Virgin Mojitos
If you’re looking for an easy drink that’s perfect for just about any occasion, the virgin mojito might just be your new go-to. This non-alcoholic mocktail combines fresh mint and tangy lime with a bit of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a casual lunch, or planning a wedding shower, a virgin mojito fits right in.
One of my all time favorite cocktails is the classic mojito. John used to make them for me all the time until I started making them for myself. I prefer them on the sweeter side with fresh lime juice, muddled mint leaves, a little granulated sugar, some Bacardi rum, and simple syrup.
Many people like them on the tart side with less sugar while others prefer them without alcohol or as a mocktail. Preparing a virgin mojito is as easy as it gets. It’s about as easy as our honey lemonade, agua fresca, or pink drink.
You start by muddling fresh mint leaves with sugar to release the mint’s oils, then add freshly squeezed lime juice. Pour in some soda water or club soda, and there you have it.
For those who love a bit of customization, adding ingredients like sliced cucumbers, berries, or a splash of ginger ale can give these mocktails a flavor variation and a pop of color.
Serve them in highball glasses filled with ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime wheel.
How to Make Simple Syrup
In order to make virgin mojitos, you need to have simple syrup. Now, that isn’t an ingredient most people have sitting around.
To get started, place a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the same amount of water and granulated sugar.
Stir the mixture as it heats. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat. Let the liquid cool and store it in a sealed container, in your fridge, for up to 7-days.
Tips for the Best Mocktail
Tips
Fresh is Best: Always use fresh mint and lime for the best flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your mojito before adding simple syrup and add only as much as you need, if any.
When to Add Soda Water: To keep the mocktail fizzy, add the soda water just before serving.
Make it a Classic: If you want to add alcohol, then I recommend using white rum. White rum is the traditional alcohol used in mojitos. For a coconut mojito, use coconut rum, like Malibu.
Storage
It’s best to serve your mojito immediately to keep the club soda from going flat, but you can prepare the mint, lime, and sugar mix in advance and keep it chilled. Just add ice and soda water when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Virgin Mojito:
- 16 mint leaves, large in size
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 ounces simple syrup, or adjust to taste
- 4 ounces club soda
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup ice, or more as needed
Instructions
For the Simple Syrup:
- Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat. Allow the syrup to cool completely before making the mojito.½ cup granulated sugar½ cup water
- Store any leftover simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For the Mojito:
- Place mint leaves and granulated sugar into a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to gently bruise the mint leaves.16 mint leaves2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Next, add the simple syrup, club soda, lime juice, and ice. Gently shake to combine.4 ounces simple syrup4 ounces club soda2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- Pour into a cocktail glass over ice without straining. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint. Serve immediately.1 cup ice