The Real Mojito

I've been making this recipe for a while now, but have found a low-carb version for all my "atkins-type" friends. I simply substitute splenda and diet sprite for the sugar and soda--not sure if you can make simple syrup w/splenda, but I don't see why not...

Awesome! If you dont have a motar and pestal, smash the leaves on a plate with the sugar. Then pour all the leaves and sugar into the glass.

This is a real mojito drink like at the bar.Making the simple syrup is a must don't subsitute any of the ingredients. I made this for some people who don't drink mixed drinks and know they always request this when we have a gathering.

I think the recipe is great but keep in mind that not all varieties of mint work well. The original recipe (that is, the one served in CUBA) calls for Yerba Buena, which is completely different from other species.

This is my favorite cocktail ever!! I tend to use more mint-and lime- alot more-- also we like turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw)instead of white- it has a bit of a brown sugar edge to it that mixes great with the lime. Thanks so much for this recipe.

Picked some mint from my neighbors yard and mashed it in a bowl with an ice cream scoop. Used the simple syrup technique. The only problem was I didn't make enough (and I increased the recipe to 6 servings!)

Good guidelines, but this tastes better with a few changes. I used simple syrup and added mint and lime to taste (a little extra). Also, a little more run and less soda ;)Overall, a good recipe.

The great thing about this aptly named recipe is that it is so authentic. It tastes as it should--not too sweet, with some granulated sugar left at the end. Almost all the reviews that call for substituting this or that or making symple syrup may suit the American palate that has been weaned on industrialized food and gulps it down as fast as you can make it, but they will never be more than a faux-jito!

This is very good, but I think the perfect mojito needs a mint syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar or splenda to water, boil together for ~3mins, add fresh mint leaves to taste and allow to cool together before straining). I played all weekend and the mint flavor just translated better when I used the syrup. I muddled a few mint leaves with 1 lime wedge in the glass for effect, then added to taste the syrup, rum, and lime juice; ice cubes; and topped with club soda. This also cut down on the "dirty fish tank" effect of the drink, which never bothered me much but my husband complained about. Fun to make and very refreshing, thanks so much for sharing.

Pretty much the same as my recipe, although I make them a bit differently. I muddle the lime, mint and 3 tsp simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, then pour over ice and add a shot glass of Myers rum and fill with club soda. Perfect every time.

Delicious! Great summer drink recipe.

Trust me, you don't need to screw around with a good thing like some people suggesting here - using simple sirup, (2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water, 2:1), unless you do this for a living and need to cut corners in order to be more productive. When it comes to making one for yourself or you friends, just use the real granulated sugar or sugar cube. Remember; muddling the ingredients together and especially the lime and mint leaves, require a good friction, grinding motion which you won't get from simple sirup!Whenever you'd be muddling sugar with citrus zests, granulated sugar is the "secret", it just requires a little extra effort which I think is well worth it especially when you perform in front of your buddies. Also don't worry about needing the "real" Cuban mint....any fresh bunch from your local store or your own yard will do. For a nice change you can even substitute fresh mint with fresh basil. Try it and let me know what you think.

Very good. Made just as recipe says except... My mint leaves were large so I didn't put as many thinking it would be enough, nope the more the better. OKAY, I did change it up after having a few...so "my" recipe is made in a 16 oz Tevis glass (ha ha) 10 mint leaves, Kellie & Joes Key Lime Juice, 1 tbl splenda, (muddle) Add ice, 1 1/2 fluid ozs of Parrot Bay-Key Lime, then fill with club soda.

DELICIOUS! Light, refreshing and a perfect blend of tart and sweet. After reading a considerable amount of reviews and the suggestions given in another review by the author, Brandy, I believe the key to getting this drink perfect is to be sure to use SUPERFINE SUGAR. I was going to try both simple syrup and the sugar to see which one worked best, but I decided at the store while picking up the mint leaves to check and see if they had the superfine sugar. They did and I bought it. This is definitely the key to adding the sugar easily. I used a mortar and pestle to muddle the ingredients and the superfine sugar just melted into the lime juice beautifully and completely with zero effort. The full dissolving of the sugar meant that it was going to mix into the drink evenly and give the proper amount of sweetness in every sip. I'll continue to use the superfine sugar because it's so easy and quick. I also splurged on a beautiful bottle of white rum called Oronoco and I believe that also made a big difference. My finished drink was smooth, perfectly sweet and tart and beautiful to look at. And I'm sure it's easy to overdo it - this cocktail went down way too easily!I used a swizzle stick and stirred it every now and then to keep mixing the flavors as I sipped it. I felt like I was on vacation. This is going to be my new special summer drink and I'm going to make another one this afternoon since it's so hot outside! Thank you, Brandy!

