A refreshing cocktail perfect for sipping.

Refreshing mint mojitos are simple and delicious when using fresh mint and juicy limes.

Just the Recipe | 1 Mojito

Ingredients

5-10 Fresh Mint Leaves⠀
3 Lime Wedges (about 1/2 a lime)⠀
1 oz Mint Honey Simple Syrup (recipe below) ⠀
2 oz White Rum ⠀
4 oz Club Soda⠀
Ice ⠀

Steps

Muddle 2 lime wedges with the mint leaves ⠀
Add simple syrup, muddle again⠀
Add rum and club soda, stir ⠀
Top with ice ⠀
Squeeze the last lime wedge on top and enjoy!

N/A Version

Skip the rum and use 3 oz each of club soda and lemon-lime soda.

Mint Honey Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is named such because it is very straightforward: 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. You bring them to boil in a sauce pan so the sugar fully dissolves into the water, then chill and store in the refrigerator. Honey simple syrup is a delicious alternative to refined, granulated sugars. And adding flavors to simple syrups is, well, pretty simple. Here’s how to make mint simple syrup:

Ingredients

1/2 cup mint leaves, washed and roughly chopped

1 cup water

1 cup honey

Steps

Bring the honey and water to a boil in a small sauce pan
After the honey dissolves into the water, turn off the heat.
Immediately add the cut mint leaves, stir, and steep for 5-10 minutes
Use a sieve to strain the simple syrup into an airtight container. Toss the leaves. I use a canning jars and label (date and contents) with a post-it note that is taped to the lid.
Cool and store in the refrigerator.

Make sure to use a juicy lime. Halve it, then divide each half into quarters.

Kitchen Acumen Tips:

The mojito recipe above is for one mojito. Double, triple, quadruple as necessary :)
Strawberry Mojitos - When you have fresh strawberries, make strawberry mint mojitos by adding fresh strawberry slices and muddling with the lime. 1 1/2 - 2 strawberries per drink is sufficient. I cannot emphasize enough how delicious these are when strawberries are in season.
More on Simple Syrup
- Adjust the simple syrups as needed. Keep a 1:1 ratio of honey to water.
- You can make honey simple syrup and mint honey simple syrup at the same time. Using the recipe above, remove a portion of the simple syrup before adding the mint to steep. For example, when we’re mixing a lot of drinks I’ll make a double batch. Once the honey is dissolved, I’ll pour some of the mix into a jar and label as Honey Simple Syrup and then add the mint to the other portion in the hot pan and steep the mint version.
  - Be careful if pouring hot liquids into a glass container, make sure it is shatterproof.
- Honey simple syrups typically last 3-4 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This recipe easily doubles if you’re making drinks for a larger crowd. Make sure you label the container and include the date so you don’t toss it too early. If you see any mold, toss immediately.
- Ideas for using mint simple syrup:
  - It is delicious in iced tea. I like to add lime and lemon wedges to the tea when using it.
  - As a sweetener for herbal teas that pair with mint.
  - With coffee and chocolate syrup to make a mint mocha.
  - Shake equal portions of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and mint simple syrup to make a vinaigrette for salads with fresh fruit (think spinach salad with strawberries, blueberries, and feta).
Store mint in a jar or cup, stems down in water (like a flower bouquet). Trim the stems a bit just before adding to the water. Cover with a baggie and keep in the refrigerator. If condensation collects on the bag, cover the leaves with a paper towel before covering with a bag. This will help your mint last for weeks. You can see in the images above that I’m storing my mint in a coffee cup. I didn’t do that for the aesthetic, it is actually how I’m storing the mint.
Mojitos typically use granulated sugar. The sugar, limes, and mint are muddled together until the acid from the lime dissolves much of the sugar. Not all of it dissolves and you’re left with sips that have delicious bits of crunchy sugar in them. I love that flavor as well! But I’m hooked on honey simple syrup. All this to say, if you’re not in the mood - or didn’t make it ahead of time -skip the simple syrup and use white sugar! Substitute 1-2 tsp of granulated sugar for the simple syrup.