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Mojito

Born in Havana, Cuba, the Mojito has refreshed drinkers since the 16th century, making it one of the oldest cocktails in existence. The combination of white rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, and soda water creates a drink that is at once herbaceous, sweet, and sparkling. It is the quintessential summer cocktail.

The Mojito stands as Cuba's most celebrated cocktail export, a refreshing masterpiece that has captivated drinkers for centuries. This isn't just another rum drink—it's a perfectly balanced symphony of fresh mint, zesty lime, quality rum, and effervescent soda water that transforms simple ingredients into liquid poetry. Born in the sultry bars of Havana, the Mojito represents the soul of Caribbean hospitality: bright, welcoming, and utterly irresistible. Whether you're dreaming of tropical beaches or simply seeking the perfect antidote to a hot summer day, this iconic cocktail delivers an experience that's both sophisticated and refreshingly approachable.

5 min
10 oz
🥃Highball glass
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Mojito cocktail served in a Highball glass

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Mint sprig and lime wheel

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup in the bottom of a highball glass, pressing just enough to release the oils without tearing the leaves.

  2. Add the fresh lime juice and white rum to the glass.

  3. Fill the glass with crushed or pebble ice.

  4. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.

  5. Garnish with a mint sprig (gently slapped between your palms to release aroma) and a lime wheel. Serve with a straw.

Flavor Profile

RefreshingHerbalCitrusySweet

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Mixing Glass

Mixing Glass

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Bar Spoon

Bar Spoon

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Muddler

Muddler

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Highball Glass Set

Highball Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use spearmint rather than other mint varieties—its bright, clean flavor perfectly complements rum without overwhelming the drink's delicate balance

  • 2

    Muddle gently with a twisting motion rather than aggressive pounding; you want to bruise the mint to release oils, not pulverize it into bitter green bits

  • 3

    Always use fresh lime juice and quality white rum—cheap ingredients will produce a harsh, unbalanced cocktail that masks the Mojito's elegant simplicity

  • 4

    Fill your glass with crushed or pebble ice rather than cubes; the smaller ice pieces chill faster and create better dilution for optimal flavor integration

  • 5

    Top with club soda at the very end and give just one gentle stir to preserve carbonation—over-stirring kills the effervescence that makes this cocktail sparkle

📜 History & Origin

The Mojito's origins trace back to 16th century Havana, where it began as 'El Draque,' named after English privateer Sir Francis Drake. Legend tells that Drake's crew mixed aguardiente (a primitive rum precursor), sugar, lime, and mint to ward off scurvy and stomach ailments. Over centuries, this medicinal concoction evolved into the refined Mojito we know today. The drink gained international fame through Ernest Hemingway, who famously declared his love for Mojitos at Havana's La Bodeguita del Medio, where a hand-written sign still reads 'My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.' The Cuban Revolution temporarily scattered the cocktail's masters worldwide, inadvertently spreading Mojito culture globally. During Prohibition, the Mojito became a favorite among Americans seeking refuge in Cuban bars. Today's Mojito maintains its original soul while adapting to modern palates, representing not just a cocktail but a cultural bridge between Cuba's golden age and contemporary cocktail culture.

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Caipirinha

Caipirinha

Dark 'n' Stormy

Dark 'n' Stormy

Mint Julep

Mint Julep

Watermelon Mojito

Watermelon Mojito

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry Daiquiri

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Mojito taste like?

The Mojito has a refreshing, herbal, citrusy, sweet flavor profile. Born in Havana, Cuba, the Mojito has refreshed drinkers since the 16th century, making it one of the oldest cocktails in existence. The combination of white rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, and soda water creates a drink that is at once herbaceous, sweet, and sparkling. It is the quintessential summer cocktail.

What ingredients do I need for a Mojito?

A Mojito requires 6 ingredients: White Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Club Soda, Simple Syrup, Lime Wedge, Mint Sprig.

How long does it take to make a Mojito?

A Mojito takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Mojito?

A Mojito is traditionally served in a Highball glass, garnished with Mint sprig and lime wheel.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Mojito?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Mojito by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Mojito?

The Mojito's origins trace back to 16th century Havana, where it began as 'El Draque,' named after English privateer Sir Francis Drake. Legend tells that Drake's crew mixed aguardiente (a primitive rum precursor), sugar, lime, and mint to ward off scurvy and stomach ailments. Over centuries, this medicinal concoction evolved into the refined Mojito we know today. The drink gained international fame through Ernest Hemingway, who famously declared his love for Mojitos at Havana's La Bodeguita del Medio, where a hand-written sign still reads 'My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.' The Cuban Revolution temporarily scattered the cocktail's masters worldwide, inadvertently spreading Mojito culture globally. During Prohibition, the Mojito became a favorite among Americans seeking refuge in Cuban bars. Today's Mojito maintains its original soul while adapting to modern palates, representing not just a cocktail but a cultural bridge between Cuba's golden age and contemporary cocktail culture.