The Perfect Mojito Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

Ah, the Mojito! One of the most popular cocktails in the world. And hey, believe us, after one sip, you’ll know why.

With our classic Mojito recipe, you’ll feel like you’re walking through the streets of Havana. Loved in bars, lounge-rooms and backyards all over the world, this iconic cocktail’s invigorating flavors make it a perfect choice for an afternoon in the sun or hosting a gathering with friends at home.

So, without further ado, let us show you how to make the perfect Mojito.

How To Make a Mojito

What You’ll Need

• Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
• Bar Spoon
• Highball Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Paring Knife (for the Lime)

Unsure about any of the bartender tools we mention above? See our guide. 

How to Mix

1. Cut a Lime in half, and use a Citrus Elbow to squeeze the Lime Juice into a Highball Glass.
2. Add Sugar and stir until it dissolves.
3. Add Mint Leaves and gently bruise them in the Lime and Sugar mixture.
4. Measure and pour Rum into the Glass.
5. Fill the Glass with Ice Cubes.
6. Top up with Soda Water and give the drink a gentle stir.
7. Garnish with a Fresh Mint Sprig.
8. Sip and enjoy!

What is a Mojito?

The Mojito is a traditional Cuban punch that has earned a global following for its fresh, summery and minty flavors. 

Regarded as both “The King of Summer” and “The King of Drinks” by Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, this iconic cocktail is a delicious blend of Fresh Mint, zesty Lime Juice, and smooth Light Rum, topped with a splash of Soda Water. 

What Does a Mojito Taste Like?

Summertime! The Mojito is lively, vibrant and summery with distinctly cooling, minty-fresh flavors. The Light Rum brings a smooth and slightly sweet taste, while the Mint adds a unique aromatic touch. The overall sweetness is perfectly balanced out by the Lime Juice, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile.

The History of the Mojito Cocktail

Seafaring nations, pirates, the triangular trade, exclusive spices and herbs, malnutrition and rationing are all parts of the Mojito’s adventurous story.

While the exact origin of the Mojito is debated among historians, many believe it to have emerged in the 16th century when Aguardiente de Cana, or its disheveled cousin Tafia, was mixed with sugar cane juice, lime, and mint. This concoction, known as ‘El Draque’ after the explorer Sir Francis Drake, was likely used by sailors and pirates in the Caribbean to combat tropical illnesses and scurvy.

However, the Mojito as we know it today has Cuban roots. During the pre-revolution era, Cuba was like a tropical Las Vegas, attracting celebrities and tastemakers who brought Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Cuba Libres back to the rest of the world.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mojito 

• It’s All About the Mint
  Although the recipe here calls for 8 Mint Leaves, personally, I don’t think you ever have too many!Rico shares that “All you need is a little handful of Mint Leaves” as the leaves will vary in size.

  Next, give the Mint Leaves a little slap. “Slapping it is just going to start releasing the oils and aroma of the mint and that’s what you want because mint isn’t really a flavor, it’s an aroma”, explains Rico.

• Adjust the sweetness to your liking
  Personally, I like adding ½ part Simple Syrup in addition to the single tablespoon of Superfine Sugar. The Simple Syrup blends so perfectly with the tartness of the Lime Juice and the aroma of Mint Leaves.

• Don’t Muddle the Mint
  Once you’ve gently slapped the Mint Leaves, drop them directly into the bottom of your empty Highball Glass. Despite popular opinion, Rico recommends that you don’t muddle the Mint Leaves. Why? “As soon as you start to do that, you’re going to start getting bitterness from the chlorophyll – all the green that’s inside the leaves. All you need to do is give them a little slap and then get some Citrus Juice on them,” he says.Still want to muddle your Mint Leaves?See how in the FAQ below.
• Save Time, Make a Batch
  If you plan to serve Mojitos to a large group, like if you’re hosting a party, preparing each drink individually can be time-consuming. To streamline the process, make a large batch by scaling up the recipe and serving it in a Pitcher. Let your guests pour their drink over Ice and top with Soda Water and then garnish with a Mint Leaf. Voila!

Variations of a Mojito Cocktail

As you’ll see below, there are a lot of variations for this cocktail. Part of the fun of making cocktails, it’s making a classic drink and then putting your own twist on it based on your preferences. After all, we’re all different and it’s your drink!

• Vodka Mojito
  Question – “Can you use Vodka for a Mojito instead of Rum?”
  Answer – “Yes, and it’s amazing.”

  That’s right, sub out Rum for the smoothness of Vodka and you’ve got yourself a lighter, crisper, summery cocktail that hits the spot for any outdoor occasion.  Discover our Vodka Mojito recipe.

• Alcohol-Free Mojito
  Leaving out the Rum will result in a delicious, minted lemonade. The drink still resembles a Mojito even without alcohol. Looking for a Mojito Mocktail recipe? Watch bartender AJ make a Virgin Mojito.

• Cosmojito
  You guessed it! This cocktail is a mix of two classics in one – the Cosmopolitan and the Mojito! Absolut Citron Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup and Soda Water. What a drink! Wanna get mixing right away? Discover our Cosmojito recipe.

• Absolut Citron Mojito
  The same as the classic but with Absolut Citron Lemon-Flavored Vodka instead of Rum. Now that’s a lemony-fresh drink! Check out our Absolut Citron Mojito recipe.

• Absolut Lime Mojito
  More Lime? Yes please! Replace the Rum with Absolut Lime Vodka and you’ve got one stunning Lime-heavy cocktail. Discover our recipe.

• Absolut Mango Mojito
  Swap out Rum for Absolut Mango flavored Vodka and you’re gonna get a drink with some seriously smooth tropical notes. Sublime! Here’s how to make it.

• Absolut Spiced Pear Mojito
  This Vodka Mojito drink uses Absolut Pears Vodka instead of Rum together with, wait for it, Apple Juice and deliciously spicy Cinnamon Syrup. Oh yeah, it’s as good as it sounds believe us! Discover how to make our Absolut Spiced Pear Mojito.

• Absolut Strawberry Mojito
  Another Vodka-based version that’s a fun twist on the classic. Muddle Strawberry, Mint Leaves and Simple Syrup in a Highball Glass, then add Absolut Vodka and fresh Lime Juice and garnish with a fresh Strawberry. Here’s how to make this Vodka variation.

• Basil-Mint Mojito
  Now this is a wonderful variation on the classic. Basil and Mint? What a combo! Simply add Basil to the rest of your ingredients to muddle and you’re gonna get all these wonderful new nuances from the fresh Basil Leaves into your Mojito. You’re gonna love this one. See our recipe for a Basil-Mint Mojito.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Mojito

Rico shares that like many Cuban classic cocktails, they look a lot different in Cuba than the rest of the world. “In Cuba, the drink is a lot shorter and is served over cubed ice instead of crushed (ice)”. 

However, if you’re following this recipe and not in Cuba, we highly recommend using a Highball Glass for serving and preparing this drink. The tall and slender design of this glass is perfect for accommodating all that crushed ice.

After mixing your drink, top off the glass with additional crushed ice. If you’ve had this cocktail before, you’ll know that the muddled Mint and the Mint garnish are both crucial. 

To enhance the Mint flavor, Rico suggests inserting a metal drinking straw straight down into the drink, next to the Mint garnish. “While you drink, you’ll be able to smell the Mint and you’re going to get more of a Mint hit.”