Classic Mojitos

 This recipe for Classic Mojitos will make you feel like you’re on vacation! Made with fresh mint leaves and a homemade lime simple syrup, this sweet rum cocktail will perk you up on warm summer days!

It’s no secret by now that I love sweet cocktails and usually stick to all things tequila, vodka, or rum. Mojitos fit the bill, but a lot of bartenders won’t make them, and good ones are hard to find outside of Miami! I’m so happy to finally have a recipe I can make at home that might just make the best mojito I’ve ever had!

What’s in a Mojito?

Mojitos are a sparkling rum cocktail that originated in Cuba. It’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients:  fresh mint, lime, rum, club soda, and homemade simple syrup or superfine sugar.

Ingredient List

Here’s what you need to make this simple recipe for mojitos (see the recipe card for exact amounts):

• Fresh mint: Use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor. Don’t forget to save the best-looking sprigs of fresh mint for garnishing your drinks!  Most mint sold at grocery stores is spearmint, which is a sweet, mellow mint perfect for mojitos.
• Simple Syrup: We use equal parts sugar and water to make simple syrup, to which we will add fresh lime juice for flavor. This simple syrup is great to keep on hand for other mixed drinks and can even be used in lemonade, iced tea, and baked goods!
• Fresh limes: You’ll need limes for juicing as well as lime slices or lime wedges for garnishing your drink.
• Rum: You definitely need to use white rum (also known as light, clear or blanco rum). I used Bacardi in developing this recipe, but you can use whichever kind of rum you think is the best rum. We can’t get authentic Cuban rum here in the States, so we’ll have to make do with other options!
• Sparkling Water or Club Soda: You can use any plain club soda or soda water for this classic cocktail!  Adding sparkling water helps gentle the strong rum and lime flavors in a mojito and makes it easy to sip.

How to make lime simple syrup for Mojitos

Let’s start by making this easy recipe for lime simple syrup.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and heat over medium heat. Stir as it heats until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add fresh lime juice and stir until combined.

Let the mixture cool to room temperature before using it in your drinks.

How to store simple syrup

When the syrup is completely cooled, transfer it to a plastic or glass container with a lid. Store it at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month.

How to make Classic Mojitos

I’ll show you exactly how to make a good mojito! You don’t even need a cocktail shaker for this one.

First, place some 3-5 mint leaves at the bottom of a tall glass. Slightly crush them with a cocktail muddler or the stem of a wooden spoon to release that minty flavor.

Next, fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour the lime simple syrup, lime juice, and rum over the ice. Finish with a splash of sparkling water, then stir together to mix the ingredients.

Add fresh lime slices and a mint sprig for garnish, and enjoy this refreshing drink poolside on a hot summer day!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

You can make a pitcher of mojitos to serve more people using this Classic Mojito recipe. Multiply the ingredients by how many people you’ll be serving. Make sure to use a sturdy glass or plastic pitcher.

Follow the same instructions by adding the mint and simple syrup first, followed by ice, rum, and club soda. Stir well to combine, then serve by pouring into individual glasses. Add a lime slice and sprig of mint to each glass for a beautiful presentation.

Can I make Mojitos ahead of time?

You can definitely make these popular cocktails ahead of time. A mojito can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days. Stir again before serving, and refresh with a splash of club soda.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Classic Mojitos?

A non-alcoholic mojito, or “nojito”, omits the rum and uses either all club soda or lemon-lime soda.

If you want to make one with club soda, follow the recipe as directed using the mint and lime simple syrup. Then, omit the rum, pour club soda over the ice, and stir to combine.

If you want to use soda, omit both the lime syrup and the rum, and just use mint, a handful of ice, and lemon-lime soda.

More Easy Cocktail Recipes

If you enjoyed this classic rum cocktail, take a look at some of the other mixed drinks on my blog:

You’ll find a very similar flavor profile in this Skinny Sparkling Margarita recipe. Or, for another fun summer drink, try Frozen Cherry Margaritas! My favorite margarita combines two popular cocktails in this Tequila Sunrise Margarita recipe.

I love a good sangria! This Cherry Sangria is rich and flavorful, while this Strawberry Basil Sangria is light and refreshing.

Non-Alcoholic Summer Drinks

If you want something to cool you off without the alcohol, try my homemade Lemonade, this Cucumber and Mint Water, or this Cucumber Melon Mocktail!