Impress your guests at your next gathering with this tasty and refreshing, classic mojito mocktail! Whether you are serving to a younger group or simply avoiding alcohol out of preference, everyone is sure to enjoy this virgin mojito recipe.
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Why You Will Love it
- This drink is simple to make but will add a whole new level of sophistication to alcohol-free party and potluck beverage options.
- It's also just great for sipping any time of day when you want something fresh, cool and light.
- Mojitos are a Cuban-inspired drink (out of Havana to be exact) with refreshing flavors of mint and lime that make it an excellent addition to warm summer days. That being said, this virgin mojito recipe is so delicious that you may find yourself enjoying it year-round.
Why is it called a mocktail?
It is called a mocktail because it is a beverage that mocks (imitates) a cocktail, but without the alcohol.
I also make this mojito in other flavors if you want to jazz it up: virgin strawberry mojito, blueberry mojito mocktail and pomegranate mojito mocktail.
What is in a Mojito Mocktail?
A classic mojito mocktail has the same ingredients and fresh flavor as the cocktail but without the white rum.
- limes - fresh
- simple syrup - check out my easy simple syrup recipe tutorial
- fresh mint leaves - make sure you pick fresh leaves that aren't wilting or browning
- ice cubes - or crushed ice if you prefer
- club soda - sparkling water will also work
- fresh mint sprig - will be used as a garnish
*See ingredient amounts in recipe card.
Chef's Note: If you have large mint leaves, you can use a few less. If they're very small, add a few more. You may also opt to use different flavors of sparkling water for an interesting spin on the standard mojito.
How to Make a Mojito Mocktail
Step 1. Add limes to glass. Add 5 of the lime wedges and the syrup to a tall glass (highball is a classic choice if you have one).
Step 2. Muddle limes. Muddle the limes to release the juices and oil.
Step 3. Add mint, ice and soda. Add the mint leaves to the glass. Fill the glass with ice and top it with the soda.
Step 4. Stir. Give the drink a stir with a long spoon to combine the ingredients.
Step 5. Slap the mint. Slap the mint sprig in your palm a couple of times to release some oils.
Step 6. Garnish. Garnish the drink with the mint sprig and the last lime wedge. Serve immediately!
💬I also created another mocktail called a virgin Moscow mule you might like.
Joss' Tips
- If you entertain often, you may have a few cocktail-making supplies on hand, but if you do not, never fret! This mojito mocktail can easily be prepared with whatever kitchen supplies you happen to have. A wooden spoon will suffice to muddle your lime wedges, and you can even make your own simple syrup if you do not have any.
- One of the most important details of this recipe is to be sure to use fresh ingredients. Your limes should be bright and juicy, and mint leaves should not be wilted or have brown spots.
- Pre-chill the ingredients. Place your sparkling water or club soda in the refrigerator well in advance so that it is thoroughly chilled.
- Small leaves = better flavor. Use the smaller leaves for more minty-flavor and less bitterness.
- Be gentle with the mint. Don't muddle the mint in order to avoid bringing out the bitterness of the leaves. They only need a gentle slap. You can leave them whole or slice them finely for aesthetic appeal and more mint flavor.
- Bring out the mint's aromas. Gently smacking the mint leaves in your hands will start to extract the plant's oils and bring out the aromatics. It also looks impressive when preparing the drink in front of guests!
- Use a tall, clear glass. Break out your highball glasses if you have them, but regular drinking glasses or even pint-size wide-mouth mason jars will suffice.
- Serve it pronto. This drink should be served immediately.
More Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Summer
If you tried this Classic Mojito Mocktail Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Classic Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 lime - cut into 6 wedges
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup - or to taste
- 12 fresh mint leaves
- ice cubes - or crushed ice
- 1 cup club soda - or sparkling water--approximately
- 1 mint sprig - to garnish
Instructions
- Add 5 of the lime wedges and the syrup to a tall glass (highball).
- Muddle the limes to release the juices and oil.
- Add the mint leaves. Fill the glass with ice and top it with the soda.
- Give the drink a stir to combine the ingredients.
- Slap the mint sprig in your palm a couple of times to release some oils.
- Garnish the drink with the mint sprig and the last lime wedge. Serve!
Equipment
Notes
- You can easily make simple syrup at home. Click here for simple syrup recipe.
- If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the spoon end of a wooden spoon or simply squeeze the lime juice in.
- If you have large mint leaves, you can use a few less. If they're very small, add a few more.
- For the mint leaves, you can leave them whole or slice them finely for aesthetic appeal and more mint flavor. Small leaves = better flavor.
- Gently smacking the mint leaves in your hands will start to extract the plant's oils and bring out the aromatics. It also looks impressive when preparing the drink in front of guests!
- Place your sparkling water or club soda in the refrigerator well in advance so that it is thoroughly chilled.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
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