Merry Mojito Cocktail Recipe

When I want a cocktail that feels fresh and fun, I always reach for a mojito. The mix of lime, mint, and just the right touch of sweetness makes it light and pretty easy to enjoy.

The Merry Mojito is a simple twist on the classic cocktail that you can make at home with just a handful of ingredients. I like how this drink balances bright citrus with cool mint, giving it a crisp taste that honestly works for almost any occasion.

It’s quick to put together, and the steps are straightforward. You don’t need any fancy tools or bartender skills, just a few basics from your kitchen.

This recipe also adds a festive touch. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or just enjoying solo when you want something a little special.

Once you try it, you’ll see how a small change can make a classic cocktail feel totally new.

Merry Mojito Cocktail Recipe

I like to make this drink when I’m after something refreshing but still simple to put together. It combines fresh fruit, herbs, and a couple of bar basics to create a cocktail that feels light, crisp, and not too fussy.

Equipment

• Tall glass (highball is my go-to)
• Muddler for pressing the mint and lime
• Bar spoon or any long spoon for stirring
• Measuring jigger to keep pours on track
• Small knife for cutting limes and fruit
• Cutting board to prep ingredients
• Strainer if you want to keep pulp out
• Ice cubes or crushed ice for chilling

I keep these tools handy before I start. Having them ready makes everything smoother and saves you from scrambling around halfway through.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar or ½ oz simple syrup
• 6–8 mint leaves
• 2–3 blackberries or other berries (optional for a fruity twist)
• 3–4 oz sparkling water
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Extra mint sprig for garnish
• Ice cubes or crushed ice

I usually go for white rum since it keeps the flavor clean and bright. Fresh lime juice is way better than bottled, and simple syrup just blends in faster than sugar.

Instructions

• Place mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar (or syrup) in the bottom of the glass.
• Use the muddler to press gently and release the oils and juice—just don’t tear up the mint.
• Add blackberries if you want, and muddle lightly again.
• Fill the glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.
• Pour in the white rum and lime juice.
• Stir with a bar spoon to mix everything up.
• Top with sparkling water and stir gently again.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.

I try to stir gently at the end so the bubbles stick around. The garnish adds a good aroma and, honestly, just looks nice.

Notes

I’ve found that muddling the mint too hard can make the drink taste a bit bitter, so I just press enough to get the oils out. Crushed ice gives it a lighter, more summery feel, but cubes melt slower and keep it less watery.

Sometimes I toss in a few blackberries for color and a hint of berry flavor. If I’m craving extra sweetness, I’ll use simple syrup instead of sugar since it dissolves instantly.

Sparkling water is key for that fizz, but I usually skip the flavored ones—they can kind of overpower the lime and mint, which isn’t what I’m after.

Tasting Notes

When I take the first sip, the fresh mint jumps out at me. There’s this cool, crisp edge that just makes the mojito feel instantly light—almost like it’s waking up my taste buds.

The mint sort of melts into the lime, which is really nice.

That lime juice? It’s got a sharp citrus bite, no question. It cuts through the sugar’s sweetness and keeps everything tasting bright.

Honestly, I think this combo is what stops the drink from feeling heavy or cloying.

Now, the rum brings a gentle warmth in the background. It’s there, but it doesn’t shout for attention.

I appreciate that the rum doesn’t bulldoze over the other flavors—just adds some depth.

The sparkling water wraps it all up with a light fizz. It keeps the cocktail easy to sip, and gives it a clean, almost playful texture.

For me, that’s what keeps the mojito lively from the first sip to the last.

As the ice melts, the flavors start to shift a bit. The sweetness fades, the mint gets lighter, and the lime takes a back seat.

It’s kind of fun—each sip is a little different, and I actually look forward to that.

Flavor notes I pick up most clearly:

• Mint: cool and refreshing
• Lime: sharp and citrusy
• Sugar: sweet but balanced
• Rum: smooth and mild
• Sparkling water: crisp and bubbly