I realize I’m woefully behind the times, but I have recently discovered the mojito.
I KNOW. Mojitos are so yesterday.
But, as pathetic as it may be, I tried my first mojito one warm summer evening last summer when a neighbor invited us over to hang out on the deck. They served a homemade mojito from his very own mojito recipe made with homegrown mint, and it was the best. mojito. ever.
I’ve ordered them on occasion since then, but I haven’t had one NEARLY as good as the one my neighbor made. I asked him for his mojito recipe a few weeks ago, but he is a professional chef, so he was all, “It’s nothing! Just throw together simple syrup, lime, and rum.”
Um, hi. Have you met me? I need VERY. EXPLICIT. DIRECTIONS. Like with measurements.
So I took it upon myself to experiment with different mojito recipes until I found one as good as his. It took me three recipes and numerous tries to get it right. See what I endure for the sake of ye ole blog?
Here’s the secret: MINT-INFUSED simple syrup. Shhhhhh… they’ll all be doing it.
Sorry, I was channeling some Emeril there for a sec.
Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Then let it steep with a handfull of mint leaves for an hour or so. Strain out the leaves and store in the fridge till you’re ready to use it.
That’s what it looks like before the sugar dissolved. When the liquid is clear, remove from the heat and cool. Then store in a container with a lid that seals until time to make your drinks.
Then. When you’re ready for a refreshing summer treat, here’s what you do.
Best Mojto Recipe
1. Pour 1 ounce mint-infused simple syrup into a tall glass.
2. Add a handful of mint leaves, and muddle it together.
3. Add crushed ice. Muddle some more.
4. Add to that 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of light rum (depending on the kind of day you had.)
5. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
6. Add a splash of club soda and stir. (I don’t even find it necessary to add the club soda at all, but that’s just me. I sometimes add a splash of water, though.)
7. Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime.
If you want to make a larger batch, it basically boils down to this: (Oh, I’m so punny!)
Mix thoroughly 2 parts simple syrup to 1 part lime (or more if you like your drinks more tart than sweet) to 3 parts rum. Pour in a tall glass over ice, add a splash of club soda, garnish with mint and lime, and serve!
Yes, I realize that mojitos aren’t intended to be made in bulk. But if you want to make a few at a time, I won’t turn you in to the mojito police.
I LOVE you, marry me?
I thought you’d never ask…
I discovered the wonder of the Mojito a few years ago during a sweltering south Florida summer. I absolutely LOVE them, but can only drink them when it is hot. I have also had a peach one and it was divine – oddly enough I had it at Benihana’s. Thanks for the recipe, as soon as it gets too hot here to do anything else, I am going to start drinking
I consider myself a bit of a Mojito connoisseur. And the secret is definitely fresh ingredients–and the mint-infused simple syrup! And I don’t care how “yesterday” those bad boys are….I will always love them!
Sheesh, how sad it is that I enthusiastically appear out of the woodwork to comment on a cocktail recipe. I admit I’ve even gone as far to assert to my husband that my bar tending prowess might qualify as a Prov. 31 skill–almost makes up for my ungodly cooking).
I know what I’ll be drinking this weekend…
Yep, me too ClassyfabSarah! That just sounds divine. And I just bought steaks for tomorrow too. Mmmmm.
Mojitos are one of my absolute favorite drinks. Nothing is better in the summer! Now I think I’m going to put hubby on making the syrup tonight. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
“Mojitos are not intended to be made in bulk.” Says who? Not me!
OH YUM! I just discovered them last summer, too (yes I was pregnant and just had a sip- hubby ordered one not knowing it was minty. He hates mint!)
Steph
I very much enjoy a good nohito and have for years. My husband calls it bong water…..hehe…..whatever….they are truly tasty!
Ever since I saw Shrek’s “Puss n Boots” offer to take them on a fishing trip with mojitos, I’ve been curious to try them.
I drink only if cartoon characters drink, ’cause that’s how I roll.
Okay fine. Twist my arm why don’t ya. I’ll try it already….:)
You…you have made so very happy. I’m growing mint this year (in a planter!) just to make mojitos. You have saved me from searching in vain for the perfect recipe. YUM.
I want one:P
Oh PERFECT. I was just wanting to find a good recipe for these. They look soooo refreshing, and I am all about a refreshing summer beverage involving lime and alcohol.
