Looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day or serve at your next party? Mojitos are a perfect choice with their mix of mint, lime, and rum. These classic cocktails are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for many creative variations to suit different tastes.
You can make mojitos with simple ingredients like fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, rum, and club soda.
While the traditional recipe uses white rum, you can experiment with different spirits like vodka or even add fruits and spices to create your own spin on this popular drink.
From cucumber mojitos to ginger-infused versions, there’s a mojito recipe for everyone to enjoy.
1. Classic Mint Mojito
The Classic Mint Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail perfect for warm days. You’ll need white rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, sugar (or simple syrup), and club soda.
Start by muddling 6-7 mint leaves with lime juice and sugar in a glass. This releases the mint’s essential oils for that signature flavor.
Add 2 ounces of white rum and fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge. The combination of mint, lime, and rum creates a balanced drink that’s both sweet and tart.
2. Strawberry Mojito
The Strawberry Mojito is a sweet and refreshing twist on the classic mojito. It combines fresh strawberries with mint, lime, and rum to create a perfect summer drink.
To make this cocktail, muddle fresh strawberries with mint leaves, lime juice, and a touch of sweetener in a tall glass.
Add white rum, ice, and top with club soda for a fizzy finish.
Some recipes suggest adding ginger beer instead of club soda for extra flavor. You can easily adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of sugar or using alternatives like stevia.
This vibrant red drink works well for parties and can be made in larger batches when you’re entertaining guests.
3. Mango Mojito
The Mango Mojito offers a tropical twist on the classic cocktail. This refreshing drink combines fresh mango, mint leaves, lime, rum, and club soda for a perfect poolside beverage.
To make this fruity version, you’ll need mango cubes or fresh mango, mint leaves, lime wedges, white rum (or coconut-flavored rum for extra tropical flavor), simple syrup, and sparkling water.
Start by muddling the mango and lime wedges with simple syrup. Then lightly muddle mint leaves on top to release their flavor without bruising them.
Add rum and ice, then top with club soda.
The sweet mango balances perfectly with the bright lime and mint, creating a refreshing summer cocktail you’ll love.
4. Blackberry Mojito
The Blackberry Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito. It combines the traditional mint, lime, and rum with sweet, juicy blackberries for added flavor and color.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need fresh blackberries, mint leaves, sugar, lime juice, white rum, and club soda.
Start by muddling the blackberries with mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
Add lime juice and rum, then top with club soda for a fizzy finish.
The result is a perfectly balanced drink with sweet blackberry notes, bright lime, and cool mint.
This mojito is ideal for summer gatherings and makes an impressive pitcher drink when prepared in large batches.
5. Coconut Mojito
The Coconut Mojito offers a tropical twist on the classic recipe. This refreshing drink combines the flavors of coconut, lime, and mint for a perfect summer beverage.
To make this drink, you’ll need white rum, coconut rum (like Malibu), fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and soda water. Some recipes also include cream of coconut for a creamier texture.
Start by muddling mint leaves at the bottom of your glass.
Add ice, then pour in your rum mixture and fresh lime juice. Top with soda water and gently stir.
This easy-to-make cocktail brings vacation vibes to your home. The combination of coconut and mint creates a unique flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
6. Pineapple Mojito
The Pineapple Mojito offers a tropical twist on the classic cocktail. This refreshing drink combines mint, lime, rum, and sweet pineapple flavors.
To make this cocktail, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar and pineapple in a highball glass.
Add 3/4 ounce of lime juice and 1 ounce of pineapple juice.
Pour in 1.5 ounces of white rum and fill the glass with ice.
Top with club soda and stir gently.
You can use fresh, frozen, or canned pineapple depending on what you have available. Garnish with additional mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
This light and fruity cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a taste of the tropics.
7. Watermelon Mojito
The Watermelon Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for summer gatherings. This drink combines fresh watermelon with traditional mojito ingredients for a sweet and cooling experience.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need fresh watermelon, mint leaves, lime juice, rum, and club soda.
Start by muddling mint leaves with watermelon and lime juice in a tall glass.
Add rum to the mixture, then fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda for a fizzy finish.
You can also create a watermelon syrup by extracting juice from the fruit using sugar.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum for a delightful mocktail everyone can enjoy.
8. Peach Mojito
The Peach Mojito is a sweet, fruity twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. This refreshing drink combines rum, mint leaves, lime juice, and peach flavor for a perfect summer beverage.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 8 mint leaves, 2 tablespoons of sugar or simple syrup, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 2 ounces of light rum, and peach-flavored sparkling water.
You can also use fresh peaches for a more natural flavor.
Simply muddle sliced peaches with mint leaves and lime juice before adding rum and sweetener.
For a quick version, try using peach syrup mixed with mint syrup. Top your drink with soda water for that signature mojito fizz.
9. Raspberry Mojito
The Raspberry Mojito adds a sweet berry twist to the classic cocktail. Fresh raspberries blend perfectly with mint and lime for a refreshing drink.
