How to Make the Perfect Classic Mojito

The Classic Mojito is a refreshing summer cocktail that’s not too sweet and has great flavor from fresh mint and lime.

A Refreshing Cocktail on a Warm Summer Day

Ever been at the end of one of those hot summer days and look forward to a cool, refreshing drink to enjoy? I know I do! And one of my favorite classic drinks in the summer is the mojito.

This classic rum cocktail is simple to make and super refreshing. To me, the perfect mojito balances the bite of the rum, the tart flavors of lime and the fresh flavor of mint with just a touch of sweetness.

What is the Best Rum to Use in a Classic Mojito?

While there are many types of rum on the market these days, the old standards remain white rum and dark rum. The best rum for this perfect classic mojito is a white rum. It has a slightly sweeter and more subtle flavor than dark rum, which makes it perfect for use in a lighter refreshing drink such as a mojito.

Dark rum has a much more robust flavor. It’s great on its own on ice or neat. It is also good in stronger flavored cocktails such as a Dark N’ Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer and lime wedges).

What Makes for a Good Quality Cocktail?

Quality cocktails need quality ingredients. And the great thing about this classic mojito recipe, is that it uses a few, simple ingredients.

Let’s start with the fresh ingredients – limes and mint. Fresh lime juice is so much better than bottled lime juice. And the cool mint flavor and aroma you get from fresh mint can be really intoxicating!

In the summer, your local grocery stores are likely to be well-stocked with fresh limes and fresh mint. Definitely take advantage of that for your quest for great mojitos. Other times of year may be harder to find those fresh ingredients or they may be a little more expensive, but worth the search and money for a good mojito!

Using a good white rum also makes for a great base for the cocktail. There is a great Cuban rum (Havana Club 3 Year), if you can find it in the US. Otherwise, Bacardi Superior White Rum is a solid choice.

I also use a high-quality sweetener. I have an easy-to-make simple syrup below in Tips and Tricks. Or, if you aren’t in the mood to make your own sweetener, I substitute agave nectar. Natural, tasty, healthy!

Finally, stay away from the sweet soft drinks like Sprite or 7-Up. Stick with the classic bubbly club soda. The simple syrup or agave nectar provides plenty of sweetness to this mojito cocktail.

The Best Drink for a Summer Day

So, if you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing classic cocktail to enjoy on a warm summer evening, make yourself a big pitcher of mojitos. It’s an easy mojito recipe to make, so you get to spend more time enjoying! For an easy happy hour get together, I love to serve mojitos with tortilla chips and this easy Homemade Guacamole or these Oven Fried Pickles.

Tips and Tricks

• To make homemade simple syrup, bring 1 cup water and 1 cup white sugar to a boil. Boil until the sugar has dissolved. Cool completely before using.
• You can make a pitcher ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve pour into ice filled glasses and top with club soda.

Ingredients Needed to Make the Perfect Classic Mojito

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Fresh limes
• Simple syrup or agave nectar – See Tips and Tricks above to make your own simple syrup.
• Fresh mint leaves
• Rum
• Club soda
• Ice cubes

How to Make the Perfect Classic Mojito

• Cut limes in half and squeeze juice into a pitcher and also add the lime halves.  
• Add simple syrup or agave, mint and rum to a pitcher.
• Muddle limes and mint together with a wooden spoon.
• Divide mixture between 4 cocktail glasses filled with a handful of ice.  
• Top each glass with club soda.
• Garnish with a slice of lime and additional mint leaves.

ENJOY!