The Mojito is one of the most beloved and iconic cocktails in the world: fresh, aromatic, and perfect as a summer aperitif—yet irresistible all year round. Born in Cuba, this cocktail has conquered bars across the globe thanks to its perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and freshness. If you want to prepare it at home like a real bartender, follow this step-by-step guide to the original Mojito recipe.
Mojito: Ingredients for 1 Cocktail
- 50 ml Cuban white rum (e.g., Havana Club 3 Años)
- 1 fresh lime
- 2 teaspoons white cane sugar
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves (preferably hierbabuena mint)
- Soda water (sparkling water)
- Crushed ice
- Straw or bar spoon for mixing
Recommended Tools for Making a Mojito
- Tall tumbler glass
- Muddler (cocktail pestle)
- Jigger (measuring tool)
- Bar spoon
Mojito Prep Time
🕒 About 5 minutes
💡 No complex steps—just a little attention to technique to balance flavor and texture.
How to Make a Mojito: The Cuban Method
Cut the lime
Slice 1 lime into 4 wedges and place them directly in the glass. You can cut it into 6 pieces to extract more juice. The lime should be juicy with a bright green peel.
Add the sugar
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of white cane sugar over the lime. Avoid dark raw cane sugar (like muscovado), as it would completely change the cocktail’s flavor.
Gently muddle
Use a muddler to press the lime and sugar. The goal is to release juice and essential oils from the peel—without crushing the pulp or making the drink bitter.
Add the mint leaves
Add 6–8 mint leaves, preferably Cuban hierbabuena. Do not muddle them! Gently press them with the muddler or your fingers to release their aroma.
Pour the rum
Add 50 ml of Cuban white rum. Avoid using dark, vanilla-flavored, or spiced rums—the original recipe calls for a light, dry profile.
Add crushed ice and soda
Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice. Then top with soda water (neutral sparkling water) until the glass is full.
Stir and serve
Stir from the bottom up using a long spoon or sturdy straw to evenly distribute the lime, sugar, and mint. Serve immediately, garnished with a fresh mint leaf and, if desired, a thin lime slice.
What’s the Alcohol Content of a Mojito?
Roughly 10–14% ABV, depending on how much soda you use. It’s a medium-strength cocktail but very easy to drink, which makes it easy to overindulge without realizing it.
What’s the Best Rum for a Mojito?
The best rum for a Mojito is a light, young, and unaged white rum that enhances the freshness of the mint and lime without overpowering their aroma. Professional bartenders often recommend Cuban rums like Havana Club 3 Años or light Caribbean rums like Bacardi Carta Blanca, known for their clean, dry, and slightly fruity profile. Avoid spiced or dark rums, as they alter the cocktail’s balance. The right rum can make the difference between a perfectly balanced Mojito and one that’s overly boozy or unbalanced in flavor.
Extra Tips for the Perfect Mojito
- Don’t blend the mint. It becomes bitter and ruins the texture.
- Don’t overdo the sugar. It should balance the lime, not mask it.
- Pick a good rum. The rum is the soul of the Mojito. A budget bottle is fine—just make sure it’s white, dry, and Cuban-style.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Mojito
The name “Mojito” likely comes from the African word mojo, meaning spell or magic. Another theory links it to the Spanish diminutive mojadito (a little wet) or mojo (a citrus-based sauce). Both interpretations reflect the cocktail’s fresh, aromatic identity. Born in Cuba, the Mojito has become a refreshing little spell enjoyed all over the world.
The original Mojito is made with just a few quality ingredients that ensure a fresh and balanced cocktail:
Cuban white rum, fresh lime juice, white cane sugar (or sugar syrup), fresh mint leaves (romana mint or hierbabuena), soda water or sparkling water, and crushed ice.
Yes, the Mojito is an alcoholic cocktail. Its alcohol content depends on the amount of rum used but generally falls between 10% and 14% ABV. However, it can be easily turned into a non-alcoholic drink while keeping the same fresh, thirst-quenching flavor.
“Virgin Mojito” is simply the name for a non-alcoholic Mojito. In mixology, virgin refers to any drink made without alcohol. A Virgin Mojito keeps the Cuban cocktail’s original taste thanks to lime and mint and is perfect for kids, drivers, or anyone looking for a lighter version.
To make a Virgin Mojito, you only need a few ingredients: lime, sugar, fresh mint, sparkling water, and ice. Gently muddle the lime, sugar, and mint in a glass, add ice, then top with sparkling water. The result is a refreshing drink, ideal for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol but still wants to enjoy a summer aperitif.
