The Cocktail CrafterThere are few drinks that scream summer quite like a classic Mint Mojito. Light, bright, and endlessly refreshing, it’s the kind of cocktail you want in hand when the sun’s out and the heat kicks in. I’ve made a lot of mojitos over the years, but this recipe has become my go-to. The secret? A simple little upgrade: mint-infused sugar.
Mint Mojito Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
where to buy - 1 Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 3 cl fresh lime juice
- ½ lime
- 3 cl simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 4 cl light rum
- 2 bar spoons Mint Infused Sugar or plain cane sugar if skipping infusion
- leaves fresh mint
- Crushed Ice
- Sparkling Water
Instructions
Mint-Infused Sugar (Optional Step)
- Rinse 15 fresh mint leaves under cold water.
- Place them into a sealed jar or container with 40 grams of cane sugar.
- Slap the mint to release the oils, then seal and shake gently to combine.
- Let sit at room temperature for 3–6 hours, shaking occasionally.
- Remove the mint before using. Store the infused sugar in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Build the Mojito
- Add 2 bar spoons of mint-infused sugar to a frozen highball glass.
- Rinse a fresh handful of mint and add it to the glass.
- Quarter ½ a lime and place it peel side down into the glass.
- Muddle gently to release lime juice and mint oils—avoid shredding the mint.
- Add simple syrup, lime juice and light rum. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
- Fill the glass ¾ full with crushed ice and churn with a spoon to mix.
- Top with a splash of sparkling water and more crushed ice to fill.
- Garnish with a fresh mint bouquet (give it a quick slap) next to a straw and serve
Notes
- Crushed ice is essential for the right dilution and texture. If you only have ice cubes, crack them with the back of a barspoon or wrap them in a kitchen towel and hit with a rolling pin.
- Using a frozen glass keeps the drink icy cold longer and adds a beautiful frosty finish.
- No need to dry the mint after rinsing—a little moisture helps with muddling and infusing.To make it non-alcoholic: skip the rum and increase both lime juice and simple syrup to 4 cl each, then top with sparkling water as usual for a refreshing mocktail
Why This Mint Mojito Recipe Stands Out
The mojito is a classic for a reason, but this version takes things up a notch:
- Mint-infused sugar for extra flavor – On top of the fresh mint you muddle, infusing your sugar gives you a brighter, more aromatic mint flavor in every sip.
- Always fresh lime juice – No bottled substitutes here. Freshly squeezed lime keeps the cocktail vibrant and balanced.
- Crushed ice for the perfect texture – Crushed ice chills the drink faster, dilutes it perfectly, and gives the mojito its signature frosty finish.
The Secret Behind the Extra Freshness
One of the things that really makes this mojito shine is the mint-infused sugar. Instead of relying only on muddled mint, you infuse sugar with fresh mint leaves for a few hours before making the drink. It’s a small, simple step, but it makes a huge difference—adding a deeper, more aromatic layer of mint without complicating the recipe.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mojito
- Use a frozen glass – A chilled highball glass keeps your mojito icy cold longer and makes it look extra refreshing.
- Don’t shred the mint – Muddle gently to release the oils without tearing the leaves into pieces that float in the drink.
- Slap your garnish – A quick slap of your mint bouquet before garnishing helps release its aroma.
Making a Non-Alcoholic Mojito (Mocktail Version)
If you’re skipping alcohol, this recipe works beautifully as a mocktail. Just leave out the rum and bump up the lime juice and simple syrup to 4 cl each, then top with sparkling water as usual. You still get all the vibrant mint and lime flavors without losing that refreshing mojito character.
Final Thoughts
This mint mojito recipe has quickly become my favorite because it’s simple, refreshing, and just a little elevated. The mint-infused sugar adds an aromatic twist without complicating the process, and the result is a cocktail that feels bright, crisp, and built for summer. Whether you’re mixing drinks for a backyard party or just cooling down after work, this one’s always a crowd-pleaser.
