Learn how to make a 5 minute Mojito, a classic Cuban cocktail made with silver rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. It’s the perfect refreshing summer drink, and comes together in only 2 simple steps.

a mojito in a glass

If you’re familiar with Caribbean cuisine, you have probably noticed similarities between Puerto Rican food and Cuban food.

Both cultures rely heavily on ingredients like citrus and tropical fruit, made clear in the cocktails we are known most for like Pina Coladas (originated from Puerto Rico) and the Mojito (originated in Cuba).

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make a classic 5 minute mojito:

  • mint leaves
  • lime juice (freshly squeezed), plus 1 lime cut into slices
  • silver rum
  • simple syrup
  • a splash of sparkling water to finish
  • ice

See recipe card for quantities.

To make a quick simple syrup, mix together equal parts white granulated sugar and hot water. Mix to dissolve.

Instructions

mint and lime slices in a glass

Muddle. Add half of the mint with a few slices of lime and muddle in a glass. Add ice, lime juice, rum, simple syrup and mix well.

a mojito in a glass

Serve. Top with sparkling water, a slice of lime and fresh mint. 

Tip: before serving, taste the mojito and see if you’d like to add additional lime juice, rum, or simple syrup.

Mojitos for a crowd

Mojitos are super easy to make for a crowd.

Here are the measurements for making a pitcher:

  • 50 mint leaves
  • 1 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed), plus 1 lime cut into slices
  • 2 cups silver rum
  • 1 cup simple syrup
  • a bottle of sparkling water to finish
  • ice to serve
  • garnish: additional mint and lime slices

If making a pitcher, make sure to serve over ice instead of mixing the ice into the pitcher. This helps prevent the mojitos from getting watered down.

Variations

Here are some fun ways to mix it up with your mojitos:

  • Pineapple Mojito – add a bit of pineapple juice with the lime juice and/or real pineapple chunks when muddling your mint leaves
  • Spicy – add jalapeno with the mint leaves and muddle; rim the glass with tajin
  • Mint infused syrup – add some fresh mint to your simple syrup and simmer for 10 minutes before straining, cooling, and using
  • Coconut – swap out half of the bubbly water for some refreshing coconut water and infuse even more tropical flavors into your cocktail!

Equipment

To make this cocktail you will need a muddler. If you don’t have one, feel free to use the handle of a wooden spoon or utensil

bubbly water pouring into a mojito

Top tip

If you’re anything like me, cocktails can be pretty hit-or-miss depending on the ingredients, the bartender, and the type of liquor used.

That’s why my top tip when making mojitos (or any cocktail for that matter) is to use the recipe as a loose guide.

Make sure to taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking before cleaning up so that you actually enjoy your drink.

A splash of additional lime juice and/or simple syrup can really tame that intense alcohol flavor, while an ounce of additional rum can amp things up if that’s what you’re looking for.

Don’t be scared to experiment and adjust to your liking!

Cheers,

Salima written in cursive
Print
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a mojito in a glass

5 Minute Mojito

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  • Author: Salima Benkhalti
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
  • Category: Cocktails, Drinks, Beverages
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cuban, Caribbean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Learn how to make a 5 minute Mojito, a classic Cuban cocktail made with silver rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. It’s the perfect refreshing summer drink, and comes together in only 2 simple steps. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 mint leaves
  • 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed), plus 1 lime cut into slices
  • 2 oz silver rum
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • a splash of sparkling water to finish
  • ice

Instructions

  1. Muddle. Add half of the mint with a few slices of lime and muddle in a glass. Add ice, lime juice, rum, simple syrup and mix well.
  2. Serve. Top with sparkling water, a slice of lime and fresh mint.

Notes

To make a quick simple syrup, mix together equal parts white granulated sugar and hot water. Mix to dissolve.