When we think of staple summer cocktails, the mojito is at the front of mind. Wonderfully simple to create, you only need 5 ingredients to make this refreshing, classic cocktail, making it perfect to whip up when you need to bring the beach vibes to a too-hot summer day. Read on for all of our tips on making this rum cocktail, including the secret to take to your mojito from good to great. (Hint: It’s all in the muddling.)
What is a mojito?
Though there is no agreed upon origin story of the mojito, the refreshing cocktail most likely originated in Cuba. It utilizes ingredients native to the island to make the drink, namely sugar cane, lime, and mint. Add in the rum and soda water, and you’ve got a classic mojito ready to bring the beach vibes.
How to make a classic mojito:
— The best rum for a mojito. Use a light rum here: they have a light and mild body, which makes them perfect for mixing into our mint mojito. Use your favorite brand, or check out our favorite rum brands.
— The simple syrup. While some mojito recipes call for granulated sugar, we prefer to use simple syrup. It’s much easier to mix, and even easier to make. You can buy it store-bought, but we prefer to make our simple syrup homemade, then use in countless other cocktails.
— The key to the best mojito. The key to a good mojito is in the muddling. After adding the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint to a glass, muddle the leaves for 15 to 20 seconds. You want to muddle the mint just enough so that the leaves emit their natural oils, but not so much that they bruise or break into pieces. Once done, fill with ice and top with soda, and you’re ready to get sippin’.
Do I need a muddler?
A muddler is a simple tool that’s most commonly made of wood, but can also be crafted out of metal or plastic. It’s used to press ingredients like citrus or herbs into the bottom of a glass in to unlock their essences and flavor. If you don’t have a muddler, that’s okay! You can use a wooden spoon or any other kitchen tool that could be used to mash and grind in a glass.
Mojito variations:
Once you have this classic recipe down, get creative with the mix-ins and additions. Fruit is a common mojito addition: Our mojitos, 3 ways, will guide you in making pineapple, blueberry, and strawberry mojitos; our blackberry mojitos are a summer favorite. Key lime mojitos are practically dessert + cocktail in one, frozen watermelon mojitos are the best way to cool off, and our blackberry virgin mojitos are perfect for non-alcoholic sipping.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!