The Only Classic Mojito Recipe You’ll Want All Summer

The classic mojito is summer. Minty, limey, a little sweet with that smooth rum wink that says you deserve a break. It’s basically a beach day in a glass with no passport required.

The magic of a mojito? It’s totally down for edits.

More lime? Do it.

Feeling fancy? Add berries.

Want it sweet enough to flirt with your teeth? Zero judgment.

Plus, there are easy ways to make it deliciously alcohol-free!

It’s a low-effort high-vibe cocktail that always delivers like your favorite vacation. That’s the reason it’s made to my site!

Mojito Origins (aka This Drink’s Got Stories)

Before the mojito became your go-to happy hour sip, it started in Cuba. We’re talking old Havana background and linen shirts.

Word is, this minty mixture started out as a medicinal drink (like most good things do). Way back in the 1500s, sailors were mixing aguardiente (a rough early version of rum) with lime, sugar and mint to fight off scurvy and, you know, general bad vibes at sea.

Fast forward a few centuries and swap out the moonshine for real rum and the mojito as we know it is born. It got its glam moment in the 1930s when Havana’s cocktail scene exploded.

Hemingway was allegedly a fan too (of course he was), sipping them between writing binges and questionable life choices.

Now? The mojito’s gone global. From rooftop bars in Bangkok to beach shacks in Tulum, it’s everywhere, and for good reason. It’s light, refreshing and somehow tastes like both vacation and “I’ve got my life together.”

Pro Tips For Creating This Mojito At Home

Mojitos are here for a good time and a chill time. Porch hangs, playlist on loop, maybe someone grilling in the background. It feels barefoot luxury even if you’re drinking it out of a mason jar, in your backyard.

Making a mojito isn’t hard, but there are a few ways to mess it up. Here’s how to keep things crisp, minty and very drinkable:

• Don’t over-muddle the mint. You’re not smashing it into oblivion. Just press it gently to release the oils. Too much force = bitter, leafy mess.
• Use fresh lime juice. No shade, but that bottled stuff tastes off. Squeeze it fresh for that bright, clean flavor.
• Taste as you go. Everyone’s got a different sweet spot. If you like it tangy, add more lime. If you want it smooth, go heavier on the sugar or syrup.
• Crushed ice > regular cubes. It chills the drink faster and makes it feel more refreshing. But if you only have cubes, you’re still good.
• Batching for a group? Add soda last. You can mix the mint, lime, rum and sugar ahead of time. Just don’t pour in the soda until right before serving or you’ll lose the fizz.

So go ahead, grab your ingredients because we will create something minty, fizzy and slightly chaotic (in a good way). Let the mojito do what it does best, make everything feel just a little more like summer.

The Ultimate Classic Mojito Cocktail Recipe

This classic mojito is a cocktail that balances the minty freshness with the tangy lime and the sweetness of sugar, resulting in a light and invigorating taste.

It’s the perfect drink to relax with on a hot day or to impress your guests at a party.

Ingredients

• 10 Fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 1 Lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 ounces White Rum
• 1/2 cup club soda

Zero-proof version: Skip the rum, up the lime and mint and top it with fizzy water. Still bright and refreshing, just without the buzz!

Instructions

1. Muddle the Mint: In a sturdy glass, add mint leaves and lime wedges. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush them together, releasing the mint oils and lime juice.
2. Add Sugar: Sprinkle the sugar over the muddled mint and lime, then stir well to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add Rum and Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour the white rum over the top.
4. Finish with Soda: Top off the mixture with club soda, giving it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Garnish and Serve: Add a sprig of mint for garnish and a lime wedge on the rim. Serve immediately with a straw, and enjoy!

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 33g

Fun Tweaks If You Want to Switch It Up

Once you’ve nailed the classic Mojito cocktail, it’s pretty fun to play around. Mojitos are super forgiving, so feel free to mix things up depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Strawberry Mojito: Muddle a few fresh strawberries with your mint and lime. It adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color that feels very rooftop-in-June.

Cucumber Mojito: Thin cucumber slices give it a spa-day twist. Super refreshing and a little unexpected—perfect for hot afternoons.

Coconut Mojito: Use coconut water or a splash of coconut rum to add a tropical note. It’s like your mojito took a beach vacation.

Want to try some other White Rum cocktails like the classic mojito? Why not try a Cherry Mojito, a Berry Basil Mojito, or a Mango Mojito Romance?

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Yield: 1

Classic Mojito Recipe

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Experience the original classic mojito recipe that's been loved for generations. A simple mix of mint, lime, and soda creates a delicious refreshing cocktail.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 10 Fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 1 Lime, cut into wedges
• 2 Tablespoons sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 45 ml White Rum
• 115 ml club soda

Instructions

1. Muddle the Mint: In a sturdy glass, add mint leaves and lime wedges. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush them together, releasing the mint oils and lime juice.
2. Add Sugar: Sprinkle the sugar over the muddled mint and lime, then stir well to dissolve the sugar.
3. Add Rum and Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour the white rum over the top.
4. Finish with Soda: Top off the mixture with club soda, giving it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Garnish and Serve: Add a sprig of mint for garnish and a lime wedge on the rim. Serve immediately with a straw, and enjoy!

Notes

For a non alcoholic version: Skip the rum, up the lime and mint and top it with fizzy water. Still bright and refreshing, just without the buzz!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 200Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 26gProtein: 1g