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Mojito - White Rum Recipe

Mojito - White Rum Recipe

By What’s Baking

A refreshing symphony of muddled mint, zesty lime, and smooth white rum cooled with crushed ice and elevated with a fizzy soda finish.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A tall, crystal-clear highball glass showcases layers of vibrant green muddled mint leaves intermingled with fresh lime wedges and crushed ice, all topped with a fizzy soda that creates tiny effervescent bubbles rising to the surface. The glass is frosted with condensation, catching the warm afternoon sunlight that highlights the drink's bright, pale green hue. A generous mint sprig garnish dramatically erupts from the top, while a paper straw with green stripes stands at attention. The cocktail sits on a weathered wooden bar surface beside fresh limes and a scattered trail of raw sugar crystals, emphasizing its handcrafted, tropical appeal.

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>

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>
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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 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>

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

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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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