Mojito Recipe: How to Make a Mojito at Home
Mojito cocktail recipe for the home bar.
A Mojito Requires a Little More Effort, but the Result is Worth It
The Mojito is a very refreshing minty cocktail that has great appeal. It's paramount to make your Mojito with fresh ingredients to get the bursts of fresh mint and lime flavors that make this drink so popular.
Mojito Ingredients
2 oz white rum
10 - 15 fresh mint leaves (approx. 10 for the drink and a sprig for garnish)
1 oz fresh lime juice
2 lime wedges
1 oz simple syrup
club soda to splash on top
Mojito cocktail ingredients.
What You’ll Need to Make a Mojito
To make a Mojito, you'll need a muddler — or at least something you have on hand to act as a muddler. A muddler is inexpensive and worth getting if you don't have one. For the times you need one (Mojito, Mint Julep etc.) it's a very handy bar accessory to have.
There are many different ways to make a Mojito, but for the home bartender, this is my go-to (and recommended approach). We're going to make this Mojito right in the serving glass (no mixing glass or strainer required — although there is a method where you shake and strain). The approach shown here will ensure that you get the ultimate flavor, texture and visual appeal for your drink. Firing on all sensory levels is very important for the enjoyment of any cocktail, but a Mojito in particular (with the mint and lime) really benefits from this.
For glassware, you'll want to use something along the lines of a rocks glass/lowball glass for your Mojito (something that holds in the range of five to eight ounces).
Like a Mint Julep, a Mojito requires muddling.
Making a Mojito Step by Step
Begin by placing at least 10 fresh mint leaves (more if you really love mint) and one lime wedge in the bottom of your glass. Add the simple syrup (I prefer this over granulated sugar for better fluidity to the cocktail — you can also substitute agave syrup or add granulated sugar) and the one ounce of fresh lime juice you squeezed earlier. Use your muddler to gently muddle the ingredients together. You are aiming to gently crush the mint leaves to release the flavor and crush the lime wedge to release the juice and some pulp. You do not want to pulverize them into oblivion.
Once you have a nice fragrant mixture at the bottom of your glass, add your rum and then fill the glass with ice cubes. Top it off with club soda (or sparkling water) and then gently stir with a cocktail spoon. The goal is to mix the drink, but try to keep the mint leaves and lime wedge on or near the bottom of the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
Mojitos are often served with a straw. If you choose this route, then you will want to nudge the lime and mint leaves off of the bottom of the glass (so they don’t clog the straw).
The classic Mojito.
Practice Makes Perfect
The Mojito takes a little more effort to create, but the end result is worth it. Once you have made a few Mojitos at home, you can adjust the levels of ingredients to your taste until you get the perfect blend of mint leaves and lime juice plus sweetener.
Sometimes you may want to do some prep work before guests arrive if you know you’ll be making a few Mojitos. If this is the case, you can either mutliply the ingredients to make a jug’s worth (adding the ice and club soda at the last moment, when serving), but that won’t allow for the visual appeal of the ingredients in the glass.
Instead, complete the muddling steps in a few glasses (however many you will need) and keep those chilled. When it’s time to serve, just add the rum, ice, club soda and garnish.
By Mike Belobradic
Wine, Spirits and Beer Virtuoso
Grand One Lounge