Mojito

Non-alcoholic version: the Virgin Mojito

The Virgin Mojito offers all the refreshing qualities of the original, minus the rum. It’s a straightforward switch. Use soda water or lemon-lime soda to fill in for the missing alcohol. You’ll still muddle mint leaves and sugar at the bottom of your highball glass. Add lime juice and ice as you would for a regular Mojito. Top it off with your chosen non-alcoholic filler, give it a good stir, and there you go. It’s an ideal choice for kids, designated drivers, or anyone avoiding alcohol but still wanting to enjoy a cool, minty drink.

Using soda water or sparkling water

Choosing between soda water and sparkling water for your Mojito is a matter of personal preference. Soda water is typically less fizzy and has a more neutral flavor, letting the rum, lime, and mint shine. It’s the traditional choice for a classic Mojito. On the other hand, sparkling water brings its level of effervescence and can elevate the drink’s texture. Opting for flavored sparkling water, like lime or lemon, adds an extra layer of zest. Both options will give you that bubbly finish, but soda water stays true to roots, while sparkling water allows for a subtle twist.

The best alcohol for a Mojito

Rum can make or break the drink. Stick with white rum for a light, crisp flavor that pairs well with the lime and mint. Bacardi and Havana Club are reliable brands, often used in classic Mojito recipes. If you’re after a richer profile, consider a golden rum like Mount Gay. While these aged rums introduce caramel and vanilla notes, they can overshadow the refreshing qualities if you need to be more careful. So if you’re in doubt, white rum is the safest bet for that authentic, refreshing taste we all love.

What is a blue Mojito?

A Blue Mojito swaps out the traditional ingredients for blue curaçao, giving the drink its characteristic blue hue. The blue curaçao adds an orange flavor to the mix while retaining Mojito’s signature mint and lime elements. It’s a visually striking and citrusy take on the classic version.

What is a strawberry Mojito?

A Strawberry Mojito incorporates fresh strawberries into the classic mix of mint, lime, and rum. The strawberries add a fruity sweetness that complements the lime’s tartness and the mint’s herbal notes. It’s popular for those looking to enjoy it with a berry twist.

Using vodka instead of rum

Swapping out rum for vodka might raise some eyebrows, but don’t knock it until you try it. Vodka offers a clean, neutral base that lets the mint and lime take center stage. If you opt for vodka, use quality brands like Grey Goose or Tito’s to ensure your drink is smooth. For example, you could even experiment with flavored vodkas—Absolut Lime amplifies the citrus kick. So, if you’re a vodka enthusiast wanting to try this drink, this simple swap won’t disappoint you. It keeps the refreshing essence of the classic while adding its straightforward twist.

Pre-mixed ready-to-drink Mojitos

Pre-mixed Mojitos can be a solid choice if you’re short on time or ingredients. Brands like Bacardi and Cutwater Spirits offer canned versions that are portable and hassle-free. Bacardi’s canned Mojito is decently balanced with mint and lime flavors, but it’s sweeter. On the other hand, Cutwater Spirits delivers a Mojito with a bit more nuance, capturing the minty freshness well. For a bottled option, check out Clubtails Mojito; it does an excellent job of mimicking the homemade taste. But if you ask for a top pick, I’d lean towards Cutwater Spirits. Their Mojito nails the complexity of flavors while keeping the convenience of a canned drink.

Mojito variations – other cocktail recipes

Want to add something to your Mojito? Try a riff on the original from our selection:

