Classic Mojito Recipe

Prepare the glass

Place 10 fresh mint leaves into a sturdy highball or Collins glass. Reserve a sprig for garnish.

Muddle

Add 0.75 oz simple syrup and 1 oz fresh lime juice to the glass with the mint. Gently muddle the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon 6–8 times — press to release oils but avoid shredding the leaves which can cause bitterness.

Add rum

Pour in 2 oz white rum and stir gently for 5–8 seconds to combine the flavors and dissolve syrup.

Add ice

Fill the glass with about 1 cup of crushed ice (or top with cubed ice) so the glass is almost full. Crushed ice chills and helps the soda integrate smoothly.

Top with soda

Slowly top with 2 oz club soda (more to taste). Use a long spoon to gently lift and briefly stir once to combine without flattening the soda.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with the reserved mint sprig (smack it once between your palms to release aroma) and a lime wedge or wheel on the rim. Serve with a straw if desired.

Combine and heat

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Dissolve sugar

Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear, about 3–5 minutes. Do not boil aggressively; just bring to a gentle simmer if needed.

Cool and store

Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a clean bottle. Store refrigerated up to 1 month.