And just between you and me, a Lime Edy’s popsicle eaten at the same time as a Tecate or Stella Artois is so yummy too! And in a pinch, I throw one in the blender with triple sec and tequila and have an instant margarita.
What a great idea with the lime popsicle! Can’t wait to try both. Endless possiblilities for things like camping, Have a battery operated blender but it won’t do ice. This would only take a walk up to the KW campground store to by the ice pop.
Thanks for the tip.
J
I was trying to read all of these different recipes to look for the best one. Since you already did it and tried them…I’ll just use yours!! Thanks so much, I love mojitos and just found a mint patch in my neighbors yard!!
I tried out your recipe tonight…mmmmmm….thanks for doing the dirty work and trying them all out!
I found your recipe on Google and celebrated my 31st birthday surrounded by 8 kids 11 adults and was smiling the whole time because the mojitos were so great! Thanks for sharing!
I had my first one in Florida at Coconuts in Ft. Lauderdale last weekend. Thanks Juan! None of the others I ordered in other places where as good. Juan mentioned the simple syrup and I just had to try your recipe. It was spot on and delicious. Thanks. I will be making these in bulk next weekend.
Yes, this is the one. We tried it tonight, steeped the mint in the simple syrup. My wife pronounces this the iconic mojito. Perfect balance of tart and sweet. Lucky day I hit on your blog. Thanks!
Hey – If you need fresh mint swing over. We have a patch we have been growing for a while. If you plant it use a container that stuff spreads like crazy.
I think the infusion of the mint into the simple syrup is genius!
Might even make a fine Mojito when there’s no fresh mint around.
Can’t wait to try this version.
We made these Mojitos tonight with your recipe, and they are great! Very refreshing after a long, hot day.
Thanks for the good tips.
BTW, you simply must include the Club Soda to “finish” the drink.
brian.
HI! Thanks for the recipe! Discovered these while in Costa Rica in 2006 – really refreshing when its soooo hot. Getting ready for a 4th of July party – I have been growing a Kentucky mint – very juicy and beautiful ( in a pot, as always) love the idea of making the simple syrup for making mojitos en masse. thanks, again,
Many thanks for your recipie, Housewife. I thought the best mojitos were at S.O.B.s in NYC. With your mint-infused simple syrup – now I have the best in NYC. Many, many thanks!
Well I put too much simple syrup on the first go round into my glass….ugh…too sweet, so I took a better count of the ounces in the second go round (I don’t like too much sweet in my drink) and perfection, I don’t even think you need italian sparkler or asti in it, as the other website suggested…that would be too much sweetness!
Great recipes. I do love mojitos!
I am eternally grateful!!
Love this recipe. Have been using it for two years and finally thought I would give you the shout out. I use the mint simple syrup when making homemake ice cream too. YUM.
aha! Mint infusion. So clever! Now figure out cucumber mojitos for me too? Please? It uses a base of agua fresca if that helps!
Oh. YUM! Thanks for posting this!
Yum!!!! Looks soooo refreshing!!!!!!
http://yummies4dummies.blogspot.com/
My syrup isn’t getting clear and it has been over an hour. Any suggestions?
I LOVE Mojito’s! Thanks Jo-Lynne -you are THE BEST!
i am not a drinker, but this drink has changed my mind– delicious!
Ok… so I had my very first Mojito last week in DC. Would like to say it was the best ever… but being my first… anyway… I’m hooked! thanks for the recipe.
I just want to thank you fOr your detailed recipe.
Your story was EXACTLY mine. Down to the neighbor. I have ordered them other places or have tried the already mixed together bottle and nothing has compared to the one that was first originally made for me. I never knew I could make simple syrup on my own…I have been searching the stores for it. THANK YOU!!!
I haven’t made it yet but I will be this weekend .
Made some up and they were very well liked. Thankyou. And thanks for the lesson on the simple syrup.
LOVE it! My wife is a huge fan of mojitos, but I’ve never understood it until I tasted this one. Now I’m hooked as well. Thank you!
I loved the recipe, I’m enjoying one right now as I type.
This first time around I used Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum, which was pretty strong before I added the club soda, which added the fizz that’s familiar from the restaurant mojitos I’ve enjoyed before. I love the idea of adding the mint leaves to the simple syrup, it tasted wonderful. Thanks for posting!! *Grace
Awesome! So happy to hear that.
Have you been to Cuba Libre in Philly? They have an entire mojito menu…SO good!
I can’t remember if I’ve been there or not. If I have, it has been YEARS. Thanks for the tip!