Mojito

The Mojito originates from the island of Cuba and is one of the nations oldest cocktails.

The mojito is now one of the most popular cocktails in the world and has even made an appearance in the James Bond movie Die Another Day.

A Mojito drink typically contains five main ingredients rum, sugar, mint, soda water and lime, making it a refreshing cocktail with a tangy zest. We do have a fruity pomegranate mojito recipe you may also enjoy.

The mojito recipe is over 500 years old. The mojito is one of the oldest mixed drinks that is still consumed today. While the exact history of this cocktail is uncertain, its origins are said to go as far back as the 16th century.

  • Total Time:
  • Type: Cocktail
  • Units: 2

Equipment

  • Highball glass

Ingredients

  • 50 ml dark/brown rum
  • 25 ml sugar syrup
  • 7 mint leaves
  • 1 mint sprig
  • 2 wedges of lime
  • soda water
  • crushed ice

Instructions

  1. Clap the mint leaves together in the palm of your hand and place in the bottom of a tall glass.
  2. Chop the lime wedges into small pieces and place over the mint.
  3. Pour the sugar syrup into the glass.
  4. Stir together gently, to release the lime juice.
  5. Fill the glass until it's ¾ full of crushed ice.
  6. Pour in the two shots of dark/brown rum, then add the soda water to the top of the glass.
  7. Stir everything together well and garnish with the mint sprig.
Limes were originally added to Mojitos to help combat scurvy, which is a disease that comes from a vitamin C deficiency that throughout history affected many sailors.

FAQ

Is it mojito or mohito? What’s the correct spelling?

Mojito is spelled with a “j” as it is a Spanish word, where  [j] makes [h]  sound.

How strong is a Mojito?

A standard serve (50ml white rum at 40% ABV, lengthened with soda water) comes to about 2.0 alcohol units, lighter and more sessionable than short, spirit-heavy cocktails like the Negroni or Martini.

What’s the secret to a balanced Mojito?

Use fresh lime juice and gently press the mint rather than crushing it — this releases the oils without bitterness. Balancing sweetness and acidity is key, much like in a Daiquiri.

Can Mojitos be made in different flavours?

Yes – muddling in fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even passion fruit is popular. These fruity twists work in the same way as flavoured variations on a Caipirinha.

Is a mojito Mexican?

No, the recipe is said to have originated on the territory of Cuba as a medicinal drink.

Is a Mojito sweet or sour?

It’s a balanced mix – refreshing, citrusy, mildly sweet, and mint-forward.

Can I use bottled lime juice in a Mojito?

Fresh lime juice is strongly preferred for best flavour.

Is the Mojito shaken or stirred?

It’s typically muddled and built in the glass, then gently stirred.

Please note that the units field is an estimation, and will vary depending on the type and quantity of alcohol used. Please drink responsibly and legally.