This strawberry mojito mocktail is the perfect recipe for when you want a fresh ‘alcoholic’ drink without the hard liquor! The best part is, since the syrup and drink use ingredients like fresh strawberries, limes and mint leaves, this mocktail is more fresh and natural without the added preservatives.
Interesting Facts About Mojitos
Mojitos originate from Cuba, and the name mojito comes from the African word ‘mojo’, meaning talisman or magic charm. It is theorized that the name comes from African slaves in Cuba. It is considered one of the oldest mixed drinks – more than 500 years old!
Like most food or drink inventions, it was first used for medicinal purposes. It was used to help with scurvy and dysentery, but they used aguardiente (an early form of rum) instead of the sweet rum used today. They may be popular in their birthplace, Cuba, but they are just as popular in Poland and Great Britain.
People have been exploring with adding other fruits and flavors to Mojitos, as in this recipe; sometimes substituting the lime with lemon and adding some berries, like strawberries or blueberries.
The new creations have that same classic citric, minty bite but with extra fruity flavor. Even after omitting the alcohol, this virgin drink still has fun vibes and great taste, but you can enjoy it any time of day without the hangover!
Serving Suggestions
Because of its Cuban roots, it makes sense to pair the strawberry mojito mocktail with Cuban food. Cuban food has a mix of Spanish and African cuisine influences, specifically in its techniques, sauces and spices. A dish like mojo criollo would be a great dish to have with the mojito because of its use of orange juice and garlic, a mix of sweet and savory. It’s a popular sauce served over proteins.
For something simpler, try other dishes like rice and beans and slow-cooked meat and vegetables. For proteins we recommend serving seafood like shrimp or white meat like chicken.
Did you enjoy this strawberry infused mojito mocktail or would you prefer the classic? Let us know in the comments.
Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Simple Syrup:
- 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries - hulled and quartered
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Mojito Mocktail:
- 1 lime - cut into 6 wedges
- 2 tablespoons strawberry simple syrup (from above) - or to taste
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 fresh strawberries - hulled and sliced
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
- Sparkling water - to top up the glass
- 1 mint sprig - to garnish
Instructions
For the Strawberry Simple Syrup:
- Add the strawberries, sugar and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve and let it cool.
To Assemble the Mojito Mocktail:
- Add 5 of the lime wedges and strawberry syrup to a tall glass. Muddle them to release the juices.2 tablespoons strawberry simple syrup (from above)
- Add the mint leaves and very gently muddle them. You don’t want to bruise the leaves as that would add bitterness to your drink.10 fresh mint leaves
- Add the sliced strawberries. Fill the rest of the glass with ice, almost to the top. You want to leave a little bit of room for mixing.2 fresh strawberries
- Top the glass with sparkling water. Gently stir with a long-handled spoon to combine all of the ingredients.
- Slap the mint sprig in your palm a couple times. This releases the aroma of the mint.
- Garnish the glass with the mint sprig and remaining lime wedge. Serve!
Notes
- This recipe makes about 2 cups strawberry syrup.
- Rather than discard the strawberries after making the syrup, I like to use them as a yogurt or ice cream topping.
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.