Perfect the Classic Mojito: A Refreshing Recipe Packed with Personal Tips for Every Ingredient
The Mojito, a classic Cuban highball, is a refreshingly minty drink that balances sweetness, tang, and the depth of white rum—a perfect companion for hot summer days, whether you're lounging by the beach or entertaining at home. Follow this recipe, crafted with a few personal touches, to make a Mojito that’s unforgettable.
Ingredients Overview
White Rum
After testing various rums, I found that Ron Botran Reserva Blanca from Casa Botran Guatemala truly elevates this drink. Aged in toasted ex-bourbon barrels, it brings a smooth, clean profile that complements lighter cocktails like Mojitos and Daiquiris. Unlike darker, sippable rums, Reserva Blanca has a subtle edge that shines alongside lime and soda.
After testing various rums, I found that Ron Botran Reserva Blanca from Casa Botran Guatemala truly elevates this drink. Aged in toasted ex-bourbon barrels, it brings a smooth, clean profile that complements lighter cocktails like Mojitos and Daiquiris. Unlike darker, sippable rums, Reserva Blanca has a subtle edge that shines alongside lime and soda.
Sugar
While many now use sugar syrup, I’m a purist here: crystalline white sugar is essential for that slightly textured finish. Using this type of sugar allows each component to stand out without being overly smooth, keeping the flavors bright and layered as you sip.
While many now use sugar syrup, I’m a purist here: crystalline white sugar is essential for that slightly textured finish. Using this type of sugar allows each component to stand out without being overly smooth, keeping the flavors bright and layered as you sip.
Lime
Don’t be shy about picking your lime—choose one that yields slightly when squeezed. The freshest, juiciest limes (often the slightly softer ones) add a delightful zest without being too pithy.
Don’t be shy about picking your lime—choose one that yields slightly when squeezed. The freshest, juiciest limes (often the slightly softer ones) add a delightful zest without being too pithy.
Mint
For an authentic Mojito, try to find Mojito mint if available; it’s milder and less overpowering than spearmint, with a faint citrus hint that plays well with lime. Before adding a mint sprig as garnish, clap it between your hands to release its oils and place it near the straw. This not only enhances flavor but also gives a refreshing aroma with every sip.
For an authentic Mojito, try to find Mojito mint if available; it’s milder and less overpowering than spearmint, with a faint citrus hint that plays well with lime. Before adding a mint sprig as garnish, clap it between your hands to release its oils and place it near the straw. This not only enhances flavor but also gives a refreshing aroma with every sip.
Seltzer/ Mineral Water
I prefer Perrier for a Mojito—it’s mineral-rich and has a crisper finish than most sparkling waters. Avoid flavored or sweetened options to maintain the drink’s purity.
I prefer Perrier for a Mojito—it’s mineral-rich and has a crisper finish than most sparkling waters. Avoid flavored or sweetened options to maintain the drink’s purity.
Crushed Ice
Crushed ice is ideal for Mojitos because it melts quicker, allowing the flavors to meld smoothly while keeping the drink cold. Unlike larger ice cubes, crushed ice’s texture also holds the ingredients together, letting each sip carry that perfect balance.
Crushed ice is ideal for Mojitos because it melts quicker, allowing the flavors to meld smoothly while keeping the drink cold. Unlike larger ice cubes, crushed ice’s texture also holds the ingredients together, letting each sip carry that perfect balance.
Recipe: Classic Mojito
Ingredients:
2 oz Ron Botran Reserva Blanca
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
8 mint leaves
2 bar spoons crystalline white sugar
Mineral water
Garnish:
Fresh mint sprig
Glass:
Highball
Muddle the Lime and Sugar
Start by adding half a lime, cut into wedges, and two bar spoons of crystalline sugar into a highball glass. Use a muddler to press the lime, releasing its juice and combining it with the sugar.
Start by adding half a lime, cut into wedges, and two bar spoons of crystalline sugar into a highball glass. Use a muddler to press the lime, releasing its juice and combining it with the sugar.
Add Mint
Place 8 mint leaves into the glass and gently press them with the muddler—don’t over-muddle, as this can release bitterness from the mint leaves. A light press extracts the fresh, minty flavor without making it overly herbal.
Place 8 mint leaves into the glass and gently press them with the muddler—don’t over-muddle, as this can release bitterness from the mint leaves. A light press extracts the fresh, minty flavor without making it overly herbal.
Ice and Rum
Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour 2 ounces of Ron Botran Reserva Blanca over the ice, cooling the rum immediately and beginning to infuse it with lime and mint flavors.
Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour 2 ounces of Ron Botran Reserva Blanca over the ice, cooling the rum immediately and beginning to infuse it with lime and mint flavors.
Stir and Top with Mineral Water
Stir gently with a bar spoon to blend the ingredients. Then, top up the glass with mineral water, and add more crushed ice to keep the glass full.
Stir gently with a bar spoon to blend the ingredients. Then, top up the glass with mineral water, and add more crushed ice to keep the glass full.
Garnish with Mint
Clap a fresh mint sprig between your hands to release its aroma, then place it next to the straw.
Clap a fresh mint sprig between your hands to release its aroma, then place it next to the straw.
Enjoy this balanced, vibrant Mojito—whether you’re by the beach, in the backyard, or somewhere in between!
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