• Strawberry Mojito: Sweet and slightly tart strawberries blend perfectly with classic mint and lime, creating a vibrant and summery feel. The strawberries’ natural sweetness complements the zesty lime in a refreshing and joyful way, which I particularly enjoy.
• Raspberry Mojito: Raspberries add a rich, slightly tangy flavor to the traditional minty-lime base. Their deep, fruity undertone is both luscious and tantalizing.
• Passion Fruit Mojito: Exotic tartness and tropical flair from passion fruit enhance the drink’s complexity. The bold flavor of passion fruit creates a tantalizing contrast with mint and lime.
• Apple Mojito: Crisp, sweet apples offer a delightful twist, pairing exquisitely with mint. The apples add a crunchy, juicy element to the drink.
• Pomegranate Mojito: Pomegranate brings a deep, sweet, and slightly tart flavor, enriching the drink with a ruby-red hue and a burst of antioxidants. The pomegranate seeds add a delightful pop of flavor.
• Orange Mojito: Sunny, citrusy zest from oranges brightens the drink with vibrant color and juicy sweetness. The refreshing tang of the orange dances on the palate.
• Kiwi Mojito: Kiwi’s unique sweet and tart taste adds a touch of exotic appeal. The vibrant green color and zesty flavor of kiwi create a visually appealing and deliciously different experience.
• Grapefruit Mojito: The bittersweet, zesty flavor of grapefruit offers a refreshing and slightly sharp twist. Grapefruit’s tangy notes provide a stimulating contrast to the sweet components.
• Mint Mojito: Extra mint amplifies the classic mojito’s freshness, making the drink exceptionally refreshing and brisk, ideal for a hot day.
• Spiced Mojito: Warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg add a cozy, aromatic dimension. These spices blend harmoniously with mint and lime for a comforting yet invigorating blend.
• Coconut Mojito: Tropical, creamy sweetness from coconut transports your senses to a beach paradise. The coconut’s richness adds a luscious, velvety texture that I find incredibly soothing.
• Pineapple Mojito: Juicy, tropical sweetness from pineapple makes the drink more vibrant and sunny. The bright flavor of pineapple melds beautifully with the mint, offering a sip of tropical bliss.
• Ginger Mojito: Spicy, piquant ginger lends an energizing and bold twist. Its zesty bite adds a stimulating and invigorating dimension.
• Watermelon Mojito: Cool, refreshing watermelon is perfect for quenching your thirst on a warm day. Its subtle sweetness and high water content make the drink wonderfully hydrating.
• Blackberry Mojito: Sweet and slightly tart blackberries combine to add a rich, deep hue and an antioxidant boost. Blackberries lend a luscious, fruity depth that’s irresistible.
• Cucumber Mojito: Crisp, clean cucumber creates an incredibly fresh and light option. Its subtle taste pairs perfectly with mint for a cool, rejuvenating twist.
• Cherry Mojito: Sweet and tart cherries add a playful and luscious twist. Their juicy, deep flavor enriches the drink’s profile.
• Mango Mojito: Sweet, tropical mango creates a rich and velvety texture. Its lush sweetness and bright color add a luxurious, exotic touch.
• Peach Mojito: Soft, sweet peaches add a summery, velvety layer. Their gentle sweetness complements the mint and lime beautifully for a smooth, comforting sip.
• Blueberry Mojito: Sweet and tangy blueberries infuse the drink with vibrant color and antioxidants. The blueberries add a delightful burst of flavor and color.
• Green Tea Mojito: Earthy, subtle green tea introduces tranquility and balance. Its soothing qualities make this a refreshing and calming choice.
• Lavender Mojito: Delicate, floral lavender creates a sophisticated and calming drink. The elegant flavor of lavender adds a unique, aromatic twist that’s enchanting.

History and origin

The Mojito traces its origins back to 16th-century Cuba, though it has undergone many transformations. The drink initially served a medicinal purpose, used by indigenous Cubans who combined mint leaves, lime, and sugar to treat dysentery and tropical illnesses. Sir Francis Drake is often credited with bringing this early version of the drink, known as “El Draque,” back to England, where it gained some popularity.

Over time, as rum production improved and became less harsh, people started to replace the original alcohol with rum. The drink eventually evolved into what we now recognize as a Mojito. In the 20th century, the cocktail gained international fame, especially after becoming a favorite of famous personalities like Ernest Hemingway, who frequented La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, where he reportedly enjoyed his Mojitos.