Learn how to make a 5-minute Mojito, a classic Cuban cocktail of silver rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup. It’s a bright, refreshing summer drink that comes together in just two easy steps.
If you enjoy Caribbean flavors, you’ll notice how Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisines share an emphasis on citrus and tropical fruit — a similarity that shows up in iconic cocktails like the Pina Colada and the Mojito.
Ingredients
To make a classic 5-minute mojito you’ll need:
- mint leaves
- freshly squeezed lime juice, plus 1 lime cut into slices
- silver rum
- simple syrup
- a splash of sparkling water to finish
- ice
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Quick simple syrup: combine equal parts granulated sugar and hot water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool before using.
Instructions
Muddle. Place half the mint leaves and a few lime slices in a glass and gently muddle to release the oils. Add ice, lime juice, rum, and simple syrup, then stir to combine.
Serve. Top with a splash of sparkling water, garnish with a lime slice and fresh mint, and serve immediately.
Tip: Taste before serving and adjust with additional lime juice, rum, or simple syrup to suit your preference.
Mojitos for a crowd
Mojitos scale easily — here are pitcher measurements that keep the flavor balanced:
- 50 mint leaves
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus 1 lime cut into slices
- 2 cups silver rum
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1 bottle sparkling water to finish
- ice to serve (add when pouring, not in the pitcher)
- garnish: extra mint and lime slices
Keep ice out of the pitcher and add it to glasses when serving to avoid diluting the batch.
Variations
Try these easy twists to customize your mojito:
- Pineapple Mojito – add pineapple juice or muddle fresh pineapple with the mint for tropical sweetness.
- Spicy Mojito – muddle jalapeño slices with the mint for heat; rim the glass with a chili-lime seasoning if you like it extra spicy.
- Mint-infused syrup – steep fresh mint in hot simple syrup for 10 minutes, then strain and cool before using.
- Coconut Mojito – replace half the sparkling water with coconut water for a softer, tropical finish.
Equipment
A muddler is the ideal tool for releasing flavors from mint and lime. If you don’t have one, the handle of a wooden spoon works well.
Top tip
Cocktails often benefit from small adjustments based on ingredients and personal taste. Use the recipe as a guide, then taste and tweak: a splash more lime or syrup can soften strong alcohol, while an extra ounce of rum boosts the spirit-forward profile. Experiment until you find the balance you love.
Cheers,
5 Minute Mojito
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- Author: Salima Benkhalti
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktails, Drinks, Beverages
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cuban, Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick guide to a refreshing Mojito made with silver rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and simple syrup. Ready in just two steps.
Ingredients
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed), plus 1 lime cut into slices
- 2 oz silver rum
- 1 oz simple syrup
- a splash of sparkling water to finish
- ice
Instructions
- Muddle. Add half of the mint and a few lime slices to a glass and muddle gently. Add ice, lime juice, rum, and simple syrup, then stir well.
- Serve. Top with sparkling water, garnish with a lime slice and fresh mint, and enjoy.
Notes
Quick simple syrup: combine equal parts granulated sugar and hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. Cool before using.