Refreshing, bubbly, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, the classic Mojito is one of those cocktails that instantly transports you to a warm beach with a cool breeze. Made with fresh mint, lime, sugar, rum, and sparkling soda, it’s the ultimate drink when you want something light, crisp, and impossibly refreshing.
A Mojito may look fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. The key is fresh ingredients, bright lime juice, fragrant mint leaves, and good white rum. When muddled and mixed together, they create a cocktail that’s aromatic, lively, and downright addictive.
This Mojito recipe is our go-to because it’s perfectly balanced: just the right amount of sweetness, plenty of fresh lime, and that unmistakable minty freshness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or unwinding after a long day, this cocktail is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why We Love This Mojito
The Mojito is a drink that feels fun and festive even on a regular day. While it looks impressive, it uses simple ingredients and takes just minutes to mix together.
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Light, crisp, and refreshing
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Ready in under 5 minutes
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Just 5 simple ingredients
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Easy to customize, add fruit, flavored syrups, or herbal twists
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Perfect for summer parties or relaxing evenings
Once you master the classic version, you can try endless variations, strawberry, pineapple, coconut, blackberry… the Mojito truly does it all!
Ingredient Notes
Fresh Mint Leaves – The star of the show. Use fresh, vibrant leaves for the best flavor.
Lime – You’ll use both juice and wedges to muddle. Fresh lime is essential, skip the bottled stuff.
White Rum – A clean, light rum keeps the drink crisp and lets the mint and lime shine.
Sugar – Traditional Mojitos use granulated sugar, but you can use simple syrup for faster dissolving.
Club Soda – Adds sparkle and lifts the flavor.
Ice – Crushed ice works best and chills the drink quickly.
How to Make a Mojito
1. Muddle the Mint & Lime
In a sturdy glass, muddle fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar until the mint releases its oils and the lime juices out. Don’t pulverize, just press gently to release flavor.
2. Add Rum
Pour in the white rum and stir to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add Ice
Fill the glass with crushed ice for maximum chill and dilution.
4. Top with Club Soda
Add a splash of club soda, then gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish & Serve
Add a fresh mint sprig and extra lime slice. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Mojito with:
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Grilled shrimp or fish tacos
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Light salads
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Chips and salsa
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Fresh fruit platters
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Summer barbecue meals
This cocktail pairs well with anything fresh, citrusy, or spicy.
Mojito Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try:
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Strawberry Mojito – Add muddled strawberries
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Coconut Mojito – Use coconut rum or cream of coconut
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Pineapple Mojito – Add pineapple juice and chunks
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Mint-Basil Mojito – Herbaceous and refreshing
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Virgin Mojito – Skip the rum and add extra soda
Classic Mojito Cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Muddle the Mint & Lime - Add mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar to a sturdy glass. Gently muddle until mint is fragrant and lime releases juice.
- Add Rum - Pour in the white rum and stir to help dissolve the sugar.
- Add Ice - Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Top with Club Soda - Add club soda to fill the glass, then gently stir to combine.
- Garnish & Serve - Garnish with extra mint and a lime slice. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a sweeter Mojito, add an extra teaspoon of sugar or splash of simple syrup.
- Crushed ice works best because it chills quickly and blends smoothly with the soda.
- To make a pitcher, multiply everything by 6 and add soda just before serving.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with extra soda or lemon-lime soda.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQ
Can I make Mojitos ahead of time?
Yes—mix the lime, mint, sugar, and rum in advance. Add ice and soda only when serving.
Can I make a pitcher?
Absolutely! Just scale ingredients up and stir gently—mint bruises easily.
What type of rum is best?
White rum (also called light rum) is the classic choice for Mojitos.
Can I use simple syrup instead of sugar?
Yes—use 1 oz simple syrup to replace 2 teaspoons sugar.
