I tried my first mojito one warm summer evening last summer when a neighbor invited us over to hang out on the deck. He served a mojito he made with simple syrup and homegrown mint, and it was delish.
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 my inner Emeril there for a sec.
Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan and heat until boiling. Stir until the sugar dissolves (about a minute). Then turn off the heat. Toss in a handfull of mint leaves and let it steep (just sit there off the heat) 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.
Delicious mojito recipes using mint-infused simple syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 handfulls mint leaves
- 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of light rum
- 1/2 lime
- 1 can club soda (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan and heat until boiling.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves (about a minute). Then turn off the heat.
- Toss in a handfull of mint leaves and let it steep (just sit there off the heat) for an hour or so. Strain out the leaves and store in the fridge till you're ready to use it.
- Pour 1 ounce mint-infused simple syrup into a tall glass.
- Add a handful of mint leaves, and muddle it together. (Use a muddler or a spoon.)
- Add crushed ice. Muddle some more.
- Add to that 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of light rum (depending on the kind of day you had.)
- Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
- Add a splash of club soda and stir. (If you don't have club soda on hand, just use water.)
- 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.
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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).
You’re funny!
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!
Mojitos are pretty much the only way I like mint. Oh yeah, and thin mints. But, that is it! I never thought of the mint-infused simple syrup. I’m going to have to pass that along to our designated bar tender on vacation this year.
I made a lot of money on mojitos long before they “trended” sometime back in the 90s and then got hot and then became “so yesterday”. I laugh at all that faddishness. Who cares? Mojitos are a fantastic summer cocktail. Any summer drink with lime and mint in it (and the soda is essential btw, as it affects the way the drink hits your bloodstream)… you just can’t go wrong. The mint-infused simple syrup is not a bad idea as a time saver but it makes no difference to the taste. I tend to think the traditional method of mashing up the mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of your glass before you add the ice, alchohol, lime and soda (in that order) will end up producing a better drink more consistently but that’s just my opinion … and apparently the opinion of the dozens of mojito-thirsty bar-flies I used to pull in from three counties around on Monday Mojito nights at my old bar. Thanks for posting your experiences. I always enjoy hearing about another convert. Mojito season is around the corner and I’m actually nurturing my mint garden now in preparation.
Sounds interesting……….. i was badly looking for a good recipe of Mojito.. Hoprfully my friends will like this…
I just tried my first Mojito the other day! So delicious and refreshing. Wayyyy too smooth- could be dangerous. I am certain it was not nearly as fancy as this so I am excited to give your recipe a whirl. We have company coming for 4th of July so I will dazzle them with your mojito skills- thanks! Found you on Pintrest!
That’s awesome! ENJOY!
When you say “steep” what exactly do you mean? Should the water be boiling or should the temp be very low and the mint sit in the water/sugar mix for an hour? We are growing mint and have nothing to do with it but make Mojitos!! I found your recipe and it sounds the tastiest and most authentic:) Thanks for sharing!!
Good question. You turn the heat off. I usually cover it too. I think. LOL. I will add that to the directions.
Thanks for the recipe!! Just had my first mojito last weekend and immediately ran out to buy all the ingredients to make my own!! As soon as the simple syrup is finished, I will be enjoying my first homemade mojito!!
Great. I’m infusing my rum with organic mint. Have you tried this?
You were right! This is the best mojito ever! It makes such a difference to infuse the syrup. Excellent! Right on, homegirl! Thanks!!!!
I need to make a large Beverage Dispenser for a birthday party. Any ideas for making it taste good when making it in bulk?
Need to make this drink in a large Beverage Dispenser for a party. Any ideas?
YES! At the end of the post, I gave bulk directions:
Mix thoroughly 3 parts rum to 2 parts mint-infused simple syrup to 1 part lime to 1 part club soda or water. Serve over ice.
Good luck!
Made these and they were delicious. Now trying again but scrutinizing instructions more – do t remember what I did. When do you add the mint to the simple syrup? Your instructions say after the water has boiled and sugar has dissolved, yet your picture shows mint in with undisolved sugar?
I put the mint in after the sugar dissolves. Turn the heat off. Add mint. Let sit for an hour off the heat. Then use in drink or refrigerate till you make the drink. Make sense?
Hey Ms. Shane, quick question. Should I use the mint leaves that have been steeped when making the actual dring or should I use a new batch of leaves? Thank you for the post.
I discard the mint leaves from the steeping and use fresh in the drinks. Enjoy!
I was just wondering what a ‘muddle’ is – is a spoon involved? Is it similar to ‘slosh’? or maybe swirl. Good hot day today here in Colorado – I think one of your mojitos is going to be tested this afternoon.
A muddler is a kitchen tool that helps you grind up the mint. Here is an example:
http://amzn.to/PZZZsu
Does it matter what kind of mint you use?
Can you use meadow tea?
I don’t find that it matters.
Let me know how it turns out!
Came across your Mojito recipe and am anxious to try it. I’ve been making Mojitos for maybe 15 years from a recipe that came with a Mojito cocktail drink set. The only change that I’ve made to that recipe is what I think makes this Mojitos one of the best. The change was substituting tonic for soda. Takes the Mojito from bland to exceptional. My recipe also calls for a good 3-4 oz of rum, a whole lime, no water(?), two Tblsp of sugar, 12-15 mint leaves muddled w/sugar, crushed ice, topped off with a couple of oz. of tonic then shaken not stirred. This is all made up in a tall 12oz. glass. Try it……
Had my first mojito at a thai restaurant last night and if they weren’t $15 Aust a pop, could still be there now drinking them….also if i didnt have 2 little boys to tend to. Thanks for this delish recipe…i am making syrup tonight
What can I replace rum with!!! Because in the Middle East and Asia rum is prohibited
I’m sorry, I don’t know!
Try Tequila… which is my fav– I make the simple sugar as Jo-Lynn said….for a single drink use 1.5 shots of tequila, use about 4 oz of the simple sugar, add a lime, a splash of club soda and about 7 ice cubes, blend until it is like a slushie– pour and garnish like she has shown with lime and mint…( use an umbrella thingy if you totally want to fake a vacation ) I squeeze a little more lime on top ( the scent of mint and lime is awesome)
Now you will not get much done for the rest of the day, but with this yummy drink you won’t care.. in fact you will be HAPPILY defiant about not getting anything done. See win /win.
I luv you guys. serirsly. I meen it… (deep sigh of total relaxation ) yay me !
I can’t wait to try this, had an excellent one at one restaurant. Everything has been watery since then. Whoo hoo!
The mojito is my specialty, I usually use 7up instead of simple syrup because I am lazy, but I will try this. I find the difference in an average mojito and a good one is to muddle the lime peels and mint in the rum. Both mint and lime have essential oils which dissolve very well in alcohol (polar) and not water (nonpolar). Give that a shot or two.
Thanks for the tip!
Try your mojitos with Oronoco white rum. I’m a bartender at a high-end cocktail lounge/speakeasy and of all the white rums I have ever tried for a mojito… this one is, hands down, the BEST!
Here’s an online description and review from another gent who agrees: http://rumdood.com/2008/01/30/rum-review-oronoco/
Very cool!!! I will check it out.