Classic Mojito Recipe

Prep mint and lime

Place 10 fresh mint leaves into a sturdy highball glass or mixing glass. Cut one lime wedge in half; set one half aside as a garnish and use the other half for muddling if you prefer extra oils (optional). Squeeze 1 oz fresh lime juice into the glass if not using pre-squeezed.

Add sugar

Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar on top of the mint leaves and lime juice. The sugar will help macerate the mint and extract oils.

Muddle

Using a muddler (or the back of a spoon), press down and twist gently on the mint, lime and sugar about 10–15 times. Aim to bruise the mint leaves to release aroma and oils without shredding them to avoid bitterness. Continue until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is fragrant.

Add rum

Pour 2 oz white rum into the glass. Give the mixture a gentle stir (4–6 strokes) to dissolve any remaining sugar and lift the mint from the bottom.

Assemble drink

Add about 1 cup of crushed ice to the glass, filling it nearly to the top. Top with 3 oz chilled club soda. Use a long bar spoon to lift and fold the mint through the drink gently, creating a light froth and even dilution.

Garnish and serve

Rub the reserved lime wedge around the rim if desired and drop it into the glass. Slap a fresh mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and place it as garnish on top. Serve immediately with a straw.