To make this mojito, muddle about 8 raspberries with mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup.
You can use fresh or frozen raspberries, though fresh mint is essential for the best flavor.
Add rum and ice, then top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently to combine all flavors.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and add more soda water. This bright red drink makes a beautiful addition to any gathering, especially during summer.
10. Blueberry Mojito
The Blueberry Mojito offers a fruity twist on the classic cocktail. This refreshing drink combines white rum, lime juice, fresh blueberries, and mint leaves for a perfect balance of flavors.
To make this cocktail, muddle about 5-6 blueberries with mint leaves and simple syrup in a glass.
Add 2 ounces of white rum and 1 ounce of lime juice, then fill with ice and top with club soda.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and use extra club soda. Some recipes incorporate blueberry syrup for an even stronger berry flavor.
You can garnish your Blueberry Mojito with additional mint leaves and fresh blueberries for an impressive presentation.
11. Ginger Mojito
The Ginger Mojito puts a spicy twist on the classic cocktail by adding fresh ginger to the mix. This refreshing drink combines the zing of ginger with bright mint and lime flavors.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, ginger simple syrup (or muddled fresh ginger), and club soda or ginger ale. Some recipes suggest using ginger beer for an extra punch of flavor.
Start by muddling mint leaves with lime juice and ginger syrup.
Add ice and rum, then top with your preferred fizzy element. Garnish with extra mint leaves and a lime wedge.
This mojito variation offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and refreshing notes that work wonderfully together.
12. Passion Fruit Mojito
Passion Fruit Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito that adds tropical flair to your drink. This cocktail combines the tangy sweetness of passion fruit with fresh mint and lime.
To make this drink, muddle mint leaves with lime and passion fruit pulp in a tall glass.
Add your preferred sweetener – maple syrup or passion fruit syrup both work well.
Pour in white rum and add ice, then top with club soda.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum and use more carbonated drink.
This mojito is perfect for warm spring and summer days when you need something cool and flavorful to quench your thirst.
13. Kiwi Mojito
A Kiwi Mojito brings a tropical twist to the classic cocktail. This refreshing drink combines the sweet-tart flavor of kiwi with traditional mojito ingredients.
To make this vibrant green cocktail, muddle chunks of ripe kiwi with fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, and sweetener in a highball glass. Agave syrup or maple syrup works well as the sweetener.
Add plenty of crushed ice to the glass, then pour in white or golden rum. Top with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy finish.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum and add more sparkling water. This makes a delicious mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
14. Basil Mojito
The Basil Mojito offers a unique twist on the classic mojito by replacing mint with fresh basil leaves. This refreshing cocktail combines the aromatic qualities of basil with the traditional mojito ingredients.
To make this drink, muddle fresh basil leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a Collins glass.
Add crushed ice and slowly pour in rum, stirring well to combine the flavors.
Some recipes include both mint and basil for a more complex flavor profile. You can also try a strawberry basil version by adding homemade strawberry simple syrup.
This light, refreshing cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings. The herbal notes of basil complement the rum and citrus beautifully.
15. Cherry Mojito
Cherry Mojito is a delightful summer twist on the classic mojito. This refreshing cocktail combines sweet cherries with traditional mojito ingredients for a fruity variation.
To make this drink, muddle fresh cherries, mint leaves, lime wedges, and simple syrup in a sturdy glass. Then add rum and ice, shake well, and strain the mixture.
You can garnish your Cherry Mojito with additional lime wedges and a cherry on top. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with club soda.
This cocktail works especially well during cherry season when the fruit is at its sweetest. Rainier cherries offer a naturally sweet flavor that perfectly complements the mint and lime.
16. Cucumber Mojito
The cucumber mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. It brings a cool, crisp flavor that’s perfect for hot summer days.
To make this drink, muddle fresh cucumber slices with mint leaves and sugar or honey simple syrup. The cucumber adds a subtle, garden-fresh taste that pairs beautifully with the mint.
Add white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and club soda for a light, bubbly finish. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum and add more club soda. This version makes a delightful mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
17. Lychee Mojito
The Lychee Mojito brings a tropical twist to the classic cocktail. This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of lychee with the traditional mojito ingredients.
To make this exotic version, you’ll need fresh mint leaves, lime juice, lychees (fresh or canned), white rum, and soda water. Some recipes also include lychee liqueur for extra flavor.
Start by muddling mint leaves with lime and lychees. Add rum and lychee syrup (or the juice from canned lychees).
Fill the glass with ice, then top with soda water for that signature fizz.
For a lower-calorie option, you can use lychee soda mixed with regular soda water as your topper.
18. Pomegranate Mojito
The Pomegranate Mojito is a festive twist on the classic mojito that adds a sweet-tart flavor and beautiful ruby color. This drink combines fresh mint, lime juice, rum, and pomegranate juice for a refreshing cocktail.
To make this drink, start by muddling mint leaves with lime wedges in a glass. Add lime juice, rum, simple syrup, and pomegranate juice, then shake with ice and strain into a glass.
