Hi friends! It's no secret around here that a classic mojito is my favorite cocktail. I tried for years to mix the perfect mojito, following recipes online, and had resolved that it was just too hard to get perfect at home. On a whim, I gave it one more try with simple syrup instead of granulated sugar and adding extra lemon and lime juice... behold! I finally had the perfect at-home mojito recipe. I hope you enjoy it too...
You'll Need... Rum, Club Soda, Simple Syrup (you can also make your own, see below), Fresh mint, Lemons and Limes. You'll need a shot glass for measuring too.
For one tall glass: Add one shot of rum. Add half a shot of simple syrup (you can always add more at the end if it's not sweet enough for your taste). Squeeze juice from 1/2 a lemon and 1/2 a lime. Add a slice or two of lemon and lime and several broken mint leaves. Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of your glass with a spoon. Add ice and top off with club soda. Garnish with a few extra mint leaves. Stir with a spoon and enjoy! Repeat for additional servings.
This recipe is not very strong (that's how I prefer it). For a more stout version, add an extra half or whole shot of rum. I've also made virgin versions for my non-drinking friends! Just add a little extra lemon juice instead of the rum, it tastes like a minty lemonade!
To make your own simple syrup: Simmer equal parts water and sugar over low/medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes. Store in a sealed container in your refrigerator. This can last for several months.Happy cocktail making! xoxo. Elsie
Mojitos are my favorite drinks, I love to add raspberries or blueberries to my recipe . . . so good!
Posted by: Sue May | June 14, 2012 at 07:33 PM
Hey, Elsie! Great looking cocktail :) At the bar where I work we don't muddle our mint. We use what's called a "muddless shake." You start with the glass you want to use and squeeze and drop in 4 lime wedges. Add your rum, your syrup, then about 8 mint leaves. Fill the glass halfway with ice, cap with a metal shaker (or a non-glass cup larger than your original one) and give it a nice little shakey shake- not too much. Uncap your tin, use soda to rinse it, add it to your drink. Add some more ice and soda to taste. When the mint doesn't get busted up it tends to be lighter and less bitter, and you don't have to worry about slurping some up. With so many flavored rums out there, the possibilities are endless! I love Bacardi Torched Cherry mojitos with a splash of grenadine and some maraschino cherries in it. It's pretty and delicious!
Posted by: Rachelle Martin Wilburn | June 14, 2012 at 07:41 PM
I'm not a huge fan of alcohol. Shocking right? Considering I just turned 21, I should be in AA right now. But I am not. And if I do have drinks, I prefer not to taste any alcohol at all. I hope that when I do attempt at making the drink. I won't taste any at all..then again, if I am going to make it. I'm sure I will overload it with sugar. Yum-not.
Posted by: Aves Gry | June 14, 2012 at 07:44 PM
most definitely storing this away for future (but not too future) use! thanks for sharing!!
xx, ashley {a {little} dash of ash}
Posted by: ashley | June 14, 2012 at 07:52 PM
Those look lush! Perfect for a summer day. xx
Posted by: Lesley | June 14, 2012 at 08:04 PM
that sounds great! i'm totally making this on my next day off!
Posted by: angie mcroberts // BEARSHAPED | June 14, 2012 at 08:35 PM
Yummy yummy yummy! Now on my Pinboard! Thank you so much :)
Posted by: Leigh | June 14, 2012 at 09:02 PM
My favorite EASY cocktail this summer has been
Cruzan Coconut Rum + Gingerale + 1/2 Lime.
Soooo easy and so tasty!
I can't vouch for other brands of Coconut Rum, but the Cruzan is fantastic! Very sweet, so you don't need simple syrup, and the lime gives it that perfect little bite!
Posted by: Mary-Beth | June 14, 2012 at 09:22 PM
My sil Tanya makes really great ones, but she uses sugar and I'll send her this link right away. I'm not a rum drinker usually, so never have it in the house (voldka and gin are my thing) but I really have to try this on my own too. Great post!
Posted by: Jill - Lune | June 14, 2012 at 09:39 PM
Yummy! I love mojitos!
They're always so refreshing!
http://the-makingofthings.blogspot.com.au/
Posted by: Mandi | June 14, 2012 at 09:48 PM
i'm not usually a mixed drink gal but mojitos are the PERFECT summer beverage. love this recipe and the darling photos -- xo! http://blog.tarapolly.com
Posted by: tara polly | June 14, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Yum!
Posted by: look see | June 14, 2012 at 10:17 PM
mojitos are my fave! i had my first one about 4.5 yrs ago at p.f. chang's! love the glass, girls.
Posted by: Mindy Harris | June 14, 2012 at 10:18 PM
The perfect, refreshing summer drink...I'll take two :)
Kate
www.thrillofthechaise.com
Posted by: Kate | June 14, 2012 at 10:25 PM
I love that drink and I have mint comming up like crazy fo I figure this is a good way to use it.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rachel | June 14, 2012 at 10:36 PM
I hope you enjoy the mojito recipe in the summer
Posted by: h-vogue | June 14, 2012 at 11:03 PM
I LOVE mojitos!
But you HAVE TO ADD SUGAR, is the only way mint will drop all its flavor, and the rum is the last thong you´ll add (that´s the classic cuban recipe)
Posted by: celeste | June 14, 2012 at 11:12 PM
looks so yum! i think i'll have to try this. :)
Posted by: Shani | June 14, 2012 at 11:28 PM
I love mojitos!
Posted by: Miss K | June 14, 2012 at 11:49 PM
yes, please! sounds delightful right now. i've got a heck of a lot of mint growing tall out front now, too! x
Posted by: Cassie | June 15, 2012 at 01:19 AM