Tangerine Mojito Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always enjoyed mixing up cocktails at home, and honestly, the tangerine mojito is one of those drinks I keep coming back to. It takes the classic mojito you probably already love and just brightens it up with a punch of citrus.

A tangerine mojito brings together fresh mint, lime, tangerine juice, rum, sugar, and soda water for a drink that’s both refreshing and easy to whip up.

The sweet-tangy flavor from the tangerine really pops against that cool mint and those crisp bubbles. I like that it feels light and not overly sugary.

It’s a drink I’ll make for a low-key evening or when I want something simple but not boring.

You really don’t need much—just a few ingredients and some basic bar tools. Once you try it, you’ll probably want to tweak it to your own taste and make it your signature twist on a mojito.

Tangerine Mojito Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because the tangerine’s brightness works so well with mint. Citrus, sweetness, and fizz all play off each other, making it perfect for warm days or when friends swing by.

Equipment

• Highball glass – I like this style since there’s plenty of space for ice, soda, and garnish.
• Muddler – This lets me press the mint and tangerine slices to get those oils and juices out.
• Cocktail shaker – I use it to mix the rum, juice, and syrup together.
• Bar spoon – Makes stirring simple without beating up the mint.
• Jigger – I measure out the rum and juice so the flavors stay balanced.
• Strainer – This keeps big pulp pieces out when I pour.
• Knife and cutting board – I need these to slice up the tangerines and lime.

Having decent tools just makes everything smoother, and the drink always turns out better.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum (light rum works too)
• 1 oz fresh tangerine juice
• 2-3 tangerine slices
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 1 mint sprig (for garnish)
• 1 oz simple syrup (or 2 tsp sugar, if you like)
• Club soda (to top)
• Ice cubes

Ripe tangerines add a sweet, citrusy punch that really works with rum. I always reach for fresh mint because that aroma is classic, and lime juice gives it that bite to keep things balanced.

Instructions

• Toss the mint leaves and tangerine slices into a highball glass.
• Gently muddle to release the oils and juice.
• Add the lime juice, simple syrup, and white rum.
• Fill the glass with ice cubes.
• Pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker and give it a light shake.
• Strain everything back into the glass.
• Top off with club soda for some fizz.
• Stir gently with your bar spoon.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and maybe a tangerine slice if you’re feeling fancy.

I try not to go overboard when muddling the mint—just a gentle press does the trick. Too much and it starts to taste bitter, and nobody wants that.

Notes

I stick to white rum since it keeps the drink crisp and lets the citrus shine. Dark rum is an option, but honestly, it takes the flavor in a whole new direction.

If I can’t find fresh tangerines, bottled juice will do, but it tends to be sweeter. I’ll usually cut back a bit on the simple syrup in that case.

Sometimes I want something a little lighter, so I use just 1.5 oz rum and top up with extra club soda. When I’m making these for friends, I prep extra mint and tangerine slices so every glass looks a little special.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright citrus jumps out at me. Tangerine brings this sweet, slightly tangy flavor—honestly, it just feels so light and refreshing.

I find it perfect for summer, when you want something easygoing. The mint steps in and balances the sweetness with a cool, crisp note.

I really appreciate how the herbs stop the drink from getting too heavy. Then the soda water comes in, lifting everything with those lively bubbles.

There’s a gentle warmth from the rum, and it blends in so smoothly. I never feel like it overpowers the fruit or mint.

All those sweet, tart, and cool flavors come together and just feel right—well-rounded, if you ask me.

Flavor Highlights:

• Sweetness: natural and fruity from tangerine
• Freshness: clean mint notes
• Texture: light fizz from soda water
• Finish: smooth with a mild rum touch

Honestly, the way everything’s balanced keeps me coming back for another sip. It’s simple, but oh, so satisfying—especially when it’s warm out.