Mojito
This classic Cuban highball is the epitome of a refreshing summer cocktail, perfectly balancing sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors. Fresh lime juice and fragrant mint leaves are muddled together to release their oils, then topped with white rum and fizzy club soda for a crisp finish. It is an easy-to-make drink that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- ½ medium lime, cut into 3 wedges
- 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 ½ ounces white rum
- ½ cup club soda, or as needed
Directions
- Muddle the base: Place the mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
- Sweeten: Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
- Chill: Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.
- Pour and Fizz: Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with club soda.
- Stir and Serve: Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Taste and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
Optional Tips / Variations
- Simple Syrup: For a smoother drink without sugar granules, substitute the granulated sugar with ½ to ¾ ounce of simple syrup.
- Don’t Over-Muddle: Be gentle when muddling the mint; you only want to bruise the leaves to release the oils. Shredding them can make the drink bitter.
- Fruit Twist: Muddle a few strawberries or raspberries with the lime for a fruity berry mojito.
- Virgin Mojito: To make a “Nojito,” simply omit the rum and add a splash more club soda or a little ginger ale.
