Virgin mojito
Mint, lime, sugar and soda over crushed ice. Cold, green and very easy to drink.
- Time
- 5 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Glass
- Highball
- Strength
- Alcohol-free
How to make a virgin mojito
- Press the mint. Put the mint leaves and sugar syrup in a highball glass. Press gently with the back of a spoon, about 5 times, until you can smell the mint. Do not shred it.
- Add the lime. Pour in the lime juice and half fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Stir. Stir with a spoon from the bottom for about 10 seconds, until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Top and garnish. Pack in more crushed ice, top with soda water, and add a mint sprig. Slap the sprig against your hand first to release the aroma.
- Glass
- HighballNo highball? A large tumbler.
- Ice
- Crushed ice
- Garnish
- Mint sprig and a lime wheelOr: A lime wedge.
What you need to make a virgin mojito
Kit
JiggerA double-ended measure, usually 25 ml and 50 ml.
Citrus squeezerFresh juice makes the biggest difference of anything.
Bar spoonA long teaspoon does the job.
Bottles we'd use
- Soda waterA strongly carbonated one, like Fever-Tree Premium Soda, keeps the fizz going longer.Find it on Amazon
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The virgin mojito story
The mojito is a Cuban drink, and the story usually goes back to a rum-based drink called El Draque, named after Sir Francis Drake. How far back it goes is disputed. The mojito as we know it, with lime, mint, sugar and soda, was well established in Havana by the early 20th century.
Without the rum, the drink is simply lime, mint and sugar, so it is more important than ever to get them right. Muddle the mint gently, so it releases its oils without tearing and turning bitter. Use plenty of crushed ice and soda to top up, and taste it before you serve.
Virgin mojito: your questions answered
What is in a virgin mojito?
A virgin mojito is made with 10 fresh mint leaves, 25 ml fresh lime juice, 15 ml sugar syrup and soda water to top. Garnish: mint sprig and a lime wheel.
Is this virgin mojito alcohol-free?
Yes. This virgin mojito is made without any alcoholic ingredients, so it suits drivers and anyone taking a night off.
What glass do you serve a virgin mojito in?
Serve a virgin mojito in a highball over ice. No highball? A large tumbler.
