Mojito Recipe (Fresh & Easy)

The mojito is a Cuban highball that balances rum, tart lime, cane sugar, fresh mint, and fizzy soda. Its whole personality comes from fresh ingredients and a light touch: you want to coax the mint's aroma out, not beat it to a pulp. Below is a reliable single-serving recipe, a scaling chart for pitchers, and the tips that keep every glass crisp and clean instead of muddy and bitter.

How to nail it: build the drink directly in the serving glass so nothing is wasted, and add the soda last so the fizz stays lively. If your mint looks tired, a quick clap of the sprig between your palms wakes up the aroma without any muddling at all. Taste before you top with soda and adjust sweet or tart by a small splash if needed.

• Muddle gently and do not shred the mint. Bruised leaves release aroma; torn leaves release bitter chlorophyll and leave green flecks stuck in your teeth.
• Use fresh lime juice only. Bottled juice tastes flat and slightly cooked, which the clean mojito exposes immediately.
• Superfine sugar or simple syrup dissolves best. Granulated sugar can sit on the bottom and leave the drink under-sweet.
• Add soda water last and stir once. Over-stirring after the soda knocks out the bubbles.
• For a pitcher, muddle the mint, sugar, and lime in the pitcher first, add the rum, and hold the soda until serving so it stays fizzy.
• Crushed ice chills fastest but dilutes quicker, so drink promptly; cubed ice holds longer if you like to sip.

What is the best rum for a mojito?

A light, dry white (silver) rum is traditional because it lets the lime and mint stay front and center. Aged or spiced rums work but make a richer, less crisp drink.

Can I make a mojito without sugar?

Yes. Swap the sugar for simple syrup, agave, or a sugar-free syrup to taste. You can also dial the sweetener down, but some sweetness is what balances the lime's tartness.

Which mint should I use?

Common spearmint is the standard and easiest to find. Use fresh, springy leaves; avoid any that are dark, wilted, or slimy.

How do I make a virgin (non-alcoholic) mojito?

Leave out the rum and add an extra ounce or two of soda water. A splash of white grape or apple juice can replace some of the body the rum provides.

Why did my mojito turn out bitter?

Usually the mint was over-muddled or torn. Press it lightly just until fragrant, and stop as soon as you smell it.

Please enjoy responsibly. Mojitos go down easy, so pace yourself, keep water on hand, and never drive after drinking. Must be of legal drinking age.