Classic Mojito with Lime, Mint and Rum
A classic mojito made with fresh lime, mint leaves, white rum, simple syrup, and chilled soda water for a bright, lightly sweet, refreshing tall drink.
Equipment
- Highball or tall glass
- Muddler or wooden spoon handle
- Citrus juicer
- Long spoon or straw
Ingredients
- 10–12 fresh mint leaves about 2 g, plus 1 sprig for garnish
- 1 oz fresh lime juice 30 ml; from about 1 medium lime
- 1 oz simple syrup 30 ml; equal parts sugar and water, cooled; or 2–2½ tsp superfine sugar, to taste
- 2 oz white rum 60 ml
- 2–3 oz chilled soda water or club soda 60–90 ml, to top
- ice cubes or a mix of cubes and lightly crushed ice
- 1 lime wheel or wedge optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Chill your glass and soda water. If you have time, place a highball or tall glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. Keep the soda water in the fridge so the drink stays crisp and bubbly rather than quickly going flat.
- Prepare the mint and lime. Rinse the mint leaves, pat them dry, and pull the leaves from the stems. Cut a lime in half and squeeze enough juice for 1 oz (30 ml). If you like, cut a lime wheel or wedge from a second lime for garnish.
- Combine mint, lime, and sweetener. Add 10–12 mint leaves to the bottom of your chilled glass. Pour in 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice and 1 oz (30 ml) simple syrup (or your measured superfine sugar). The liquid should just cover the mint.
- Muddle gently, don’t shred. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, press the mint into the lime-syrup mixture with light, twisting motions 6–10 times, just until aromatic and slightly bruised.
- Add the rum. Pour 2 oz (60 ml) white rum into the glass and give everything a brief stir to blend.
- Add ice. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice (all cubes, or lightly crush some for a frostier feel).
- Top with soda water. Gently pour in 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) chilled soda water or club soda. Start with the lower amount, taste, and add more if you prefer a lighter, longer drink.
- Stir briefly to combine. Use a long spoon or a straw to give the drink 2–3 gentle stirs from the bottom up to mix without knocking out too much carbonation.
- Garnish and serve. Slap a fresh mint sprig between your palms once to release aroma, then tuck it into the glass. Add a lime wheel or wedge on the rim and serve right away.
- Taste and adjust. If it’s too sharp, add a splash of simple syrup. If it feels heavy or sweet, add a bit more soda water and give it another brief stir.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 0.2gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
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