The classic mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that brings together rum, mint, lime, and sugar in perfect harmony. Making a pitcher of mojitos saves time when entertaining guests and ensures everyone gets the same great-tasting drink.
Fresh mint leaves and bright citrus notes make this drink a crowd favorite at parties and gatherings. The pitcher version keeps the signature flavors while making it easy to serve multiple people at once.
The recipe stays true to the original cocktail’s roots while scaling up the ingredients for a group serving. A large batch takes just 10 minutes to prepare and serves 8-10 people with minimal effort.
Classic Mojito Pitcher Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher (64 oz/2 liter capacity)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- 8 fresh limes
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 2 cups white rum
- 4 cups club soda
- Ice cubes
- 2 limes sliced into wheels for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the mint leaves.
- Cut the limes in half and squeeze them to make 1 cup of fresh lime juice.
- Add mint leaves to the pitcher and muddle gently to release the oils.
- Pour in the lime juice and simple syrup. Muddle again to mix.
- Add the white rum and stir well.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with lime wheels and extra mint sprigs.
Notes
Tasting Notes
A classic mojito pitcher delivers bright, fresh notes of lime and mint in every sip. The white rum adds a clean, smooth base that blends perfectly with the citrus flavors.
The sweetness from simple syrup balances the tart lime juice. Club soda brings a crisp fizz that makes the drink light and refreshing.
Key Flavor Components:
- Fresh mint: Cool and aromatic
- Lime juice: Tart and zesty
- Simple syrup: Clean sweetness
- White rum: Subtle warmth
- Club soda: Light effervescence
Optimal Temperature: Serve between 35-40°F (2-4°C) for the best taste experience. The colder temperature helps maintain the carbonation and keeps the drink crisp.
The mint leaves release more of their essential oils as the drink sits, creating a stronger herbal note over time. This makes the pitcher perfect for serving over 1-2 hours at parties.
Flavors meld together smoothly without any single ingredient overpowering the others. The result is a balanced, refreshing cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.
Substitute
A classic mojito can be made with different types of rum. White rum works best, but gold rum adds a rich taste. Spiced rum brings warmth and depth to the drink.
The lime juice must be fresh. Bottled lime juice changes the taste and makes the drink too sour. Fresh lemon juice can replace lime in a pinch.
Simple syrup keeps well in the fridge. Plain sugar works too. Just mix it with the mint leaves first. Honey or agave syrup add sweetness with their own twist.
Club soda brings the fizz. Sparkling water or mineral water work just as well. Sprite or 7-Up add extra sweetness, but cut back on the simple syrup if using these.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with more club soda. Add a splash of coconut water for tropical notes.
Best rum substitutes:
- Gold rum
- Spiced rum
- Light rum
- Coconut rum
Fresh mint is key. Spearmint gives the best flavor, but other mint types work too. Basil can sub for mint to make an interesting twist.
Store-bought mint simple syrup saves time. Mix it with club soda for a quick mojito base.
