Vodka Mojito recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

Can you use Vodka in a Mojito instead of Rum? Yes, you most certainly can. And it’s fantastic.

By swapping out the Rum that’s used in a classic Mojito with Vodka, the end result is a crisp, and summery cocktail perfect for any outdoor gathering. 

And when you use Absolut Vodka to make your Vodka Mojito, you’re basically mixing Cuban zest with Swedish sophistication. Ooh La La!

How To Make a Vodka Mojito

What You’ll Need

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

How to Mix

1. Muddle the Mint Leaves and Simple Syrup in a Highball Glass.
2. Use a Citrus Press to squeeze one Lime to extract the juice, then measure and pour the Lime Juice into the Glass.
3. Fill the Glass with Crushed Ice.
4. Measure and pour in Absolut Vodka.
5. Top it off with Soda Water.
6. Give the drink a gentle stir with a Bar Spoon.
7. Garnish with a Lime Wheel and a sprig of Fresh Mint.
8. Sip and enjoy!

What is a Vodka Mojito?

This cocktail is a twist on the classic Cuban cocktail, substituting Rum with Vodka. This variation of a Mojito brings a unique and sophisticated flavor profile to the cocktail, as the clean, smooth taste of Vodka complements the zesty Lime Juice and Mint in a different way than Rum. 

The absence of Rum’s distinct sweetness allows the bright citrus and herbal notes to shine through, creating a more crisp and slightly sharper flavor profile. 

It’s perfect for those who appreciate a lighter, more invigorating version of the timeless Mojito.

What Does a Vodka Mojito Taste Like?

Vodka lets the fresh Mint and Lime steal the spotlight unlike the fruitiness of Rum in a classic Mojito.

It offers a vibrant and invigorating blend of flavors. The clean and more neutral but smooth taste of Vodka mingles with the zesty Lime and aromatic Mint to create a crisp and lively profile. The absence of Rum allows the citrus and herbal notes to shine through, resulting in a slightly sharper yet still fresh-tasting cocktail. 

The History of the Vodka Mojito

The Vodka Mojito is a modern variation of the classic Cuban cocktail, the Mojito. The ingredients are the same as a traditional Mojito but uses Vodka instead of Rum as the base spirit.

The exact origins of the Vodka-based version are not well-documented, but it likely emerged as mixologists sought to offer a crisper and lighter alternative to the Rum-based version. 

Tips for Making the Perfect Vodka Mojito

• Chill Your Glass
  Place your Highball Glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. There’s something about a chilled glass and fresh Lime that’s just so refreshing. Serving your cocktail in a pre-chilled Highball Glass makes it stay crisper and cooler longer. Plus, the frosty aesthetic makes it even more enticing.

• Muddle Gently
  When muddling the Mint Leaves and Lime Wedges, be gentle with your Muddler to release the flavors without over-macerating the ingredients, which can result in a bitter taste. What is a Muddler you wonder? Don’t miss our article on essential home bartending tools.

• More Mint
  Who doesn’t love the cooling taste with a slightly sweet and tangy undertones of fresh Mint Leaves? Go ahead and use 6-8 fresh Mint Leaves if you want to enhance the taste of Mint. After all, it’s your drink.

  Star Tip! As bartender Rico shares in the video above, “The flavor of the Mint actually comes from the Mint Sprig that’s next to the straw because aroma is 80% of the flavor and Mint is nothing more than an aroma.”

  Try Rico’s experiment at home: “Take one Mint Leaf and really screw it up. Put that on a Spoon with some Sugar and stick it into your mouth. While you do that, hold your nose when you’ve got the Mint and Sugar in your mouth. You will not be able to taste the Mint whatsoever.”

  “You’ll only be able to taste the Sugar. Let go of your nose and you’re going to see an immense amount of Mint flavor suddenly hit your taste buds that’s because mint is an aroma without that Mint Sprig next to your straw, you’re not going to taste the Mint in a Mojito,” he adds. Thanks, Rico!

• Not all Soda Water is the Same
  Play around with different types of Soda Water to create different flavor nuances. For instance, you could opt for Club Soda, which resembles Sparkling Water or Mineral Water, but has added minerals and carbonation. Alternatively, you could experiment with Seltzer, which is carbonated plain water.

Variations of the Vodka Mojito 

• Strawberry Mojito
  The Strawberry Mojito is basically a Vodka Mojito but with the addition of a fresh Strawberry garnish. The Strawberry complements the Mint and zesty Lime, creating a harmonious blend of flavors not to mention a pop of color, enhancing its visual appeal. Here you can find our Absolut Strawberry Mojito recipe.

• Absolut Lime Mojito
  Love Lime? So do we! In the video on this page, you’ll notice that Rico actually uses Absolut Lime Flavored Vodka instead of Absolut Vodka Original to really accentuate the flavor of Lime to create an Absolut Lime Mojito. Check out our Absolut Lime Mojito recipe.

• Absolut Lime Lemonade – A zesty concoction, blending Absolut Lime Vodka with tart Lemonade, complemented by muddled Blackberries for a burst of fruity sweetness. Garnished with fresh Mint Leaves, it’s a wonderful balance of Citrus and Berry flavors. Let us show you how to make an Absolut Lime Lemonade.

• Mint Lemonade – Looking for an alcohol free alternative? Then, you’ll love this. Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaves and garnished with a Lemon Wheel. Now that’s one delicious and citrusy fresh drink! Here’s how to make a Mint Lemonade.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for Vodka Mojito

As with most cocktails, for the Vodka Mojito presentation really is key. First, chill your Highball Glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

Muddle six whole Mint Leaves and four Lime Quarters directly in the glass. Next, fill the glass with Crushed Ice. For an added touch, garnish with a fresh Mint Sprig and a Lime wheel on the rim of the glass. 

Another creative garnish option is to float a few whole Berries on top, such as Raspberries or Blackberries, for a burst of color and flavor.