The ingredients are the same that I use and make the best authentic mojito. As mentioned though, I make a simple syyrup with equal parts sugar and water and I add a bunch of mint to the simple syrup, while on the stove, let simmer for about 20 minutes to infuse the mint flavor, then discard mint, add the lime juice and lightly muddle some mint leaves, for added flavor and effect. It make a mighty minty mojito, but that's how I like it.

Great refreshing drink. I made simple syrup like suggested. I put everything in my shaker (except the club soda) and shook and shook. Then strained into a glass and poured the club soda on top. Then you can throw in some whole mint leaves to make this drink look super pretty. It took me three drinks to get this right! Not complaining. lol

This is the best recipe! Here is a bit of advice though: Plan to make 2 or more pitchers if you have more than a couple of friends. These Mojitos go down easily and are gone in a flash!

Hubby and I had these years ago down in Key West where Hemingway was said to have consumed these in mass quantities. I like to put a bit of sugar in the glass (tall pint type) with the mint leaves as it helps to pull the oil out of the mint when muddling. I then add mint simple syrup to taste. (easy to make, just add mint to the syrup at the end of your cooking time and let steep for 15 minutes) Also you can use plain water or seltzer or sprite or whatever tickles your palate. These are dangerous and super yum!

The perfect summer beverage! So refreshing & not too sweet. I followed this basic recipe but used Molle888's variation and I couldn't make these fast enough! Do yourself a favor and just make these by the pitcher. Yes, they are a little more work, but your guests will really appreciate the effort....Enjoy!!!

The best! nothing else to say, except there is now mint flavored seltzer out there!!

These mojitos rock. I like 10-15 leaves per glass, depending on size. I also use simple syrup and everyone loves these. Careful to not mix the lime too much or it will be ruin it because of being too sour. Thanks for a refreshing summer cocktail.

We made this last night, but we used Tonic Water instead of club soda (because it's not as bitter), & I'm so glad we did - it tasted soooooooo awesome!!!

Great Mojito recipe! I used maybe a 1/2 T. of sugar (to help with emulsifying the mint & lime), and then used a simple syrup to sweeten the rest of it. This was our favorite drink this summer, and everyone loved them. Very refreshing!

This is the closest I've found to a real Mojito like your favorite bartender will mix for you. It's essential that you use fresh spearmint and lime. If you don't like the flavor of club soda with the added sugar, replace the soda and sugar with 4oz of your favorite lemon/lime drink.

Great mojito

really good recipe - delicious. next time I will make simple syrup though as some of the sugar settled to the bottom and it would have been nice to have it in the drink.

I saved this recipe a long time ago, but only tried it today for the first time. I bought a plant with fresh mint leaves growing. I made 2, both for my husband. He gave it 5 stars, said it was the best. He drank first one in 20 seconds. Thanks for a great recipe!

Really good recipe. Nice and clean. I think I will reverse a step and muddle the mint with the sugar first. Then muddle the limes in there. The muddling the mint with the sugar should really get out a lot of the mint oil. Thanks for the great recipe!

Excellent mojito. Recommend using Cruzan rum to any others. It's smoother and cheaper! If you don't believe me all you have to do is compare it side by side to bacardi or malibu. The others smell like gasoline compared to Cruzan. Doing your homework on liqour makes all the difference in the taste of a good cocktail~ YUM!

Really good! Don't use spiced rum- it has to be white! I use natural sugar, which doesn't dissolve well. I now use sweetened lemon-lime or citrus sodas instead of the club soda & sugar. I also add extra fresh squeezed lime and get rave reviews!

YUMMY! The only change I made was to use simple syrup instead of the sugar.

This was really good. I made exactly as is!!

