A mojito brings the fresh taste of Cuba to any glass. This classic cocktail mixes white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and sparkling water into a refreshing drink.

The perfect mojito needs five basic ingredients. You will need 2 ounces of white rum, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 6-8 fresh mint leaves, and club soda.

The mojito started in Havana, Cuba during the 1500s. Sailors mixed rum with lime, sugar, and mint to help prevent scurvy on long sea trips. The drink became popular in the United States during the 1960s.

Many bars serve mojitos as a summer drink. The mint and lime create a cool taste that works well on hot days. The simple recipe makes it easy to mix at home or order at most bars.

Mojito Cocktail Recipe

A mojito combines fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, rum, and club soda to create a refreshing Cuban drink perfect for warm days.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 oz white rum
1 oz fresh lime juice about 1 lime
0.75 oz simple syrup
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Club soda
Ice cubes
1 mint sprig for garnish
1 lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

Place mint leaves in a highball glass.

Add simple syrup and lime juice.
Gently muddle the mint with the liquid 4-5 times to release oils.
Pour in the white rum.

Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Top with club soda (about 2 oz).
Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.

Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.

Notes

Fresh ingredients make the best mojitos. Use newly picked mint leaves for maximum flavor.

Store simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Avoid over-muddling the mint leaves as this can make the drink bitter.

Choose a quality white rum. Cuban rum is traditional, but any premium white rum works well.

The drink should taste balanced between sweet, sour, and minty notes.

Tasting Notes

A well-made mojito tastes bright and refreshing. The mint and lime create a cooling sensation, while the rum adds warmth and depth.

The first sip brings forward the sweetness of sugar and the tartness of fresh lime juice. These flavors balance each other perfectly, neither one taking over the drink.

The carbonation from club soda adds a light, fizzy texture. It makes the drink feel lively on the tongue and helps spread the flavors across the palate.

White rum provides a clean, subtle alcoholic base. Its gentle vanilla notes complement the other ingredients without being too strong.

Fresh mint leaves give the drink its signature aroma. The mint taste stays clean and natural, not like artificial mint flavoring.

Key Flavor Notes:

Primary: Mint, lime
Secondary: Sugar, rum
Background: Vanilla, carbonation

The drink should taste clean and crisp. If it tastes too sweet or too sour, the proportions need adjusting. A properly mixed mojito feels light and energizing rather than heavy or syrupy.

Mojito Cocktail Recipe