How to Make the Perfect Virgin Mojito
Cuban · Easy · 5 min · 1 servings
A refreshing alcohol-free twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. Fresh mint and lime combine with sparkling water for a crisp and cooling drink.
Why this recipe works
This Virgin Mojito recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 90 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 10 leaves fresh mint
- 1 whole lime cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 0.5 cup crushed ice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 sprig fresh mint for garnish
- 1 slice lime for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Muddle Mint and Lime
Place the fresh mint leaves and lime wedges into a sturdy glass. Add the white sugar and gently muddle everything together using a muddler or the back of a spoon until the mint is bruised and the lime juice is released. Do not over-muddle or the mint will turn bitter.
Step 2: Add Ice
Fill the glass generously with crushed ice. Crushed ice chills the drink faster and dilutes it slightly for a balanced flavor. Pack the ice in well so the drink stays cold throughout.
Step 3: Add Lime Juice
Pour the extra tablespoon of fresh lime juice over the ice. This boosts the citrus flavor and brightens the overall taste of the mocktail. Stir lightly to combine with the muddled mixture below.
Step 4: Top with Sparkling Water
Slowly pour the sparkling water over the ice to preserve the bubbles. Gently stir with a long spoon to combine all the ingredients without losing too much carbonation. The drink should look slightly cloudy and very effervescent.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a slice of lime on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately with a straw. For best results drink within a few minutes while the bubbles are still lively.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- white sugar → simple syrup or agave nectar
- sparkling water → ginger ale or lemon lime soda
- fresh mint → fresh basil for an herbal twist
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Over-muddling the mint which releases bitter compounds from the stems
- Using bottled lime juice instead of fresh which makes the drink taste flat
- Stirring too aggressively after adding sparkling water which kills the carbonation
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 90 calories, 0g protein, 23g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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