Mojito - White Rum Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Mojito with premium white rum for an authentic Cuban experience. This easy cocktail recipe combines fresh mint, zesty lime, and sweet sugar for a refreshing balance that's perfect for summer entertaining – a true craft cocktail classic that's simpler than you think!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml white rum (Havana Club or Bacardi)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup (or 2 tsp granulated sugar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprig for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml soda water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel for garnish</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cookie

🔥 Calories: 135 calories

🥑 Fat: 5 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 3 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 22 g

🍭 Sugar: 14 g

🍗 Protein: 1 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 25 mg

🧂 Sodium: 110 mg

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">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer (optional)</li></ul>

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 or sugar. Gently muddle the mint – press just enough to release the oils without shredding the leaves. You should smell the mint's aromatic oils being released.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Squeeze the lime juice directly into the glass or measure using your jigger. The fresh acidity balances the sweetness and complements the rum perfectly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill the glass about ¾ full with crushed ice. The increased surface area of crushed ice (compared to cubes) properly chills the drink while providing ideal dilution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour in the white rum, ensuring you measure accurately – the balance of this cocktail relies on proper proportions.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine all ingredients while preserving the mint leaves at the bottom. About 10-15 seconds of stirring achieves the perfect integration.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top with soda water, adding it slowly to preserve carbonation. Leave about 1cm of space at the top of the glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with a generous mint sprig (gently slap it between your palms first to release aromatic oils) and a lime wheel perched on the rim. This isn't just decorative – the aromatics enhance the drinking experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately with a straw so the drinker can stir occasionally as they enjoy, redistributing the mint oils and maintaining the drink's refreshing character throughout.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Mojito - White Rum Recipe?

A classic Mojito requires white rum (preferably Havana Club or Bacardi), fresh lime juice, simple syrup or granulated sugar, fresh mint leaves, soda water, crushed ice, and garnishes of mint sprig and lime wheel. The quality of these ingredients significantly impacts the final taste.

How to make Mojito - White Rum Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Mojito - White Rum Recipe by first muddling fresh mint leaves with sugar or simple syrup in a highball glass. Add fresh lime juice and fill the glass with crushed ice. Pour in white rum, stir gently, then top with soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel. The key to perfection lies in gentle muddling to release mint oils without making the drink bitter.

What's the best white rum to use for an authentic Mojito?

For an authentic Cuban experience, Havana Club 3 Años is considered the gold standard. However, Bacardi Superior, Banks 5 Island, and Plantation 3 Stars are excellent alternatives. Avoid aged or spiced rums as they overpower the delicate mint and lime flavours that define this refreshing cocktail.

Why is muddling mint properly so important when making this cocktail?

Proper muddling releases essential oils from mint leaves without shredding them, which prevents bitterness. Press gently with a muddler 3-4 times – you're aiming to bruise the leaves, not pulverise them. Over-muddled mint can make your cocktail taste grassy or unpleasantly bitter.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this classic Cuban cocktail?

Yes, create a "Nojito" by simply omitting the rum or replacing it with non-alcoholic rum alternatives like Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof, or Lyre's White Cane Spirit. You can also add a splash of apple juice or coconut water for added dimension while maintaining the refreshing mint-lime profile.

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