Awesome recipe! Made for 20 using conversion with great results but a few logistic changes as couldn't muddle in each glass per original recipe. First, with all the cleaning, separating and muddling of the mint, it takes about an hour of hard work so start early! First, I combined most of sugar with rum and club soda in jug then used remaining sugar to separately muddle mint leaves in about 5 stages (~20 leaves at a time) with lime juice. The sugar and lime really helped with the muddling. Also, I used a juice squeezer rather than muddling for several lime because it just got to be too much work to muddle that many! I finished it about 30 minutes prior to serving and it still looked great. On serving, I added to a glass on ice and added leftover mint pieces for garnish. I got lots of positive feedback on this one. Yummy!

Very refreshing! The amount of rum was just right. Like many other reviewers, I used simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. I'm going to try making the simple syrup with turbinado sugar next time around. This drink is perfect by the pool on a hot summer day. Added: I just made this again with ultrafine sugar and it is heavenly. Two tablespoons of sugar may be too much for some, but it's just right for me. Adjust the amounts of sugar, lime, and mint according to taste. The second time around, I added extra lime and muddled the sugar, lime and mint with the back of an ice cream scoop.

I've had mojito's before but never have I tried making them myself. We really enjoyed this recipe, made as written. Very refreshing. I would though, recommend making the simple syrup as suggested by other reviewers. Also, use "ice for cocktails" from this site which really does make a difference.

Being the lush chef that I am, I recommend a 2:1 soda to rum ratio. Also use a quality rum like cruzan triple distilled light, not lighter fluid bacardi. This drink is intended to respect a high class rum. Stuck at work....wish I could pour one right now: )

Pretty good. DEFINITELY needs all the sugar, plus a little more for my taste. These are a good base, with a little tweaking I think they can be perfect. Until them, I'll stick with the strawberry mojito mix from a local store.

Great drink. I added a bit more lime. I like it tart!

Great recipe! I used agave nectar instead of sugar, and, although I didn't measure, I think a tiny bit more rum than 1.5 oz. Also used an ice-cream scoop since I don't own a muddler. Turned out DELICIOUS!

seriously delicious! My boyfriend loves mojitos and we have a gazillion places in NY that have really great ones and he says this is pretty much the best he's had. I don't get this whole "syrup" talk - it's perfect the way it is. I just should have used more ice =P.. AND I used tonic water, because I wasn't able to find club soda for my life haha.. and it wasn't bitter at all - the sugar killed the bitterness. This is one perfect drink :)

I love mojitos, and they really don't sell them in bars here in Ohio..., only in restaurants. So I wanted to try to make my own, taste just as good as anywhere I've tried them! I tried the club soda, and I used sprite. I liked the sprite better, that's just me though. Thank you for the recipe, yummmm!

Good, but a few tweaks make a better mojito. First, stay away from the simple sugar as the most helpful comment suggests. I have tried it and liken it to lemonade made in the same manner(I hate it!). I like having some undissolved sugar in my drink. I use a citrus reamer to juice half a lime and crush it into the the mint leaves. If I'm being lazy I use enough bottled Key West lime juice to dampen the 2TBS sugar. Also try using SPRITE (or even ginger ale) instead of club soda. MOST IMPORTANTLY MIX EVERYTHING BEFORE ADDING THE CLUB SODA/SPRITE. Then add your carbonation and give the drink a quick swirl or two. Unless you must know exactly how much alcohol you are consuming dont bother measuring out the rum. After filling my glass near to the top with ice, I simply pour the glass about 2/3-3/4 of the way full of rum.

Excellent flavor! I have been making these for a while now, and waited until I had fresh cut mint to use (instead of extracts, packaged leaves, etc) in order to give it a proper review. As with a lot of recipes, fresh ingredients make all the difference, and in this case take the drink from good to great! The only thing I insisted on doing different was to use simple syrup instead of sugar, to make sure it dissolved/blended well. Proper muddling is also key to bringing out the oils of the mint leaves (found that one out the hard way). Thanks for sharing a great recipe.

A-maz-ing! We have oodles of mint in our garden and I love mojitos. This recipe is so good that my hubby and I are on our second glass. ;)

I muddled the mint leaves with the sugar with a motar /pedstal and then added the lime as suggested and it turned out great no need to use simple syrup when you do this. I used 7 up instead of soda water and they were perfect! I also used crushed ice instead of cubes for a different flare!

