Gin Mojito Recipe

A refreshing twist on the classic mojito, where crisp gin replaces rum, creating a botanical, minty, citrus-forward cocktail with bright effervescence.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An overhead shot of a tall, slender highball glass filled with a crystal-clear gin mojito, ice cubes glistening through the glass. Fresh mint sprigs burst from the top, alongside a partially submerged lime wedge. Tiny bubbles rise through the drink, catching the natural window light that casts slight shadows across a weathered wooden bar top. Beads of condensation run down the glass, highlighting the drink's refreshing nature. Small fragments of muddled mint are suspended throughout the cocktail, with crushed ice creating a frost at the glass rim.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml gin</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml fresh lime juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">8-10 fresh mint leaves</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Soda water to top</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lime wedge for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint sprig for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Strainer (optional)</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Place the mint leaves in the bottom of your highball glass. Add the simple syrup and gently muddle the mint, pressing just enough to release the oils without shredding the leaves. You'll know you've done it right when you can smell the mint's aromatic oils - this is the foundation of your cocktail's flavor profile. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Squeeze the fresh lime juice directly into the glass with the muddled mint. The citrus acids will help extract more flavor from the mint while providing the crucial sour component to balance the sweetness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Fill the glass about 3/4 full with crushed ice (or regular ice cubes if crushed is unavailable). The ice serves two purposes: chilling the drink and providing dilution as it melts, which helps integrate the flavors. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Pour the gin over the ice, directing it through the mint leaves to pick up more flavor. The botanical nature of gin pairs beautifully with mint - you're introducing juniper and other herbs to the mint foundation. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture and combine the ingredients. You want to be gentle here to preserve the carbonation in the next step. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Top with soda water, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to maintain carbonation. Leave about 1-2cm of space at the top of the glass - this prevents spillage and allows room for the garnish. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Give the cocktail one quick, gentle stir to incorporate the soda water without losing carbonation. You'll see the drink become slightly cloudy as the mint oils disperse. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Garnish with a fresh mint sprig (slap it lightly between your palms first to release the aromatic oils) and a lime wedge on the rim of the glass. The mint sprig serves both as a visual garnish and an aromatic element that enhances the drinking experience. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g
🍭 Sugar: 10 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 5 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Which type of gin works best in a mint-based cocktail?

London Dry gins like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire provide a classical botanical backbone that complements mint perfectly. For a more contemporary twist, try floral or citrus-forward gins like Hendrick's or Malfy, which enhance the fresh, aromatic qualities of the muddled mint.

Can I prepare this refreshing mint cocktail in advance for parties?

You can pre-mix the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, but for best results, muddle the mint and add soda water just before serving to maintain freshness and carbonation. Pre-mixed components can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this minty drink?

Absolutely! Create a "Virgin Gin Mojito" by substituting gin with alcohol-free gin alternatives like Seedlip Garden 108 or simply use extra soda water with a dash of cucumber or green tea. The mint and lime flavours still shine through, creating a refreshing mocktail.

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