Authentic Mojito

This iconic Cuban cocktail combines a few simple ingredients to create a perfectly balanced drink that’s both sweet and tart, with a refreshing kick. What makes this recipe stand out? It sticks to the original mojito with only fresh, real ingredients. While this version serves one, it can easily be scaled up for a larger crowd at summer gatherings.

What Is a Mojito?

A mojito is a timeless highball cocktail that hails from Cuba. True to its roots, this drink features authentic Cuban ingredients like rum, lime, mint, and sugar, topped with a splash of club soda for that refreshing finish. While it does require a little more effort than some other drinks—mainly muddling fresh mint, lime, and sugar to release the flavors—it's all worth it. The result is a fizzy, mildly sweet, and invigorating rum-based beverage that's been a favorite for generations.

Mojito Ingredients

Curious about what goes into a mojito? The good news is, you only need five simple ingredients to create this deliciously refreshing drink.

• Rum: Always use white rum for mojitos. Avoid spiced rums, because these will take away from the freshness of the mint and lime.
• Mint: Spearmint is most commonly used for mojitos and is what you'll likely find at the grocery store labeled generically as "mint." For an authentic Cuban mojito, use mojito mint, or Mentha x villosa, a type of mint native to Cuba with a more understated flavor than that of spearmint.
• Lime: Use freshly squeezed limes for best flavor. When shopping for limes, look for fruits with smooth skin, as this indicates the fruit is full of juice.
• Sugar: Folks often substitute simple syrup for sugar in mojitos because it blends into the drink more smoothly. However, classic mojito recipes call for granulated sugar. Not only does this ensure the drink isn't overly sweet, but the occasional undissolved sugar granule adds texture that's signature to a classic mojito. If you prefer, you can use superfine/caster sugar in place of granulated sugar, as this will dissolve more easily into cold liquid.
• Club Soda: Top everything off with club soda to lighten up the drink and balance out the other ingredients.

What You Need to Make a Mojito

Like many cocktails, preparing a mojito requires a few specific tools—chiefly, a muddler. This handy bar tool is used to crush fresh herbs and fruits, helping to release their natural flavors. If you don’t have a muddler on hand, the handle of a wooden spoon works just as well.

Perfect Meals to Pair With a Mojito

Looking to enjoy a meal alongside your mojito? The following recipes are ideal for pairing with a light, refreshing cocktail like this one.

• Ceviche
• Grilled Chicken, Peach, and Arugula Salad
• Cuban Midnight Sandwich
• Mojo Shrimp
• Grilled Fish Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Dressing
  

Creative Variations on the Classic Mojito

Looking for a mojito variation? Check out these recipes for a fun twist on the classic cocktail:

• Strawberry Mojito
• Cocojito (Frozen Mojito)
• Minty Mango Mojito
• Fresh Raspberry Mojito
• Captain's Mojito
  

Dinogo Community Feedback and Compliments

"Crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart," says reviewer winelight.

"Be sure to make at least two pitchers if you’re hosting more than a few friends," says reviewer LeslieRN72. "These mojitos disappear fast!"

"This is the closest I've come to a mojito just like the one your favorite bartender would make," says reviewer Stenner. "Fresh spearmint and lime are key to getting it just right."

Editorial contributions by Melanie Fincher

Ingredients Needed

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• ½ medium lime, cut into 3 wedges, divided

• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste

• 1 cup ice cubes, or as needed

• 1 ½ fluid ounces white rum

• ½ cup club soda, or as needed

Instructions

Start by gathering all your ingredients.

Place mint leaves and one lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush them, releasing the mint oils and lime juice.

Add the remaining lime wedges and two tablespoons of sugar, then muddle again to extract more lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.

Fill the glass nearly to the top with ice.

Pour in the rum and top off the glass with club soda.

Stir the mixture, taste, and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.

Nutritional Information (per serving)