Thank you ! This recipe is perfect. My husband had the exact recipe (I tried it) we both loved it. I made mine substituting agave nectar for the sugar( I'm type 1 diabetic) it was excellent as well ( i would use less agave nectar next time) I wouldn't change anything about this recipe!

I definitely recommend making a simple syrup as others have recommended. It was not nearly sweet enough, because all of the sugar sank to the bottom and did not dissolve. I would add the sugar slowly to taste, as some may like it sweeter than others. I also used sweetened lime juice instead of plain lime juice which gave it a really good flavor.

Very good and easy to make! Nice for a hot, summer day!

This has been my official summer drink for several years and a tried and true authentic recipe. The only other ingredient I add is 3 to 4 few drops of Angostura bitters; it does make a difference. For those looking to cut calories and/or corners substituting Sprite Zero for the sugar and club soda works very well.

These are sooo good! Very addicting! I don't like my drinks very sweet, so I cut the sugar in half.

Fresh mint from the garden, a good rum. This is perfect (and dangerous)!

Better than anything I've ever had in a restaurant! Used Parrot Bay Coconut Rum.

These are perfect for a hot summer day! I made simple syrup and expanded the recipe to make a whole pitcher. Used the pineapple mint growing like mad in my front yard. And I loved them! In fact, I'm making another pitcher tonight!:)

As is, yum! However, next time I will take the simple syrup advice as the sugar does not dissolve before the mojito is gone. Granted, that doesn't take much time...

Next time I will use this recipe but reduce the sugar. It was way too sweet (which is an unusual thing for me to say!). I made a simple sugar syrup in the microwave first-- it's the only way to get the sugar to dissolve.

The best drink ever! This recipe is simple and classic without any tricks srewing it up. Thanks!

Good but not sweet enough for me so I added more sugar and some sprite and yum!

Made 6x serving for a 4th of july party. Took a while to make but the results were amazing. I also made the sugar into syrup, as some suggested. Friends said it was better than what they served at their bar.

These are so good and they are very addictive. I will be making these more often!

These are awesome made with simple syrup and club soda.

Very simple yet tasty recipe. We use agave nectar instead of the sugar. For a little spice, try muddling some crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper in with the lime.

When I say mojito, THIS is what I am talking about! Perfect in every way, this is an authentic version of a refreshing summertime drink. As an added bonus, muddling the mint and lime is a much better way to build up arm muscles than lifting weights!

This made excellent refreshing Mojitos...thanks for sharing!

This was good. The suggestions of the others were good. Make sure the mint leaves are fresh.

Very nice, I added an extra splash of lime juice. I also used Splenda instead of regular sugar. Makes it low cal and dissolves easier as well.

This recipe is closest to my favorite mojito during a trip to Puerto Rico. The granular sugar is essential. Substituting simple syrup as some other reviewers suggested saves little time and detracts from the drink. The granular sugar, with the muddled lime and mint, adds to the sweet and complex texture. Serve with one of those wide straws and you'll want to drink these faster on a hot summer day than you can make them (which are still good without the rum, by the way).

Esta bebida es muy bueno!

Go to Cuba every year and this is my favourite drink. Fotrunate enough to have wild mint growing at my cabin in the bush so we enjoy the freshest mohito on the lake! Enjoy!

so good! i couldnt take a pic of a new one had to finish it... swinging lay woddy

this is soo good and so easy! you'll probably want some of those thin straws though so that you're not constantly drinking the mint leaves :)

Perfection!! I used a bit more sugar, probably should have made simple syrup because I prefer it sweeter.

Had my first Mohito. Made the mint simple syrup as someone suggested. Used lemon lime sparkling water for this one. For my 2nd I will use club soda to see which I prefer. Having my 2nd one now. I prefer the club soda. I also used the spiced white rum, careful now, it'll sneak up on you. I don't own a muddler so I used a wooden tart form, works pretty well!

Delicious & perfect!! Don't skimp on the ice.

I am a Mojito expert, I can tell you where to find the best Mojito in town. I just made the simple syrup and add the mint leaves and lime...DELISH AND CHEER... Now I can make it at home....Thank you for the recipe and the reviews....

Just couldn't get this to turn out right. It's a labor intensive cocktail, for sure.

What a refreashing summer drink. I like this drink because it isn't so acidic and it really cools you down on a hot night.

