Virgin Mojito: Lime and Fresh Mint Recipe

A virgin mojito combines lime, mint and sparkling water without needing a rum replacement. Simple syrup dissolves more reliably than coarse sugar, letting you adjust sweetness without prolonged stirring or crushing the mint.

The quantities make one serving. Measure the ingredients before mixing and chill any mixer. Syrups, juices and bottled alternatives vary in sweetness and acidity, so taste the base before topping up.

Ingredients for one serving

• 25 ml lime juice
• 15 ml simple syrup
• 8 mint leaves
• 120 ml sparkling water
• Ice and a mint sprig

Method

1. Gently press the mint into the syrup two or three times.
2. Add lime juice and fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour in sparkling water and lift the mixture once with a spoon.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Getting the balance right

Mint should release aroma rather than turn into a paste. Aggressive muddling leaves fragments throughout the drink and can produce an unpleasant green flavour. Using juice instead of crushed lime wedges also gives you better control over bitterness from the peel.

Variation and substitutions

For a strawberry variation, crush two ripe strawberries before adding the mint and start with 10 ml syrup. If using a rum alternative, add 30 ml and reduce the water accordingly; taste before adding extra sweetener.

Preparing several servings

Measure juice, purée and syrup shortly before serving. Add ice and carbonated ingredients when you make the drink. To serve a group, multiply the quantities, but adjust one glass first before mixing the whole pitcher.

Common question

Can I use ginger ale instead of sparkling water?

Yes, but the result is sweeter and ginger-led. Leave out the syrup initially and add it only if needed.

Related recipes

Find more ideas in our mocktail recipe guide . Compare this with Virgin Caipirinha: Ipanema with Ginger Ale or browse the drink collection .

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• Mocktails
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