Classic Cuban Mojito Recipe
A classic mojito balances fresh lime, mint and cane sugar with white rum and sparkling soda. It is quick to mix and makes a bright, refreshing drink for a warm day or a relaxed gathering.
Ingredients
- 12.5 g (1 tablespoon)white cane sugar
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons)fresh lime juice
- 6 leaves, plus extra for garnishfresh mint
- 60 ml (2 ounces), at room temperatureCuban white rum
- 120 ml (4 ounces)club soda
- as neededice cubes
- to garnishlime slices
Instructions
- 1
Dissolve the sugar
Add the cane sugar and lime juice to a highball glass. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
- 2
Muddle the mint
Put the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass and press them gently with a muddler until fragrant and their oils are released.
- 3
Add the rum
Pour in the white rum and stir it together with the lime juice, sugar and mint.
- 4
Add ice and soda
Fill the glass with ice, then top up with club soda.
- 5
Garnish and serve
Finish with mint sprigs and lime slices or wedges.
What is a mojito?
The mojito is a Cuban cocktail known for its combination of rum, mint, lime, sugar and sparkling water. This version keeps to that familiar mix, with fresh juice and gently muddled mint for a lively, aromatic drink.
Its appeal is in the contrast: citrus and soda bring freshness, while sugar rounds off the lime and rum.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 172 calories, 1g protein, 11g carbs, 1g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less cane sugar | 120 kcal | 1g | 8g | 1g |
| This serving | As written | 172 kcal | 1g | 11g | 1g |
| Hungry | Serve with a savoury snack | 258 kcal | 2g | 17g | 2g |
The rum contributes most of the drink’s energy, while the cane sugar supplies most of its carbohydrate; the lime juice adds a smaller amount. Pair it with a savoury snack or a meal that includes a source of protein and vegetables for a more balanced occasion.
Choose fresh ingredients
Mint: Use fresh, unwilted leaves so they release their aroma when pressed. Keep a few extra sprigs aside for the garnish.
Lime: Freshly squeezed juice gives the drink its sharp citrus character. Lime slices add fragrance and a fresh finish.
Dissolve before muddling
Sugar first: Stir the sugar into the lime juice before adding the mint. This gives it a chance to dissolve rather than leaving a gritty layer at the bottom.
Gentle pressure: Press the mint just enough to release its oils. Crushing it aggressively can break up the leaves and make the drink taste harsh.
Build a balanced drink
Rum and lime: Stir the rum into the sweetened lime mixture so the flavours combine before the glass is filled with ice.
Soda: Add the club soda last and top up gently to keep its sparkle. The drink should taste bright and minty, not flat or overly sweet.
Serve it cold
Fill the glass with ice just before adding the soda. Plenty of ice chills the drink as you finish assembling it.
Serve promptly once garnished, while the soda is still fizzy and the mint is fragrant.
What to serve with a mojito
The crisp citrus and mint pair well with savoury snacks such as salted nuts, olives or crisps. For a meal, serve it alongside grilled food or dishes with fresh, bright flavours.
A highball glass gives the ice and soda room, while also making it easy to stir the drink without spilling.
Recipe notes & tips
- Stir the sugar into the lime juice until it dissolves before adding the mint.
- Muddle gently to release the mint’s aroma without shredding the leaves.
- Use fresh lime juice for a brighter citrus flavour.
- Add the soda last to preserve as much fizz as possible.
- Garnish just before serving so the mint looks fresh.
Variations
- Less sweet: Reduce the cane sugar slightly and taste before adding the soda.
- Extra lime: Add a little more fresh lime juice for a sharper citrus note.
- More mint: Increase the mint leaves for a stronger herbal aroma.
- Crushed ice: Use crushed ice for a faster-chilling, slushier drink.
- Alcohol-free: Leave out the rum and top the lime, sugar and mint with extra club soda.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Over-muddling the mint: Press gently so the leaves release their oils without breaking into small pieces.
- Undissolved sugar: Stir it into the lime juice first, before adding mint or ice.
- Flat soda: Pour the club soda in last and serve soon after mixing.
- Too little ice: Fill the glass well so the drink stays cold as it is assembled.
- Stirring too hard after adding soda: Mix gently to keep the drink fizzy.
How to store
A mojito is best made and served straight away; the ice melts and the soda loses its fizz if it stands. You can squeeze the lime juice ahead of time, but assemble the drink just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a mojito without a muddler?
Yes. Press the mint gently with the back of a spoon against the bottom of the glass. Avoid tearing or grinding the leaves.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice gives the drink a brighter taste. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but the flavour may be less lively.
What can I use instead of club soda?
Use plain sparkling water as a close substitute. Add it at the end to retain its bubbles.
Can I prepare mojitos in advance?
For the freshest result, make each drink just before serving. You can prepare the lime juice ahead, but add the mint, ice and soda at the last moment.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Use a little less cane sugar for a tarter drink, or add a touch more if you prefer a sweeter balance. Stir it into the lime juice so it dissolves.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from asassyspoon.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on asassyspoon.com