How to Make a Mojito

A brief history of the Mojito

The story goes that the Mojito has its roots in 16th-century Cuba, and was originally poured as a medicinal sipper! Apparently, it was called “El Draque,” named after Sir Francis Drake, an English sea captain. The drink was made with a rough form of rum, lime, and mint, and was used to prevent scurvy and various other ailments.

Over time, the recipe evolved, and as rum became more refined, the Mojito took the shape we know and love today. If you ever visit Havana, don’t forget to stop by La Bodeguita del Medio, the famous bar where Ernest Hemingway claimed to have enjoyed many Mojitos.

Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Muddled Cocktails (Tips, Recipes & More)

What makes a Mojito?

So, what makes a Mojito, a Mojito? Combine a few indigenous Cuban ingredients and you’ll have one sweet, sparkly sip with a crunchy muddle. This is one cocktail you don’t want a smooth simple syrup for sweetness. It’s so easy; all you need is white rum, lime, mint, sugar and a little soda water for a fizzy finish. Can you feel the sunshine yet? 

Let’s breakdown our Mojito cocktail ingredients a bit further. Start with a top shelf white rum like Trois Rivières White Rum, its honey tones add a perfect sweetness. For the lime, always freshly squeeze them at the last minute for extra zing. For the mint, we suggest using spearmint, not only is it easy to come by, but because its sweeter and softer than peppermint, and much easier to muddle. 

How to make a classic Mojito

Now, let’s get to the important how to make a Mojito part. Don’t worry if you don’t own a full cocktail kit, all you need is a jug or shaker and a rolling pin or pestle for the muddling. Then for serving, grab a highball glass along with some ice. 

What is the best rum for Mojito?

A classic Mojito recipe calls for a white rum, not a dark one, which is aged in charred oak barrels after distillation. White rum is typically not aged or lightly aged in stainless steel barrels, which keeps it clear. We love a Trois Rivières White Rum for its honey and spice forward flavour. For a dark rum twist, our winner is Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum with its rich molasses notes, both offering a good subtle base for our refreshing cocktail. 

Can you use dark rum in a Mojito?

While the classic Mojito recipe calls for white rum, using dark rum can bring a whole new dimension to the cocktail. Aged rums like Appleton Estate Signature offer rich, caramel notes that give the drink a deeper, more complex flavour. It’s not the traditional way, but if you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try! Just keep in mind, dark rum will slightly change the look and taste of your Mojito, making it bolder with a more intense profile.

Learn more: Guide to Choosing the Best Rum for Mojitos

How to make the best Mojito?

We all know there is a difference between how to make a Mojito and how to make a great one! Check out our pro tips below for the perfect serve every time: 

• Keep it fresh: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice to get the sweetest tangy flavour. You just can’t compare freshly squeezed to a bought bottle 
• Wash your mint: Wash your mint thoroughly before muddling as it often is grown in sandy soil 
• Muddle right: To muddle the right way, pop the washed mint into the bottom of your shaker or jar with the sugar and lime juice and crush it gently with the end of a wooden rolling pin, wooden spoon or pestle to release the aromatic oils and juices. You’ll want to keep some of the crunchy sugar texture 
• Add extra zing: If you love lime as much as we do, chop a whole lime into chunks and muddle it along with your mint for a zestier drink 
• Serve it in style: To garnish, gently rub the mint leaves to release the oils, making it more fragrant from the first sip.  

• Pair with snacks: Mojitos are a perfect serve alongside fresh and spicy dishes, such as tacos, guac and Cuban pulled pork 

How to make a Mojito for a party

Do you want to make easy summer cocktails for a crowd? No problemo! Refreshing jugs of cocktails like our Mojito are a lifesaver for an outdoor cocktail party. To make a batch of Mojitos to serve the whole gang, opt for equal measures of sugar syrup instead of sugar. Learn how to make it yourself with our easy sugar syrup recipe or buy one to save time. Infuse the sugar syrup with mint easily: just simmer the syrup for 3 minutes with roughly chopped mint, cool and strain. This can be done up to 3 days in advance and kept chilled in the fridge. 

An average jug can hold about 1¾ litres, so mix up our recipe eight times (holding fire on the soda water and ice for now). When you’re ready to serve, just stir well, add ice and top up with soda water for the fizz and garnish. 

What are the most popular Mojito variations?

• If you’re avoiding the booze, then make a Virgin Mojito. It makes a fab alternative to lemonade 
• With Margaritas being so popular, the next twist would be a Tequila Mojito, so swap the rum with a reposado tequila. Add a few slices of jalapeño for an extra kick, if you like 
• If you’re not a rum fan, try mixing your Mojito with either vodka or gin. Gin’s botanicals will blend well with the floral minty notes while vodka will give you a more neutral sip, closer to the OG 
• Whilst on the gin convo, channel your Wimbledon vibes in the summer and muddle a chopped strawberry with your mint for a sweet twist 

More dinks to try if you love a Mojito

If the vibrant mix of mint and lime in a Mojito is your vibe, you’ll definitely enjoy these cocktails too:

• Daiquiri: Another lime and rum classic, but this one is shaken with ice and served chilled.
• Caipirinha: Brazil’s national cocktail uses cachaça, lime, and sugar for a tropical twist.
• Mint Julep: Swap out the rum for bourbon, and you’ve got a Southern favourite with plenty of minty kick.
• Hemingway Daiquiri: This one’s a slightly more sour take on the Daiquiri with grapefruit juice added in.

Cheers, dears! 10 Easy White Rum Drinks to Make at Home