Peppermint Mojito Cocktail Recipe

I honestly love making cocktails at home—there’s just something satisfying about mixing up your own drink. One of my go-to favorites is a peppermint mojito.

It’s cool, super refreshing, and honestly, it’s easy to whip up when I’m craving something that’s not just the usual mojito. A peppermint mojito is basically a fun twist on the classic: you’ve got mint, lime, rum, sugar, soda water, and just a hint of peppermint for that crisp finish.

This drink totally works as a summer cocktail, but honestly, I’ll make it whenever I want a light, homemade mojito that feels fresh and different. That little bit of peppermint gives it just enough personality to stand out, but it doesn’t mess with the balance of the classic flavors.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a mojito with a bit of a kick, this recipe covers everything you’ll need to mix one up at home. I’ll walk you through the ingredients, the gear, and the steps, so you can enjoy a peppermint mojito whenever the mood strikes.

Peppermint Mojito Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this drink is how the cool peppermint blends with the brightness of lime and mint. There’s a nice balance of sweetness, citrus, and fresh herbs—makes it really easy to sip on a warm day.

Equipment

• Highball glass: I usually reach for a tall glass since it holds just the right amount of liquid and ice.
• Muddler: This thing is great for pressing the mint leaves and lime to get all those oils and juice out.
• Bar spoon: I use a long spoon to stir, so I don’t crush the ice too much.
• Jigger: Measuring out the rum, simple syrup, and lime juice with this keeps the drink balanced.
• Knife and cutting board: I slice up fresh limes, either into wedges or thin slices.
• Small bowl: I keep sugar or simple syrup handy in a little bowl.
• Ice scoop: Crushed ice is my favorite, so I just scoop it in.

Having the right tools honestly makes the whole thing smoother, and the flavors turn out pretty consistent every time.

Ingredients

• Fresh mint leaves (about 8–10)
• Lime wedges (2–3 pieces)
• White rum (2 ounces)
• Simple syrup or sugar (1 ounce or 2 teaspoons)
• Fresh lime juice (1 ounce)
• Peppermint extract (1–2 drops, optional)
• Crushed ice (enough to fill the glass)
• Club soda or sparkling water (to top off)
• Lime slice or wedge (for garnish)
• Extra mint sprig (for garnish)

Sometimes I swap in spearmint if that’s what I’ve got on hand. And if I’m feeling like changing it up, I’ll use mint syrup instead of plain sugar for a little extra flavor.

Instructions

• Drop the fresh mint leaves and lime wedges into your highball glass.
• Add sugar or simple syrup right on top.
• Grab your muddler and gently press the mint and lime to release all those oils and juice.
• Pour in the white rum and fresh lime juice.
• If I’m in the mood for a stronger peppermint vibe, I’ll add a drop or two of peppermint extract.
• Fill the glass all the way with crushed ice.
• Top it off with club soda or sparkling water.
• Give it a light stir with the bar spoon.
• Finish it with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.

I always try to muddle gently—if you go too hard, the mint can end up tasting kind of bitter, which isn’t great.

Notes

Crushed ice is my preference because it chills the drink quickly and just mixes better with the soda. If I ever run out of rum, I’ll sometimes use vodka, though it does change the flavor a bit.

Peppermint extract is totally optional. I find that just a drop is enough to make the drink taste extra refreshing, but it won’t overpower the mint.

When I garnish, I like to clap the mint sprig between my hands before dropping it in. It sounds silly, but it really does release the aroma and makes the drink smell as good as it tastes.

Tasting Notes

So, right from the first sip, there’s this cooling mint that hits me. The peppermint’s got a sharper kick than regular spearmint—it’s almost like a little jolt, really crisp on my tongue.

Then comes the lime juice, bright and citrusy. It keeps things from getting cloying, adding a tart edge that sort of dances at the end.

I can taste the rum hanging out in the background. It never jumps out or takes over, though—it just blends in with the sugar, softening everything and making each sip ridiculously easy to go back to.

Honestly, the whole thing feels refreshing and light. The bubbles from the soda water lift all the flavors up, so the cocktail never gets heavy.

Even after I swallow, the peppermint just hangs around. There’s this lingering coolness that kind of invites me to take another sip.

The balance is what gets me—sweet, tart, minty, all playing nicely together. Nothing shouts for attention, and somehow every ingredient manages to stand out in its own way.