guide. Let’s get started!
In a highball glass *, add the mint leaves and simple syrup. Use a muddler * to lightly smash the mint leaves and release their essential oils. Press just hard enough to release the mint essential oils from the leaves.
If you don’t have a muddler, use the blunt end of a wooden spoon. You can also make mint simple syrup instead.
Add the lemon juice and rum into the glass.
Stir gently. Add ice cubes, filling the glass all the way. Top with club soda. Garnish with a straw, lemon wedge and a mint sprig.
Tips & tricks
- Use fresh lemon juice if you can — the store-bought stuff can be too tart.
- If you don’t like herbs floating in your cocktail, make the drink in a shaker or mixing glass *, then strain into your drinking glass.
- Opt for a higher-quality white rum — it’s perfectly light and crisp, and excellent for mixing into drinks.
Food pairings
This lemon mojito recipe is the perfect summer refresher for brunches, parties and girls’ nights. Try serving it with lemon-flavored anything, like creamy lemon chicken for dinner or iced lemon pound cake for dessert.
These mojitos are also a great summer happy hour drink, so they will pair well with a big bowl of guacamole and some homemade tortilla chips.
build a mojito bar
At your next gathering, set up a mojito bar for guests to mix their own drinks. Offer lots of fresh mint, lime wedges and a selection of rums, plus club soda and simple syrup. Elevate the experience with fun add-ins like fresh berries or flavored syrups.
FAQ
White rum, also known as silver rum, is ideal for mojitos. It is clear in color with a blank slate of flavor that lets the mojito’s minty-lime taste shine.
Store-bought concentrate is a fine substitute, but keep in mind that it can taste dull or artificial. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter, more balanced flavor with natural citrus oils and no additives. It also retains more nutrients and provides a fresher, more aromatic experience in cocktails and recipes.
More mojito recipes
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Lemon Mojito
ingredients
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 1 ounce simple syrup see notes
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly-squeezed
- 2 ounces light rum
- 1-2 ounces club soda
- lemon slices for garnish
- mint sprigs for garnish
instructions
- In a collins glass * or highball glass, add the mint leaves and simple syrup.
- Muddle to release the oils of the mint leaves. (See note for an alternate method.)
- Top with ice cubes, filling the glass all the way.
- Add the lemon juice and rum. Top with club soda. Stir gently.
- Garnish with a straw, lime wedge and a mint sprig.
notes
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