Good recipe, but replace the white sugar with a simple syrup flavored with mint. (It's easy enough to make.) Also, be sure to have a muddler on hand. We used 3/4 of a lime, 3 oz. of rum, and more like 15 mint leaves per glass -- less than that was wimpy.

I made this cocktail two years ago, but I've just realized I didn't reviewed it. I must say I am not a Mojito lover, I prefer fruity Mojito, but this recipe is a real deal. Better than any bars can do. I didn't change a thing.

Very good, but I changed club soda to ginger all and decreased the sugar.

Ive made these three times quadrupling the recipe. Each time for the sugar I have used 1/2 real sugar and 1/2 splenda and the amount the recipe calls for is too sweet for my liking and not heavy enough on the rum. I have found they tast better using a third less sugar and a couple more ounces of rum.

Made batches and batches of these for poker night. Everyone loved them. They were super simple and absolutely delicious. I did make a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) and just measured out the liquid in the same measurements as called for in the recipe for sugar. Worked like a dream!

OMG! Yum!!! I used 1/2 lime, sliced fairly thin. 1/2 part Simple syrup (1 cup sugar & 1 cup water - warmed enough to help the sugar melt) 8 or so mint leaves; muddled together; then 1 part rum, 3 parts club soda. Then ice to fill the glass. These babies don't taste strong but watch out!

Thanks A LOT; I make these and now no place I go out to makes a Mojito that even COMPARES! Guess I need to cook at home more now and whip up one of these to go along with the meal! Only thing to keep in mind is the size of your mint leaves;some can be gigantor-so adjust amount accordingly-or go with the extra-minty version you'll have!

Excellent...no need to fool around with the recipe. I made this with exactly the ingredients and methods described. I didn't have a muddler...so I used the fat round end of a rolling pin. It was surprisingly delicious. I had never had one before. Forget about the fancy stuff about simple syrup. Its not necessary. I found the drink easy and fast to make. There is something special about how the mint and lime combine. What a treat. I really enjoyed myself...so much that I had to take a nap afterward!

Mmm mmm. We don't eat white sugar so I used coconut sugar and it was a fine substitute. This is very refreshing. Can't wait to try it on a hot day. Thanks Brandy.

Light, refreshing, and easy. For my taste, I prefer 1 tablespoon of sugar. Otherwise, I followed the recipe exactly.

Simple sugar tip: make ahead & make extra. Store in glass jar or Tupperware in fridge. Keeps for a week or so. Use in margaritas, iced tea, iced coffee etc. Perfect mojito recipe.

When making this I use one packet of Splenda for each drink. I also grow my own mint in my backyard. I've been making this drink for about 2 yrs. It's funny tho, not many places in my town can make them to correct way. I first drank one in another city and was determined to learn how to make them. I pretty much do it the way this recipe says.

Made these exactly as directed, using sugar and not simple syrup. An authentic, refreshing and beautiful drink.

This is my favorite mixed drink now! I loved it sooo much I went out and bought a mint plant and a bag of limes. I had sugar water on hand for my hummingbirds, they have to share it now.

I added more lime wedges but excellent guide to amount of sugar

Love it! I used the syrup version and it was amazing! Can't find one this good unless your in Miami! I will be making this for all of my friends ;)

Excellant, highly recommended!

To truly make it a five star, use Agave nectar instead of sugar or simple syrup. A local bartender gave me that tip and all of his drinks have been awesome so that's how I made mine. Also...because I was making mojitos in bulk for a large party, I squeezed the lime juice ahead of time, no muddling, and used a blender for the mint mixed with some of the juice and rum. Let the mix set for several minutes and the mint "extract" will come out just as well as if I'd muddled the mint. About 1.5 gallons of mojitos lasted around 30 minutes...people loved them!!!

My neighbors all loved it - me too!

SO good!!! Easy to make and my first use of my mint in my garden! Be careful because these don't taste like alcohol at all so it will sneak up on you ;)

I've used this recipe several times - it makes a really great mojito! The last time, I used the servings calculator to make 6 servings, and mixed everything in a gallon-sized pitcher. It turned out really, really good - may have been easier to mix with a simple syrup rather than just the sugar, but it worked fine for my purposes.

It was my first attempt and my husband was very happy. Both of us loved it

Love this recipe but have a new twist. Didn't have soda so used Pellegrino and the result was super refreshing. Will stick with this for now on.