How to make the best Mojito
What is a Mojito
The mojito is one of the most popular cocktails of all time, in-fact it was rated 3rd most searched for cocktail in 2025. Originating in Cuba, it contains a tart but sweet taste making it ideal as a refreshing drink. The main ingredients are fresh mint leaves, tart lime juice and fizzy soda water. When topped with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge, you can get a delicious and beautiful drink ideal in a holiday setting. The Mojito has about 12-16% alcohol in it, which makes it an averagely alcoholic drink.
Here, you’ll learn about the ingredients you need for a mojito as well as how to make a simple classic mojito.
Mojito Recipe
Mojito Ingredients
- A small handful of fresh mint leaves, and a couple extra for garnish.
- 60ml of your favourite white rum (Cuban for authenticity bonus!)
- 30ml of Fresh Lime Juice
- 30ml of Simple Syrup (15ml of sugar dissolved in 15ml of water)
- 30ml of Club Soda or Sparkling Water
- At least 1 lime wedge to garnish
- Ice (preferably crushed)
How to make a mojito step-by-step
1 - Muddle the mint
Place some mint at the bottom of a highball glass (or a shaker if you have one), and press it with a spoon, rolling pin or a muddler. Bruising the herb gently releases the fragrant oils to make it easier to infuse with the drink. Remember, you’re not trying to disintegrate or crush the mint!
2 - Add the Rum, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup and Ice.
Once you’ve added the ingredients, stir with a long-handled spoon (or if you’ve got a shaker, shake vigorously) until all of the ingredients become well mixed.
3 - Strain and add Soda Water
If using a shaker, strain the contents into a glass. Top up with some Soda Water (or Sparkling Water) and a little bit of ice.
4 - Garnish & Serve!
The best bit – simply add a sprig of mint to the top of the drink and a slice of lime to add that ‘wow’ factor to the drink. Serve to your lucky guest, or sit back, relax and enjoy your delicious mojito!
Secrets to a good mojito
1 - Don’t crush the mint in your hand!
Whilst this does release the oils, most of it gets stuck to your fingers and hands. Make sure to muddle it in the glass or shaker. When garnishing your drink, you can slap the mint leaf on the back of your hand to help release the fragrances a little, but this is more theatrical – if you don’t have an audience, it may be better to not bother!
2 – The best rums to use are either your favourite or Cuban!
The Mojito is classic to Cuba, so using Cuban White Rum will give you extra points for authenticity. However as with everything, use yours or your guest’s favourite White Rum!
3 – Simple Syrup over sugar!
Whilst you can trade the Simple Syrup for 1 teaspoon of sugar and a little bit extra soda water, simple syrup is already mixed, keeps well and helps making the drink a little bit easier.
4 – Fresh lime juice should always be used!
You can either press the limes yourself or use high quality fresh lime juice.
History of the Mojito
The origins of a Mojito can be traced back down to Cuba, where it is the unofficial national drink. Back in the 16th century it was named the ‘El Draque’, after famed adventurer Francis Drake. Originally it was made of aguardiente or ‘Firewater’ in Spanish. Aguardiente eventually made way for the modern day rum. Soon, the El Draque too evolved into the Mojito.
Naturally, all of the ingredients that make a mojito are native to Cuba, so using Cuban White Rum would give you the most authentic mojito.
References
Ingredients and Recipe 1
Ingredients and Recipe 2
Ingredients, Recipe and History 1
Ingredients, Recipe and History 2
Most popular cocktails of 2025
