Black Cherry Mojito Cocktail Recipe

I have to admit, I really enjoy mixing up cocktails at home—there’s something satisfying about it. A Black Cherry Mojito is easily one of my go-to drinks, especially when I want something refreshing but a little different.

It’s got that deep fruit flavor from black cherries, a bit of sweetness, and it pairs so well with fresh mint and lime. Honestly, it’s just a fun twist on the classic mojito.

A Black Cherry Mojito is basically a mojito with a splash of black cherry juice, rum, mint, lime, and soda water. That’s it, but somehow it feels fancier.

This drink’s not complicated at all, which is great if you’re just starting out or if you don’t want to fuss with a bunch of steps. The black cherry gives it this gorgeous color and a smooth, fruity taste, but it doesn’t drown out the mint.

I think it’s perfect for warm afternoons, casual get-togethers, or even just a quiet evening at home. Sometimes I’ll make one just because I feel like treating myself.

I’ll break down the ingredients, the basic tools you’ll need, and the steps, so you can whip one up without any drama. You’ll get the hang of it right away, and maybe even start riffing on it yourself.

Black Cherry Mojito Cocktail Recipe

What I like most about this drink is how the tartness of the black cherries mixes with the mint. The rum and lime juice add just the right amount of kick, and the fizz keeps it light.

You end up with something that tastes fresh, not overly sweet, which is exactly what I want in a summer cocktail.

Equipment

I don’t use anything fancy here—just the basics so I can get to the good part faster.

• Tall glass (highball or Collins)
• Muddler for crushing cherries and mint
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Jigger for measuring liquids
• Small knife for cutting lime
• Cutting board
• Ice cubes
• Strainer (optional, in case you don’t want bits of fruit floating around)

Honestly, a muddler does a better job than a spoon at getting the flavors out of the mint and cherries. And I always go for a tall glass because it keeps everything cold and gives you room for ice and bubbles.

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make a world of difference, so I try to use them whenever I can.

• 2 oz white rum or Cruzan Black Cherry Rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 4–5 fresh black cherries, pitted and halved
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• 1–2 tsp sugar (or simple syrup)
• 3–4 oz club soda or carbonated lemon-lime beverage like 7-Up
• Ice cubes
• Mint sprig and maraschino cherry for garnish

If I’m using Cruzan Black Cherry Rum, I’ll usually cut back on the sugar since that rum’s already a bit sweet. Club soda keeps it crisp, but if you want something sweeter, lemon-lime soda does the trick.

Instructions

I like to build this drink right in the glass—less cleanup that way.

• Toss the black cherries, mint leaves, and sugar into your glass.
• Gently muddle them to get the juices and mint oils going.
• Add lime juice and rum.
• Fill the glass up with ice cubes.
• Top it off with club soda or lemon-lime soda, almost to the brim.
• Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Finish with a mint sprig and a maraschino cherry on top.

Don’t go overboard muddling the mint, or you’ll end up with a bitter drink. And if you stir too fast, you’ll lose the fizz—nobody wants a flat mojito.

Notes

Fresh cherries are best, but I’ll use frozen ones if that’s all I have—just thaw them first. If I’m using frozen, I wait to add most of the ice until after muddling, so things don’t get watery too quickly.

White rum keeps the drink lighter, while black cherry rum gives it a bolder cherry flavor. For something less sweet, I always stick with club soda.

Sometimes I swap in honey syrup instead of sugar if I’m in the mood for a softer sweetness. And honestly, I adjust the mint depending on how much I want that herbal note to come through.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the fresh mint is honestly the first thing that jumps out. It’s got this cool, clean vibe that instantly makes the drink feel lighter and, well, just really refreshing.

Then there’s the black cherry—it brings in a smooth, fruity sweetness. Not overpowering at all, but it does a nice job of balancing out the tartness from the lime.

I can pick up the lime juice lingering in the background. There’s this gentle tang that keeps things from tipping into “too sweet” territory.

The rum? It’s subtle, just a mild warmth that blends in without stealing the show from the fruit or mint.

If you pour it over ice and serve it cold, it’s honestly about as crisp as you could hope for in a summer drink. The flavors stay lively, even as the ice starts to melt a bit.

There’s also this slight sparkle from the soda water. It lifts everything up and makes each sip feel a little lighter.

The color’s a deep red thanks to the cherries, and honestly, it looks pretty inviting in the glass. Those green mint leaves pop, too—kind of makes you want to dive right in.