Strawberry Mojito

Ingredients

• 6fresh strawberries
• 30 ml (2 tbsp)simple syrup
• 15 g (¼ cup)fresh mint
• 30 ml (2 tbsp)lime juice
• 330 mlsparkling water
• as neededice

Instructions

1. 1

   Muddle the strawberries

   In a small bowl, crush the strawberries with the simple syrup using a muddler. Add the lime juice and stir well.

2. 2

   Fill the glasses

   Divide the strawberry mixture between glasses, fill them with ice and tuck some mint leaves into the middle.

3. 3

   Top and garnish

   Pour in the sparkling water and garnish with strawberries and mint sprigs. Serve straight away.

What is a strawberry mojito?

A mojito is a Cuban cocktail traditionally built around mint, lime, sweetness and sparkling water. This version adds strawberries for a fresh, fruity flavour and a rosy colour.

Muddling the fruit with syrup releases its juice, while adding the mint to the glass helps keep its aroma fresh.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 65 calories, 1g protein, 16g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrate and sugar come from the simple syrup and strawberries; the lime adds a small amount, while sparkling water contributes very little. The drink has virtually no fat or protein, so serve it with a protein-rich snack or meal if you want a more balanced spread.

Choosing the fruit

Ripe strawberries: Choose fragrant berries that yield slightly when pressed; they are easier to crush and bring plenty of flavour.

Fresh lime: Use freshly squeezed juice for a lively, tart note that balances the syrup.

Muddling without overdoing it

Crush the strawberries until they release their juice and become pulpy. There is no need to mash them into a completely smooth purée.

The recipe muddles the fruit with syrup before adding lime juice. Stir the lime through well so the sweetness and acidity are evenly distributed.

Keeping the mint aromatic

Mint leaves: Add them among the ice as directed, rather than crushing them with the fruit. This gives the drink a fresh mint aroma without making the leaves the focus.

For the garnish, use a clean sprig and a strawberry if you have one set aside.

Getting the balance right

Taste the strawberry mixture before dividing it between glasses. If your berries are especially sweet, the lime will help keep the drink lively.

Pour over the sparkling water just before serving to retain its fizz. Stir gently if you want the fruit mixture distributed through the drink.

Serving suggestions

Serve immediately while the ice is firm and the sparkling water is lively. The drink works well alongside savoury snacks or a meal with citrus and fresh herbs.

For a tidy presentation, divide the fruit mixture evenly first, then add ice, mint and sparkling water to each glass.

Recipe notes & tips

• Hull the strawberries before muddling them.
• Crush the berries until juicy but leave some texture.
• Use chilled sparkling water to help keep the drink cool.
• Add the sparkling water just before serving so it stays fizzy.
• Divide the muddled fruit evenly between the two glasses.

Variations

• More mint: Add a few extra leaves to each glass for a stronger herbal aroma.
• Less sweet: Reduce the simple syrup and adjust to taste.
• Extra lime: Add a little more lime juice for a sharper finish.
• Frozen berries: Thaw them first so they are easy to muddle.
• Alcoholic version: Add white rum to each glass before topping with sparkling water.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Over-muddling the mint: It can turn harsh; add the leaves to the glass without crushing them.
• Using firm, flavourless berries: Choose ripe strawberries that crush easily for a fruitier base.
• Adding sparkling water too early: It loses fizz; pour it in just before serving.
• Uneven portions: Divide the strawberry mixture between the glasses before adding ice.
• Leaving the lime out: Its acidity balances the syrup, so stir it into the muddled fruit.

How to store

This drink is best made and served straight away, as the ice melts and the sparkling water loses its fizz. Keep any leftover strawberry mixture covered in the fridge and use it within a day; add fresh ice, mint and sparkling water when serving.

Frequently asked questions