Easy Mojitos

Coming at you this Friday with another simple cocktail recipe, this time for Mojitos. These easy mojitos are made with muddled fresh mint, fresh lime juice, rum, club soda, and a touch of honey for sweetness. They are refreshing, delicious, and don't require a stovetop simple syrup, making them easier to make than most mojitos.

Mojitos have always been a favorite. It's hard to beat the combination of fresh mint and lime. There is nothing more refreshing on a hot day. However restaurant mojitos many times are packed with sugar and use lemon lime soda instead of making things from scratch. 

Today I want to share a simple mojito recipe that you can make at home in less then 5 minutes.  A few important notes about this recipe. I like my cocktails on the tart side and don't like anything super sweet. This recipe to me is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. But you can always adjust it if you like things on the sweeter side. 

How to make a Mojito from scratch?

The first step to making your mojito is the simple syrup. In this case to keep things easy, we are going to make an easy simple syrup right in the microwave. I like to use honey since it is a more natural sweetener, but this would work with sugar as well.

Simply place 1 tbsp of water and 1.5 teaspoons of honey in the microwave. Heat for 30-45 seconds or until beginning to bubble. Stir to smooth out the mixture. Simple syrup is ready. 

If you want to skip the simple syrup step, there are a few options. First, you could use maple syrup or agave. Both dissolve into the water more easily than traditional sugar or honey. If you want to use straight sugar, you'll need to shake or stir the cocktail very well to help the sugar dissolve. 

Next, add the fresh mint and fresh lime juice to the simple syrup. Muddle together the mint, lime juice, and simple syrup. You can use a cocktail muddler or just use a spoon. Muddling the mint releases the oil and flavor and is an essential step in the process. 

Now add the rum and ice. Give everything a really good shake or stir, ideally in a cocktail shaker for 15-20 seconds. Strain and pour over fresh ice. Fill the glass with soda water and garnish with fresh lime and mint. 

Flavor and Recipe Ideas

• Using flavored rum is a quick way to change up the flavor of a mojito. Coconut rum is a popular choice to make a coconut mojito. You can also try lemon, lime, berry, or any other flavored clear rums on the market.
• Fresh fruit is a welcome addition to most cocktails and mojitos are no different. You can make strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, raspberry, or mango mojitos easily. For a more rustic drink, simply muddle the fresh fruit with the mint and honey before making the drink. For a smoother option, blend the fruit into a puree and add that to the drink.
• Cucumber mojitos are becoming increasingly popular and couldn't be easier to make. Just muddle some cucumber slices with the mint and then garnish with some extra cucumber slices. 
• Adding additional fresh herbs can switch up the flavor. Favorites include fresh basil, fresh cilantro, or just a tiny touch of fresh rosemary.
• Make a frozen version by adding everything to the blender with some ice. 

How to Make a Pitcher of Mojitos

To make mojitos for a larger group, you'll need to make a few adjustments. This recipe will serve about 8 people. You can make the honey simple syrup in advance, but these are best when the mint is muddled fresh right before serving.

For a more make-ahead version, make mint flavored simply syrup and then simply add some fresh mint to garnish when serving. Instructions below to make mint flavored simple syrup.

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 64 mint leaves (2 bunches)
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1.5 cups rum (about 3 tbsp)
• about 4 cups ice
• about 4 cups soda water

Directions: Make the honey simply syrup by combining the honey and water in a microwave safe dish, Heat for 1.5-2 minutes until bubbling, Remove and stir well to dissolve the honey into the water. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Add the mint leaves and lime juice. Use a large wooden spoon to muddle everything together. Add the rum and give it a good stir. Then add the ice and top with soda water. Stir one more time and garnish with fresh mint and limes.

For make ahead mojitos, you'll need to make mint simple syrup since the muddled mint browns if not used right away. Start by boiling the water. Add the mint and honey to the water and give it a good stir until the honey dissolves. This works with sugar as well. Let steep for 15 minutes and strain off the mint.

The prepare the lime juice, which will last in the fridge for up to a week. Then simply assemble when it is time to serve. 

Can I use stevia or a sugar alternative?

This recipe works great with stevia, splenda, or another sugar alternative. Instead of making a simply syrup, you can simply add the sweetener to the lime juice since most alternative sugars dissolve easily in liquid. Liquid sweeteners also work. Just use to taste. 

What about lemon lime soda?

Some restaurants and at home recipes use lemon lime soda to avoid needing to squeeze fresh lime juice or make simple syrup. Personally I love the taste of the fresh citrus, but if you prefer using a lemon lime soda, you can replace the lime juice, sweetener, and soda water with lemon lime soda. Then just garnish with some fresh limes. Use diet lemon lime soda for less calories.