Mojito
The Mojito is a quintessential Cuban highball, perfectly blending the zest of lime, the sweetness of sugar, and the refreshing herbaceous aroma of mint with crisp light rum. Ideally served over cracked ice, this cocktail is the ultimate thirst-quencher for warm weather.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by cooling spearmint and sharp citrus zest. The palate offers a clean blend of tart lime juice and grassy herbal notes against a light rum base. It has an effervescent, light body that leads to a crisp, dry finish with lingering acidity.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Light Rum2.5 oz
- Lime (Juiced)1 whole
- Sugar2 tsp
- Mint Sprigs3 ml
- Soda Water4 oz
Preparation
- 1
Place the mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice into a highball glass.
- 2
Gently muddle the ingredients to release the mint oils and dissolve the sugar.
- 3
Add a splash of soda water.
- 4
Fill the glass with cracked ice.
- 5
Pour the light rum over the ice.
- 6
Top with the remaining soda water.
- 7
Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve with a straw.
Substitutions
- Light RumAged Rum — This adds notes of vanilla and oak, creating a richer and heavier profile.
- SugarSimple Syrup — This ensures the sweetener is fully integrated and removes the gritty texture of undissolved granules.
- Soda WaterSparkling Wine — This increases the alcohol content and adds a dry, fruity acidity to the drink.
- Mint SprigsFresh Basil — Basil provides a peppery, savory herbal quality that differs from the cooling menthol of mint.
Variations
Mexican Mojito
Replace the light rum with blanco tequila for an earthy, agave-forward character.
Dirty Mojito
Use raw demerara sugar and gold rum to give the cocktail a darker color and a hint of molasses.