Jessica
4.5 from 127 votes
17 comments
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Additional Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
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With fresh mint, lime, and just the right amount of rum, this refreshing mojito recipe transports you straight to a sunny beach! The secret is all in the homemade mint-lime simple syrup that intensifies all of the flavors. Easily made into a pitcher to share, this cocktail is perfect for any occasion!
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Table of Contents
- Test Kitchen Review
- Why This Is The Best Mojito Recipe!
- What’s in a Mojito Cocktail?
- How to Make a Mojito
- Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Can I Make Mojitos in Advance?
- Get the Recipe
- More Easy Cocktail Recipes To Try!
Test Kitchen Review
Click here to learn more about our test kitchen!
Brittany
The mint and lime mojito syrup truly takes these to the next level! I used Bacardi superior white rum and it was perfect and smooth. Yesterday I made a couple of pitchers for a party and in one of them I used pineapple rum and that just might be my new favorite!
Why This Is The Best Mojito Recipe!
This mojito is a recipe close to our hearts and reminds us of hot days sitting on the beach in Puerto Rico at our favorite beach bar. It’s simple, but full of bold, refreshing flavors – a reminder that sometimes, the best drinks are the ones that don’t overcomplicate things. Anytime we have friends over, this cocktail is a staple as it’s always a crowd pleaser and I can make a big pitcher to share! Calling this the “best” mojito is a bold statement, I know, so allow me to provide you with our reasons why:
- Mint Lime Simple Syrup: The key to this being the BEST mojito recipe is all in the homemade mint and lime flavored simple syrup. It truly intensifies the flavors!
- Easy to Make: It takes just about 20 minutes to make the simple syrup, and then the rest of the drink comes together in a snap. You don’t need fancy equipment or bartending skills. Just muddle, mix, and sip!
- Super Refreshing: The zesty lime flavor, mixed with rum, pairs perfectly with fresh mint. It’s the perfect drink for when you want something crisp and not too heavy!
- Make a Pitcher: You can use this mojito recipe to make individual drinks, or a pitcher to share with friends and family for a party.
Looking for more fruity mojito flavors? Try our strawberry mojito, blueberry mojito, coconut mojito or pineapple coconut mojito.
What’s in a Mojito Cocktail?
A few fresh ingredients, ice, and a good white rum are all you need to enjoy this classic Cuban drink. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Mint & Lime Simple Syrup: This requires a combination of granulated sugar, water, mint leaves, and lime juice. It’s the *key* to making the best mojito. See how easily it comes together below!
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Mint leaves serve both as a source of refreshing minty flavor and a colorful garnish.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Don’t use bottled lime juice, the flavor won’t be nearly as bold or refreshing!
- Ice: You can used crushed ice or ice cubes, whichever you prefer. (Crushed ice melts faster, so I generally prefer ice cubes.)
- White Rum: Mojitos are traditionally made withwhite rum, also called silver rum or rum blanco, as it is light and crisp, allowing the other fresh flavors to shine through.
- Club Soda: In place of club soda, you can also use sparkling water (if you like your Mojito less sweet) or some people choose to use Sprite or seltzer water. I prefer club soda, as it doesn’t change the overall flavor of the cocktail and keeps it true to the original.
How to Make a Mojito
The key to making the BEST mojito is the homemade simple syrup flavored with fresh mint and lime! It’s incredibly easy and can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for later. Below is a quick recipe overview, but pleasescroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full instructions and to watch the step-by-step video.
- Simmer and Cool: Add all ingredients to a sauce pan and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes more.
- Strain and Chill: Use a fine mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves and lime wedges. Chill syrup in the fridge until ready to use.
- Add mint and lime to glass: Place the mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass (or a cocktail shaker if you’re using a delicate glass to serve).
- Muddle:Gently mash the mint a few times with a muddler (or the bottom of the wooden spoon) to release the oils from the mint and juice from the lime. Add 2 more lime wedges and the simple syrup and muddle again. Do not strain the mixture.
- Pour and Enjoy:Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and then fill the glass with club soda. Give it a stir and garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sugar cane stick, if desired. Serve immediately!
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Quickly Cool Syrup:Mojitos that are served extra chilled go down so much smoother. So, make sure you chill the simple syrup fully before adding it to your cocktail!To do so quickly, transfer the syrup to a cool jar with a lid. Cover jar with well salted ice for 10 minutes, giving the jar a turn every few minutes.
- Chill the Glass: For an extra-refreshing experience, chill your glasses in the freezer for an hour before serving.
- Good Quality Rum:It makes all the difference to your final cocktail if you use a good quality white rum. There are so few ingredients in a mojito, make sure to use quality ones.
- Add Fruit Flavor: Add muddled berries, like raspberries or blackberries, to give the drink a fruity burst of flavor. You can also experiment with flavored rums, like coconut, pineapple, or mango.
- Avoid Over-Muddling: Be careful not to muddle the lime too much, as the bitter pith can get into the drink. You want to release the oils without crushing the leaves to a pulp.
Can I Make Mojitos in Advance?
Absolutely! If you want to make this mojito recipe ahead for a party, I recommend following all of the steps for making a pitcher of mojitos, but do not add the ice and club soda until you are ready to serve! Store the muddled mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
4.5 from 127 votes
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Yield: 1 cocktail
Best Mojito Recipe
⭐️Test Kitchen Approved!⭐️
This is the Best Mojito Recipe, with a quick homemade mint and lime infused simple syrup included to intensify all of the flavors in this showstopper of a cocktail! Easily make a single mojito for yourself, or make a pitcher of mojitos for a crowd!
Prep Time10 minutes minutes
Cook Time10 minutes minutes
Additional Time10 minutes minutes
Total Time30 minutes minutes
Ingredients
For the Mojito Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For a Single Mojito:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons Mojito Simple Syrup
- ½ a lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 oz white rum
- club soda, for serving
For a Pitcher of Mojitos:
- 60 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 16 oz (2 cups) white rum
- 5 limes
- ½ cup mojito simple syrup
- ice
- club soda
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Instructions
For the Mojito Simple Syrup:
Add all ingredients to a medium sized pot and bring to a simmer. Place lid on the pot and let simmer for about 10 minutes. (It’s important to keep the lid on or too much of the water will dissolve.)
Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Strain the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves and lime wedges. Chill in fridge until cold. Store in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 7 days.
For a Single Mojito:
Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. You can also use the end of a wooden spoon as a muddler.
Add 2 more lime wedges and the simple syrup, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and then fill the glass with club soda. Stir, taste, and add more simple syrup if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sugar cane stick, if desired.
For a Pitcher of Mojitos:
Add the mint leaves, rum, lime juice and mojito simple syrup to a large pitcher. Muddle the mint to release its flavors.
Fill the pitcher most of the way full with ice. Top with club soda. Serve in tall glasses filled with ice, then garnish with extra mint, lime wedges and a sugar cane stick, if desired.
Video
Notes
Make Ahead: Follow all of the steps for making a pitcher of mojitos, but do not add the ice and club soda until you are ready to serve! Store the muddled mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
Nutrition
Serving: 1mojito, Calories: 249kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 49mg, Potassium: 62mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 17IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 2mg
© Jessica – The Novice Chef
Cuisine: Cuban
Category: Drinks
Categories:
- 30 Min or Less
- Cocktails
- Cuban
- Cuisines
- Diet
- Drinks
- Gluten Free
- Recipes
- Videos
More Easy Cocktail Recipes To Try!
Frozen Mango Margarita
Fresh Grapefruit Paloma
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Coquito Recipe (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog)
Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
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