Summer Classic Mojito Drink Recipe

There's nothing more refreshing than a chilled glass of a classic Mojito on a sweltering summer day. This iconic Cuban cocktail brings together crisp mint, tangy lime, a hint of sweetness, and the gentle kick of white rum—all topped off with fizzy club soda for a bubbly finish.

this Recipe

I remember my first Mojito on a beach vacation with friends, the ocean breeze mingling with the scent of fresh mint. Since then, this drink has become my go-to for backyard barbecues, lazy Sunday afternoons, and even spontaneous happy hours at home.

Whether you're looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a cool, zesty sip, this Mojito recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into why it’s such a crowd favorite.

Why You'll Love This Summer Classic Mojito Drink Recipe

This Mojito recipe isn’t just a drink—it’s a refreshing experience you’ll want to enjoy all season long.

First and foremost, it's incredibly refreshing. The combination of muddled mint leaves, freshly squeezed lime juice, and ice-cold soda water makes each sip cool and invigorating. It’s the perfect antidote to summer heat.

It's also surprisingly easy to make. You don't need any fancy bar equipment—just a glass, a muddler or wooden spoon, and a few simple ingredients. It’s ideal for beginners or casual mixologists.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. With only a handful of ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, it won’t break the bank to whip up a batch for you and your guests.

And let’s not forget how customizable it is. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer it more tart? Squeeze in extra lime. It even works great as a non-alcoholic mocktail by skipping the rum and doubling the soda water.

Once you try it, you'll be hooked—so let's break down what you'll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of the Mojito lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the drink's bright and balanced flavor.

Fresh mint leaves are the soul of a Mojito. When muddled gently, they release fragrant oils that infuse the drink with their signature cooling essence. Avoid tearing or shredding them—you want to bruise the leaves just enough to unlock their aroma without turning them bitter.

Lime juice provides the tangy backbone of the cocktail. Freshly squeezed juice is a must here; bottled lime juice simply won’t deliver the same zesty punch. You’ll need about half a lime per drink, but feel free to adjust to taste.

Granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime and the sharpness of the rum. Some people prefer simple syrup, but I find granulated sugar gives the drink a slightly gritty texture at the bottom, which adds to the charm.

White rum offers a light, crisp base without overpowering the other ingredients. Choose a good-quality white rum for the cleanest flavor. Bacardi or Havana Club are classic picks, but any light rum you enjoy will work just fine.

Club soda finishes the drink with a bubbly lift. Make sure it's well chilled before pouring to keep your Mojito extra refreshing. Some like to use sparkling mineral water, but club soda has the ideal neutral flavor for this mix.

As for equipment, you’ll need a sturdy glass (highball is ideal), a muddler or even the back of a wooden spoon, a spoon for stirring, and plenty of ice to keep things frosty.

How To Make This Summer Classic Mojito Drink Recipe

Crafting the perfect Mojito is more art than science, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be mixing them like a pro.

Start by placing 8-10 fresh mint leaves at the bottom of a sturdy glass. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar and the juice of half a lime. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, gently press the mint and sugar together to release the mint oils. Don't pulverize the leaves—a gentle bruise is all you need.

Next, fill the glass about halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of white rum, then stir well to combine the sugar, lime juice, and mint with the rum. This step is key for building flavor throughout the drink.

Top off the glass with club soda, filling to the brim. Give everything a final gentle stir to mix the layers without crushing the mint leaves. If desired, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge for that signature Mojito look.

Serve immediately while it’s ice-cold and fizzy. The total time to make each drink is just about 5 minutes, so it's easy to make a few back-to-back for guests.

Storage Options

Mojitos are best made fresh and served immediately, but if you're prepping for a crowd, there are a few tricks you can use.

You can make a Mojito base in advance by combining lime juice, sugar, and mint in a pitcher. Store this mixture covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add rum, ice, and club soda to each glass.

If you have leftover Mojito (rare, but it happens!), store it in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within a day, though the mint may lose its brightness.

Avoid freezing Mojitos, as the carbonation won't hold up and the mint will become mushy.

To reawaken a stored Mojito, add a splash of fresh soda water and a few mint leaves before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about the Mojito is how easy it is to adapt. You can keep things classic or get creative with flavors.

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and use extra club soda or a flavored sparkling water like lime or cucumber for added depth. It's still wonderfully refreshing.

Add fresh fruit for a twist. Strawberry Mojitos are popular—just muddle a few ripe strawberries with the mint and sugar. Watermelon, pineapple, or mango also work beautifully.

Want something with a little extra kick? Try a Spicy Mojito by adding a slice of jalapeño or a dash of chili powder to the muddle. It adds just the right touch of heat.

For a herbal twist, substitute basil or cilantro in place of mint. It creates a totally different but equally delicious flavor profile.

However you mix it, don’t be afraid to play around. The Mojito is a drink meant for fun, sunshine, and experimenting with what you love best.

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