The Cuban Mojito

The Cuban Mojito (Mojito with Granulated Sugar) 

The Cuban Mojito is the original, time-honored version of this iconic cocktail—simple, refreshing, and deeply rooted in Cuban tradition. Unlike modern variations that use flavored syrups or alternative sweeteners, the authentic Cuban mojito is made with granulated white sugar, fresh lime, spearmint, white rum, and sparkling water.

This is the mojito as it was meant to be enjoyed: crisp, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

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What Makes a Mojito Truly Cuban?

A real Cuban mojito follows a few essential rules:

• Granulated white sugar (never simple syrup)

• Fresh spearmint (hierbabuena)

• Fresh lime wedges, not bottled juice

• Light Cuban-style white rum

• Gentle muddling, never aggressive

These elements create the signature texture and flavor that defines the authentic Cuban mojito.

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Authentic Cuban Mojito Recipe

Ingredients

• 10–12 fresh spearmint leaves

• 1/2 fresh lime, cut into wedges

• 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar

• 1 1/2 oz white rum

• Ice cubes (or crushed ice)

• Club soda or sparkling water

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Instructions

1. Muddle Mint and Lime
   Place mint leaves and lime wedges into a sturdy highball glass. Gently press to release lime juice and mint oils. Do not shred the mint.

2. Add Granulated Sugar
   Sprinkle sugar over the muddled mint and lime. Stir lightly so the sugar begins dissolving in the lime juice.

3. Add Ice
   Fill the glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.

4. Pour the Rum
   Add white rum over the ice.

5. Top with Soda
   Fill the glass with club soda.

6. Stir Gently
   Stir from the bottom upward to blend without flattening the bubbles.

7. Garnish
   Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.

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Why Granulated Sugar Matters

Granulated sugar is not just tradition—it affects the drink’s texture and balance:

• Dissolves slowly, creating layered sweetness

• Enhances lime brightness

• Adds subtle body to the cocktail

• Preserves the authentic mouthfeel

This is why classic Cuban bars still use granulated sugar today.

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Best Rum for a Cuban Mojito

Traditional Cuban-style or light rums include:

• Havana Club (where available)

• Bacardi Superior

• Flor de Caña Extra Seco

• Don Q Cristal

The goal is a clean, neutral rum that lets mint and lime shine.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using simple syrup instead of sugar
❌ Over-muddling mint (causes bitterness)
❌ Bottled lime juice
❌ Too much sugar
❌ Shaking the mojito

A Cuban mojito should be stirred, never shaken.

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Cuban Mojito vs Modern Mojito

Cuban Mojito	Modern Mojito
Granulated sugar	Simple syrup or sweeteners
Fresh lime wedges	Lime juice
Traditional technique	Quick-mix methods
Crisp, layered flavor	Smooth, uniform sweetness

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Final Thoughts

The Cuban Mojito with granulated sugar is a masterclass in simplicity. It proves that fresh ingredients, proper technique, and respect for tradition create a cocktail that never goes out of style.

If you want to taste the mojito the way it was originally intended—this is it.

OTHER RECIPES

How to make a Cuban Mojito....

INGREDIENTS

• ½ lime, quartered
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons of granulated white sugar
• Crushed Ice
• 2 ounces white or light rum
• 2 drops bitters
• 5 ounces club soda

INSTRUCTIONS 

In the bottom of a mojito glass, muddle lime, mint, and sugar. 

 Add 2 ounces light rum. Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice. 

 Top with club soda. 

 Cover the glass with a shaker tin or transfer the mixture to a shaker and shake for 5-6 seconds. 

 Serve with straw.

 Garnish with lime wedge, mint sprig, and sugar cane swizzle stick. 

How to make a mojito...

faux-jito-virgin-mojito.

The  Cuban Mojito Video :