When Jack and I planted our little back deck garden this summer, I immediately started wondering, “What am I going to do with all this mint?!” The basil looked good, the eggplant was thriving, but the luscious, leafy mint plants were the cream of the crop. This summer, I’ve been tossing mint into salads and blending it into pesto like crazy, but I wanted to find a way to really showcase the pretty, aromatic leaves. A mint mojito recipe seemed like the perfect solution.
For the last few weeks, I’ve been making this classic rum cocktail nonstop. The combination of herbaceous mint, tart lime, and fizzy soda water is so refreshing. I love how pretty it is too. Garnished with mint leaves and a lime wedge, this mojito looks like a fancy drink you’d get at a restaurant or bar. But in fact, it’s easy to make at home! If you ask me, there’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer day.
First, muddle the mint. Place it in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and use a cocktail muddler to press it until it becomes aromatic. When you’re muddling the mint, your goal isn’t to pulverize it or crush it. Instead, just bruise it slightly to help it release its fragrant oils. This should only take a few taps with your muddler!
Second, shake! Add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of ice to the cocktail shaker, and shake it vigorously until the ingredients are completely combined and chilled.
Then, strain your mojito. Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker over a glass filled with ice. Top your glass with soda water, and garnish it with lime slices and more fresh mint sprigs.
Finally, taste and adjust. This step is essential anytime you’re making a cocktail at home. It gives you a chance to customize your drink to your tastes, finding a balance of flavors you really love. If you prefer a tarter mojito, add an extra squeeze of lime juice. If you want it sweeter, stir in a bit more simple syrup. Not strong enough? Well, you know what to do.
Mint Mojito
Cool off with this easy mojito recipe! Made with rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for summer.
Prep: 10min
Ingredients:
- 5 mint leaves (more for garnish)
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Lime slices (for garnish)
Instruction:
- Lightly muddle the mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker until aromatic. Add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, a handful of ice and shake.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with lime slices and more mint.
Best Mint Mojito Recipe
The best at-home mint mojito recipe made with homemade simple syrup and other fresh ingredients.
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 0.4 g, Fat 0.1 g, Saturated Fat 0.02 g, Sodium 20 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 21 g, calories 253 kcal, unSaturated Fat 0.1 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ ounces rum (white)
- 1 ounce lime juice (fresh)
- 1 ounce simple syrup (see recipe below)
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- lime-flavored club soda (or sparkling water)
Instruction:
- In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Muddle (smash) the mint leaves well. Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass. Add ice and top off with the club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig.
- You can buy simple syrup or make your own. The simplest way is to combine equal parts water and sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved, and do not allow the mixture to boil. Cool and use as needed, or store in a container in the refrigerator and use for months as needed.