You can garnish with mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds for an elegant presentation. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and add more soda water or try a pomegranate mocktail variation with the same flavors.
19. Apple Mojito
The Apple Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito that brings together summer freshness and fall flavors. This cocktail combines rum with apple flavors for a unique drinking experience.
To make an Apple Mojito, you’ll need apple rum (or regular rum with apple juice), fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and either club soda or lemon-lime soda. Some recipes also include simple syrup for sweetness.
Start by muddling mint leaves and lime wedges in a tall glass. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and your rum of choice.
Pour in apple cider or apple juice for that signature flavor.
Fill the glass with ice and top with soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and apple slice for a complete presentation.
20. Rosemary Mojito
The Rosemary Mojito offers a delightful twist on the classic Cuban cocktail by incorporating fragrant rosemary. This herb adds a woodsy, aromatic quality that complements the traditional mint perfectly.
To make this drink, you’ll need fresh rosemary sprigs, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, white rum, and soda water. The rosemary can be infused into the rum beforehand for a stronger flavor.
Muddle the herbs gently with sugar and lime juice before adding ice, rum, and topping with soda water.
For a winter variation, consider using a richer spirit as your base.
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a lime wheel for an elegant presentation. This refreshing cocktail works well for both summer gatherings and winter evenings.
21. Grapefruit Mojito
The Grapefruit Mojito adds a refreshing twist to the classic mojito by incorporating tangy grapefruit juice. This bright cocktail combines white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and grapefruit juice for a balanced flavor profile.
To make this drink, start by muddling about 20 mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup or agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 ounces of white rum and 2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice.
Fill your glass with ice, pour in the mixture, and top with a splash of sparkling water.
Garnish with additional mint leaves and a grapefruit wedge for a visually appealing presentation.
You can enhance the flavor by using grapefruit-infused vodka or creating a grapefruit simple syrup for added depth.
History of the Mojito
The mojito stands as one of the world’s most iconic cocktails with a rich history spanning centuries. This Cuban classic has evolved from a medicinal remedy to a beloved refreshment enjoyed in bars across the globe.
Origins in Havana
The mojito’s roots trace back to 16th century Cuba, specifically Havana. Originally, it was created as a medicinal concoction to combat illness.
Early versions combined aguardiente (a crude form of rum), lime, sugarcane juice, and mint to mask the harsh taste of alcohol.
Some legends link the mojito to Sir Francis Drake, who allegedly used a similar mixture called “El Draque” to treat his crew’s illnesses during voyages in the Caribbean. The name “mojito” likely comes from the African word “mojo,” meaning to cast a spell, or the Spanish “mojadito,” meaning “a little wet.”
By the 19th century, the recipe had refined with the improvement of rum distillation techniques. Havana’s bars began serving the drink, using local ingredients that were abundant in Cuba.
Evolution Over Time
The mojito gained international recognition in the early 20th century. Ernest Hemingway famously enjoyed the drink at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, helping to spread its popularity among visitors to Cuba.
During Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), Americans would travel to Cuba to enjoy cocktails legally, further cementing the mojito’s reputation. The drink’s refreshing qualities made it perfect for Cuba’s tropical climate.
By the mid-20th century, the mojito had become a symbol of Cuban culture. The traditional recipe settled into its now-familiar form: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint leaves.
In recent decades, bartenders worldwide have created countless variations while respecting the drink’s Cuban heritage. Despite trends coming and going, the mojito has maintained its legendary status for over 400 years, proving its timeless appeal.
Mojito Variations and Innovations
The classic mojito has inspired countless creative twists that build on its refreshing mint-lime foundation. Bartenders and home mixologists continue to push boundaries with new flavors, ingredients, and preparation methods.
Flavored Mojitos
The most popular mojito variations incorporate different fruits or flavored syrups. Strawberry mojitos blend fresh strawberries with the traditional ingredients for a sweet-tart balance.
Mango mojitos offer a tropical twist that pairs particularly well with white rum.
You can also experiment with different herbs. Try basil mojitos for a more savory profile or lemongrass mojitos for an aromatic Thai-inspired drink.
For a unique spin, consider changing the base spirit. A gin mojito (sometimes called a South Side) uses gin instead of rum, creating a botanical flavor profile. The vodka mojito offers a cleaner taste that lets the mint and lime shine.
Berry variations like blackberry or blueberry mojitos add both flavor and visual appeal with their rich colors.
Non-Alcoholic Mojitos
Virgin mojitos (also called “nojitos”) deliver the same refreshing experience without alcohol. You’ll simply omit the rum and increase the club soda or sparkling water.
For added complexity, try using:
- Coconut water instead of club soda
- Cucumber slices for a spa-like freshness
- A splash of ginger beer for spice
Tea-based mojitos mix brewed and cooled green or white tea with the traditional mint-lime combination. This adds depth and subtle flavor notes.
You can also create frozen non-alcoholic mojitos. Just blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy texture perfect for hot summer days.
