Classic Mojito

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60ml) White Rum
• 1 oz (30ml) Fresh Lime Juice
• 2 tsp Granulated Sugar (or 0.75 oz / 22ml Simple Syrup)
• 10-12 Fresh Mint Leaves
• 2-4 oz (60-120ml) Soda Water (to top)
• Crushed Ice
• Garnish: Fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel/wedge

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mint and Sugar: In a sturdy highball glass, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with the granulated sugar (or simple syrup if using). The goal is to release the oils from the mint, not to tear it to shreds. A few gentle presses are enough.
2. Add Lime and Rum: Pour in the fresh lime juice and white rum into the glass.
3. Add Ice: Fill the glass generously with crushed ice. Crushed ice helps to chill the drink quickly and provides a better texture than cubes for a Mojito.
4. Stir Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly using a bar spoon. Make sure the sugar is dissolved and the flavours are well combined.
5. Top with Soda Water: Top the drink with soda water, filling the rest of the glass.
6. Garnish: Gently stir once more, then garnish with a fresh mint sprig (give it a gentle slap against your hand to release its aroma) and a lime wheel or wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Mojito

• Fresh is Best: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh mint. It makes a huge difference to the flavour.
• Don't Over-Muddle: Muddle the mint gently. Over-muddling can make the mint bitter. You just want to release the aromatic oils.
• Crushed Ice: While not strictly essential, crushed ice is traditional for a Mojito and helps create a more refreshing, colder drink.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go! Some prefer their Mojito sweeter, others tarter. Adjust the sugar/simple syrup to your preference.
• Chill Your Glass: For an extra cold drink, chill your highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you start.

Variations

• Fruit Mojito

  Add 3-4 fresh fruit pieces (like strawberries, raspberries, or mango chunks) to the glass with the mint and muddle them gently before adding the other ingredients. This adds a delicious fruity twist.

• Dark Rum Mojito

  For a richer flavour profile, swap the white rum for a good quality aged or dark rum. It adds notes of caramel and oak.

• Virgin Mojito (Mojito Mocktail)

  Omit the white rum and increase the soda water slightly, or replace the rum with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative to create a delicious and refreshing mocktail suitable for all.

• Ginger Mojito

  Swap out the plain soda water for ginger ale or ginger beer for a spicier, more complex finish.