Mint Mojito
A crisp, refreshing Cuban cocktail that balances bright lime, cooling mint, and light rum with just a touch of sweetness. The mint is gently muddled — never crushed — to release its essential oils without bitterness, creating a clean, aromatic highball that's perfect for warm evenings.
For 1 serving
- prep · ~1 min
Prep the lime and mint.
1.Cut the lime in half and squeeze out all the juice into the glass.2.Drop one squeezed lime half into the glass.3.Gently clap 8 mint leaves between your palms to release their oils.TIPClapping the mint releases aroma without tearing it, which prevents bitterness. - mix · ~1 min
Muddle gently with sugar.
1.Add the sugar and clapped mint leaves into the glass.2.Muddle very lightly — just enough to dissolve the sugar into the lime juice and bruise the mint edges. Do not shred the leaves.3.Let it sit for 30 seconds so the mint infuses.TIPPress and twist gently. Over-muddling releases bitter chlorophyll from the mint. - assemble · ~1 min
Build the drink.
1.Fill the glass three-quarters full with ice cubes.2.Pour in the white rum.3.Top with chilled soda water until the glass is nearly full. - mix · ~1 min
Stir and garnish.
1.Use the bar spoon to stir the drink gently, lifting the mint up from the bottom to distribute flavor.2.Slap a remaining mint sprig between your palms and place it on top as garnish. - serve
Serve immediately.
Serve right away while it is icy cold and effervescent. The drink is best enjoyed fresh.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh, brightly colored mint leaves—avoid wilted or dark leaves for the best flavor.
- 2Clap mint leaves between your palms instead of rubbing to release oils without bruising.
- 3Muddle gently: press the mint just enough to dissolve sugar, never shredding the leaves.
- 4Add the squeezed lime half to the glass—it helps infuse more citrus oil into the drink.
- 5Stir gently after adding soda water to lift mint from the bottom without losing carbonation.
- 6Serve immediately—this cocktail loses its sparkle and minty freshness within minutes.
- 7For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and increase soda water to fill the glass.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace white sugar with 1 teaspoon of honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener with a slightly different flavor profile.
non alcoholicNon-alcoholic
Omit the rum and use 150 ml of chilled soda water; add an extra splash of lime juice for a refreshing mocktail.
fruit infusedFruit-infused
Muddle 3-4 fresh raspberries or a few slices of strawberry with the mint and sugar for a fruity twist.
spicedSpiced
Add 2 thin slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground cinnamon when muddling for a warm, aromatic variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Fresh mint leaves contain antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Digestive Aid
Mint is traditionally used to soothe the stomach and aid digestion, making this cocktail a light after-dinner choice.
Vitamin C Boost
Lime juice provides a good dose of vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
Low in Calories
With only 2 teaspoons of sugar, this version is lower in sugar than many store-bought cocktails or mixes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, though it will change the color to slightly amber and add a subtle molasses note—use the same amount and make sure it dissolves fully.
