Classic Mojito

Making Cuba’s signature minty rum cocktail is easy—if you follow these simple instructions.

Serves
Makes 1 cocktail
Prep
5 minutes

PHOTO: MATT TAYLOR-GROSS • FOOD STYLING: JESSIE YUCHEN

Updated on June 15, 2024

There’s no better way to cool down on a hot day than with a mojito. Imported from Cuba, one of the rum capitals of the Caribbean, it’s light, minty, and entirely refreshing. At celebrated Havana bars, mojitos are an essential part of the nightly proceedings. A straightforward mix of rum, muddled fresh mint, lime juice, and soda, they’re as easy to make as they are to drink. They're also the perfect partner for any of our Cuban recipes.

Featured in the January/February 1999 issue.

Ingredients

3 fresh mint sprigs
1 tsp. sugar
½ oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. dry white rum
2 oz. club soda

Instructions

Step 1

In a tall cocktail glass, muddle two of the mint sprigs with the sugar and lime juice. Fill the glass with ice, then stir in the rum, followed by the soda. Slap the remaining mint sprig between your palms to help release its aroma, then drop it into the glass. Serve with a straw.

In a tall cocktail glass, muddle two of the mint sprigs with the sugar and lime juice. Fill the glass with ice, then stir in the rum, followed by the soda. Slap the remaining mint sprig between your palms to help release its aroma, then drop it into the glass. Serve with a straw.