The Best Mojitos
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Jul. 16, 2026
Fresh mint, lime, and a homemade syrup are all it takes to make the best mojitos you’ve ever had — ready in just 10 minutes and so easy. This is the drink that shows up every single time we have a summer gathering.
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
My husband and I love mojitos in the summer months. It’s so easy to make at home anytime we want a super quick, easy, refreshing cocktail. We especially enjoy making mojitos for friends and always include them in summer gatherings. The fresh mint leaves in the cocktail really add to the flavor!
- Minimal Time: Needing just a few minutes means that you can make it literally anytime you’re craving a refreshing cocktail.
- Perfect Party Drink: Once you make one, you’ll be able to easily replicate it for family and friends at parties and gatherings.
- Light and Refreshing: No heavy flavors or preservatives here. You can enjoy without feeling like it’s weighing you down.
Key Recipe Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup:
- Water – This helps keep the syrup thin.
- Granulated sugar – Adds the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Mint leaves – Fresh mint leaves work best for adding the best mint flavor.
For the Mojitos:
- Lime – Using fresh lime juice is a must for the best citrus flavor. You can also use it as a garnish.
- Mint leaves – Be sure that there are no stems on the mint leaves when using them in the drink.
- White rum – Choose your favorite brand of rum and enjoy.
- Club soda – You could also use lemon-line sparkling water.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Add ins: You can easily swap out the classic mojito for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or any other fruit.
- Juice: Adding fresh orange juice instead of lime juice adds a unique flavor profile.
- Ginger beer: Some people like using Ginger beer in place of the sparkling soda or club soda for a fun taste.
- Virgin: Forget the rum altogether and make this into a mocktail or virgin mojito.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Add sugar and water to a small pot over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Add mint leaves and bring to a boil, then take them off the heat and let them sit to infuse. Strain the syrup and set aside.
- Cut the lime into quarters and squeeze the fresh juice into a highball glass. Feel free to add lime slices to the rim of the glass.
- Add 1/2 of the mint leaves to the glass and muddle, but don’t crush them. This will cause the mint to turn bitter.
- Add ice cubes to the glass and then add the rum and infused syrup. Top with club soda, stir, and serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How to Prep Ahead
- You can easily prep the infused simple syrup ahead of time. Just follow the simple steps on the printable recipe card below, and then store it until you are ready to use it.
- Simple syrup can last 1-2 months in the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.
- If stored correctly, it will stay fresh for 1-2 days. Feel free to top off with a bit more soda when serving, if you’d like a bit of bubbly.
The Best Mojitos
Ingredients
For the Infused Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole, fresh mint leaves
For the Mojitos:
- 1 medium lime
- 24 whole mint leaves, no stems
- 6 ounces white rum
- Club soda or lemon-lime sparkling water to top off
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat; bring to a boil.
- Add 1 cup mint leaves, boil 1 minute, then remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes to infuse.
- Strain infused syrup into a container and set aside.
- Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes to infuse. Strain infused syrup into a container and set aside. Strain infused syrup into a container and set aside.
- Cut the lime into quarters. Squeeze the juice into a highball glass, then drop in the squeezed wedges.
- Add half the mint leaves and muddle gently just to bruise them — don't crush, or the mint turns bitter.
- Fill the glasses with ice to the top. Add 3 ounces rum and 2 ounces of simple syrup to each glass. Top with club soda, gently stir, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitutions: Try it with strawberries, raspberries, or a splash of ginger beer instead of club soda.
- Storage: Any leftover syrup can be stored in the fridge for future use. It lasts 1-2 months.
- Serving: We love our Mojitos with fresh and chunky salsa, totally homemade tacos, and anything else that you’re craving. You can have a full Mexican feast, paired with this classic drink.
Nutrition (per serving)
What to Serve with this Mojito Recipe
Mexican Inspirted Recipes
We love our Mojitos with fresh and chunky salsa, totally homemade tacos, shrimp ceviche, or tender and juicy homemade carnitas.
Frequently Asked Questions
White rum is the most common type of rum and is needed if you want that classic flavor.
You can, but just know that fresh lime juice really does add an amazing flavor.
You can always make the simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, ready to use. When you’re ready to complete the best mojito recipe, add the premade syrup along with the rest of the ingredients to serve and sip.
You can use more sugar or honey in place of the syrup; it’s totally up to you. It will change the sweetness factor if you opt for either of those.
You can. Instead of muddling the mint leaves, you would heat them with the water and sugar, boil, and then stir to let the mint flavor steep into the liquid. No need to muddle, and it’s much easier to strain. This won’t keep as long stored in the fridge (about 2 weeks), but it’s a good option to try.
You sure can. This recipe, as written, makes 2 drinks, so you can easily triple it and the needed ingredients to make a pitcher-worthy batch.
More to Cook and Eat
- Mango Cocktail – Perfect for anyone who loves that fresh mango taste.
- Cherry Mojitos – This sweet mojito is a fun spin on the classic recipe.
- Strawberry Daiquiri – You only need four ingredients to try this drink recipe.