One simple step makes this recipe for mojito cocktails better than the others - with fresh mint and limes, rum and a little something to make it sparkle, this pitcher recipe will be your summer go-to!
JUMP TO RECIPEInstead of just mixing (and mixing and mixing) grainy sugar into mojitos like traditional recipes call for, this recipe makes a quick and easy mint-infused simple syrup that is a total game-changer.
Not only do you eliminate the grainy sugar, you get so much more mint flavor than you get from just muddling the mint.
So seriously much more.
WHAT IS A MOJITO COCKTAIL?
Mojitos are a Cuban cocktail (sometimes referred to a punch) made from ingredients that are plentiful in Cuba: rum (usually white rum, never spiced rum), mint, lime juice, sugar and soda water.
The verdant, herbaceous mint works beautifully with the fresh, bright citrus and the sparkling sweetness ties it all together into an instantly cooling and refreshing libation.
Mojitos are served over ice; typically in a tall, slender glass (a Collins glass).
Anytime I've ordered mojitos in restaurants or bars (not that I could tell you the last time I was in a bar) I don't really love them.
No matter how many mint leaves they add to the glass or how much they muddle them, I never really get the mint flavor.
And no matter how much they stir the cocktail, I the sugar never fully dissolves. By the end of the glass, everything has dissolved OK, but the first few sips are disappointing.
Sometimes I make the syrup in big batches then freeze it in pint-sized jars to use whenever I want. Not that it's hard to make or even that it takes long, it's just one of those why not? things.
Also? It is AH-MAZE-ING in iced tea!
I thought Southerners adding mint to tea was just something from the movies because I have literally never seen anyone do that but I tried some of this Mint Simple Syrup in my iced tea and fell in love. It makes you feel so cool in the summer heat!
Here's how to make traditional brewed Southern Brewed Sweet Iced Tea if you'd like to try it (and aren't from the South because you won't need a recipe for that!)
A FEW RECIPE NOTES
- This recipe is a bit sweeter than most mojitos you’ll find in bars. If you prefer less sweetness, use club soda or lime LaCroix instead of lemon-lime soda.
- Traditional mojitos are made with white rum but vodka or tequila can be used as well.
- Definitely use fresh squeezed lime juice. I cheated once and bought bottled lime juice and the flavor was nowhere near as good. Just trust me on this one.
- You’ll need about 6-8 limes to make a cup of juice. Mexican grocery markets have limes at a fraction of the cost of other supermarkets.
Recipe for The BEST Mojitos EVER
Photos updated May 2025. Formerly named "Mandy's Mojitos", the recipe is exactly the same and we're still enjoying it almost 10 years later!
The BEST Mojitos EVER
One simple step makes this recipe for mojito cocktails better than the others - with fresh mint and limes, rum and a little something to make it sparkle, this pitcher recipe will be your summer go-to!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup rum
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
- 1 cup Mint Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves (packed)
Instructions
- Combine lime juice, rum, soda and mint simple syrup in a small pitcher. Stir well then serve over ice.
- Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices if desired.
- Bring water to boil (stove-top or microwave is fine) then stir in sugar until dissolved.
- Stir in mint leaves then let rest until mixture cools to room temperature (or at least two hours).
- Strain syrup to remove mint leaves; discard leaves.
Notes
- This recipe is a bit sweeter than most mojitos you’ll find in bars. If you prefer less sweetness, use club soda or lime LaCroix instead of lemon-lime soda.
- Traditional mojitos are made with rum but vodka or tequila can be used as well.
- Definitely use fresh squeezed lime juice. I cheated once and bought bottled lime juice and the flavor was nowhere near as good. Just trust me on this one.
- You’ll need about 6-8 limes to make a cup of juice. Mexican grocery markets have limes at a fraction of the cost of other supermarkets.
- You can make the Mint Simple Syrup ahead of time and refrigerate up to one week if desired.
