Cuban · Drinks

Classic Mojito

White rum, lime, sugar, soda and a great deal of mint, pressed rather than pulverised. Bruise the mint too hard and you get bitter chlorophyll instead of aroma.

4.8(2,544)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2544 reviews 5 min total Serves 1 servings Easy
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Classic Mojito — cuban drinks recipe, served and ready to eat

Method

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  1. Put the mint leaves and sugar in the base of a tall glass.

  2. Press the mint gently against the sugar with a muddler five or six times — just enough to release the aroma. Do not grind or tear the leaves.

  3. Add the lime juice and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.

  4. Add the rum and stir once more.

  5. Fill the glass with crushed ice, right to the top.

  6. Top with chilled soda water and stir gently from the bottom to lift the mint through the drink.

  7. Slap a mint sprig between your palms to release its aroma and tuck it in beside a lime wedge. Serve with a straw.

Chef’s Tips

  • Press, do not muddle to pieces. Blackened, shredded mint makes a bitter mojito.
  • Crushed ice, not cubes. It dilutes at the right rate and keeps the drink properly cold.
  • Use a decent aged-lite Cuban-style rum; the flavour is not hidden here.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Serve with Cuban sandwiches, ceviche or grilled prawns
  • A perfect hot-afternoon drink
  • Follow with strong coffee

Storage & Reheating

Mix to order. Sugar syrup keeps 1 month refrigerated. Never batch a mojito with the soda in.

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

186Calories
0gProtein
18gCarbs
0gFat
0gFibre
16gSugar
10mgSodium

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