This Cuban mojito recipe is the perfect way to kick off the summertime. This delicious cocktail is the ultimate refresher, made with rum, mint, lime, sugar, and club soda.
With the weather finally warmed up, I figured there was no better time to finally introduce my favorite Cuban mojito recipe. Made with Cuban rum, sugar, fresh lime, and mint leaves, this delicious mojito Cubano will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to a sandy beach somewhere way more tropical than your kitchen.
When it comes to making mojitos, using quality mojito ingredients is essential. This means opting for fresh limes instead of store-bought lime juice, steering clear of dried mint at all costs, and saying ‘yes’ to a decent quality Cuban rum (Havana Club mojito, please!) over the rail version. This rum cocktail tastes absolutely divine when made right and is pleasantly easy to make.
If you’re looking for a quick way to impress your friends and family at your next cookout, Cuban mojitos are the way to go. These refreshing cocktails sure make the summer heat more bearable. Be careful—it’s impossible to have just one of these bad boys!
While spiced rum is typically my rum of choice, it overpowers the light and refreshing flavors of lime and mint, so white rum is necessary. For an authentic Cuban mojito, use a Cuban rum like Havana Club.
You’ve got to use sugar cane as your sweetener for an authentic mojito. Bonus points if you can find sugar cane sticks to use as garnish. Use a quality granulated sugar you can find locally.
This adds a fantastic brightness and a tangy flavor that enhances the cocktail. Always opt for fresh lime juice if you can, but you can use the store-bought kind in a pinch.
This is the star of the show—it’s not a mojito without mint! Make sure you have enough to muddle some mint for mojitos infused with flavor and then extra to use as garnish.
American mojitos are made with speamint, which has a minty flavor in the leaves. Cuban mojitos are made with hierbabuena, which looks identical to spearmint, but has a citrusy taste in the stems, which tastes so much better than mint with Cuban-style rum.
Step 3: Garnish and Enjoy
Top off with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig. Drink up!
If you’re looking to switch up the flavor profile of your mojito, you’re in luck. There are plenty of tasty ways to do just that! This cocktail is incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it to suit your preferences and use what you have at home. To help get you started, here are some of the best mojito variations to try at home:
- Add cucumbers for an ultra-refreshing and hydrating cocktail.
- Mix or muddle in some jalapeno slices if you like your drinks with a kick.
- For an extra-tropical beverage, try adding a splash of coconut cream or switching out the plain rum for coconut rum.
- Toss your cocktail in a blender with some extra ice for a frozen mojito slushy you won’t be able to get enough of.
- Have some extra fruit at home? Chop it up and toss it in! Some great fruits to add to mojitos include pineapples, blackberries, strawberries, and watermelon.
- Another great way to make a fruity mojito is by adding a fruit puree like passionfruit or mango puree.
How to Make Cuban Mojitos
Ready to learn how to make mojitos like a pro? Follow the simple steps below and check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full measurements.
Add the mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Then, muddle together.
Add ice and rum. Shake in a shaker, then pour evenly into each glass.
Best Mojito Recipe – Cuban Mojito
FAQ
What is a Cuban mojito made of?
Are mojitos Mexican or Cuban?
What is a classic mojito made of?
What’s the difference between a mojito and a virgin mojito?
What is a mojito in Cuba?
A mojito is a classic Cuban highball cocktail served on the rocks (over ice) made of white rum, real cane sugar, lime juice, club soda, and fresh mint. All the flavors complement the rum so well. It is said that the name originates from the name “ mojo ” which is a Cuban citrus marinade used for several Cuban dishes.
What is a mojito cocktail?
The name “mojito” comes from the word “ mojo ,” which is a Cuban term for a sauce or marinade made with sour orange juice, garlic, and herbs. It is a classic Cuban cocktail made with rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and club soda. To make this cocktail, muddle mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice in a tall glass.
What is the difference between a Cojito and a mojito?
To add a delightful twist, the cojito incorporates a delightful coconut flavor, often achieved by incorporating coconut-flavored rum. For a bolder twist, opt for a dirty mojito, which calls for the substitution of gold rum instead of white rum, accompanied by raw sugar or demerara sugar.
How do you make a Cuban Mojito?
Use juicy, ripe, real fresh squeezed limes for the best flavor. Ripe limes feel a little heavier, meaning they are full of juice. Pick limes that are firm, not too hard, squeezable, and not too soft. Classic mojito recipes call for granulated white sugar. Bars will commonly use simple syrup. It is a fast way to mix drinks. Cubans do not use it!