Classic Mojito
Total Time
5 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(9)
Ingredients
1 cocktail
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar, to taste
- 4 leafy sprigs of fresh mint, each about 5 to 6 inches long
- 2 ounces white rum
- ¾ ounce lime juice
- Ice
- Club soda or sparkling water (I like Topo Chico)
- Entirely optional: 1 to 2 drops of Angostura bitters
- 1 lime round, for garnish
How would you rate this recipe?
Preparation
Step 1
In a sturdy, heavy-bottomed, tall cocktail glass, add the sugar and 3 sprigs of the mint (we’ll reserve the last sprig for garnish).
Step 2
Muddle the mint with the sugar about 5 to 10 times, until the mint is very fragrant (not so much that the mint completely falls apart).
Step 3
Pour in the rum and the lime juice, and gently stir a few times to help dissolve the sugar. Fill the glass with ice.
Step 4
Fill the glass with club soda nearly to the top. Gently stir in a circular motion to combine, then use your spoon to drag some of the muddled mint higher up into the glass.
Step 5
Taste, and stir in more sugar if desired. Add a drop or two of bitters, if desired.
Step 6
To garnish, place the lime round in the glass. Gently clap the remaining sprig of mint between your palms (this releases some of the oils) and tuck it into your glass, leaving the top exposed. Serve cold, with a wide straw.
Step 7
Save recipe for the next time?
Chef's notes
Measurement tips:
If you’re working with standard measuring cups and spoons, two ounces is ¼ cup and ¾ ounce is 1 ½ tablespoons.
Use the freshest, most beautiful mint you can find. If your mint is looking sad and wilted, you can try resuscitating it in a bowl of ice water for ten minutes.
Spearmint is my favorite mint variety for mojitos.
Adjust to taste. Use less rum for a less boozy sipper.
