Authentic Mojito Recipe: Learn to Make the Original Cuban Cocktail

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 oz (60 ml) white rum (Cuban-style if possible)

• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice (about half a lime)

• 2 teaspoons white sugar (or ¾ oz simple syrup)

• 6–8 fresh mint leaves (plus more for garnish)

• Soda water (to top off, about 2–3 oz)

• Ice (crushed or cubes)

• Lime wedge or wheel (for garnish)

Equipment Needed:

• Highball glass (tall glass)

• Muddler

• Spoon or cocktail stirrer

• Citrus juicer (optional)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint and sugar:

   • Place mint leaves and sugar (or simple syrup) in the bottom of a highball glass.

   • Gently muddle with a muddler to release the mint’s essential oils. Be gentle—don’t shred the mint.

2. Add lime juice:

   • Squeeze in 1 oz (30 ml) of fresh lime juice.

   • Stir to help dissolve the sugar and distribute the flavors.

3. Pour the rum:

   • Add 2 oz (60 ml) of white rum to the glass and stir again.

4. Add ice:

   • Fill the glass with crushed ice for the most traditional, refreshing experience (cubed works too in a pinch).

5. Top with soda water:

   • Add about 2 to 3 oz of soda water, or to taste.

   • Give it one final gentle stir to bring everything together.

6. Garnish and serve:

   • Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge or wheel.

   • Serve with a straw if desired—so you can sip through the minty sweetness at the bottom.

Tips for the Perfect Mojito:

• Use fresh mint—spearmint is best and most traditional.

• Cuban white rum (like Havana Club) gives the most authentic flavor.

• If using sugar instead of syrup, make sure it fully dissolves before adding ice.

• Avoid over-muddling the mint—it can release bitterness from the stems and leaves.