BASIC CUBAN MOJITO RECIPE

A Cuban mojito is a refreshing, lime-forward, minty rum highball that balances sweetness, citrus, and herbal aromatics. The traditional Cuban method emphasizes gentle muddling, minimal ingredients, and bright flavors without overpowering the mint.

⭐ INGREDIENTS (1 tall glass)

10–12 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
1 medium lime, cut into 6–8 wedges
2 teaspoons white granulated sugar
- (Or use 1 oz simple syrup, but Cuban mojitos usually use dry sugar.)
2 oz white rum
- Traditional choices: Havana Club 3 Años, Ron Varadero, or any clean, light-bodied rum.
3–4 oz chilled club soda (or sparkling mineral water)
Crushed ice or small cubes

⭐ INSTRUCTIONS (With Detailed Technique)

1. Prepare the glass

Choose a tall highball glass. Mojitos are built directly in the glass to preserve the aromatics and carbonation.

2. Add the mint and sugar

Place the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass. Sprinkle the sugar on top.

The dry sugar helps release mint oils gently.
Do not tear or shred the mint; this makes the drink bitter.

3. Add lime wedges & muddle lightly

Add the lime wedges, placing them cut-side down over the sugar and mint.

Use a muddler to press down 3–5 gentle twists:

Press just enough to release lime juice and mint oils.
Avoid grinding the mint—Cuban mojitos should be crisp and clean, not grassy.

4. Add the rum

Pour the 2 oz white rum directly into the muddled mixture.

Stir or swish the glass gently to dissolve some of the sugar.

5. Add ice and club soda

Fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice. Crushed ice melts faster and carries the mint’s aroma upward.
Top with cold club soda, leaving room for stirring.

6. Mix and finish

Insert a long spoon and gently lift the mint and lime from the bottom so flavors circulate evenly.
Top off with more ice or soda if needed.

7. Garnish

Add a fresh mint sprig, slapping it lightly between your palms first to release aromatic oils.

Serve immediately with a straw.

⭐ TIPS FOR A TRUE CUBAN-STYLE MOJITO

Use only fresh mint — spearmint or yerba buena (the Cuban variety) is ideal.
White rum is essential for that crisp, clean flavor.
Sugar, not syrup, is the traditional Cuban method, giving a light texture.
Avoid over-muddling — the biggest mistake people make.
Use crushed ice for more flavor diffusion and colder temperature.

⭐ OPTIONAL VARIATIONS

1. Sweetness Variations

Swap white sugar for raw cane sugar for deeper flavor.
Use honey syrup (½ honey + ½ warm water) for a floral twist.

2. Fruity Mojitos

Gently muddle fruit with the mint. Popular options:

Strawberry Mojito
Pineapple Mojito
Mango Mojito
Coconut Mojito (add 0.5 oz coconut cream)

3. Sparkling Water Options

Swap club soda for sparkling mineral water for more minerality.
Use tonic water for a sweeter, slightly bitter profile.

4. Stronger / Lighter Versions

Stronger: Add +½ oz rum and reduce soda.
Lighter: Reduce rum to 1 oz and add more soda.

⭐ SIMPLE BATCH METHOD (Serves 6)

Perfect for parties.

60–70 mint leaves
6 limes, cut in wedges
½ cup sugar
12 oz white rum
3 cups club soda
Crushed ice

Mix in a large pitcher, muddle gently, add rum, chill, then add soda just before serving.

OTHER RECIPES

How To Make a Mojito
Ingredients

3 fresh mint sprigs
2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 1/2 oz light rum
club soda

How To Make A Mojito INSTRUCTIONS

In a tall thin glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside.

Add the sugar and lime juice and stir thoroughly.

Top with ice.

Add rum and mix.

Top off with *chilled* club soda (or seltzer).

Add a lime slice and the remaining mint, and serve.
How To Make a Mojito VIDEO"

HOW TO MAKE A MOJITO