Mojito Recipe

Measure and add liquids

Pour 2 oz white rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.75 oz simple syrup into a highball or Collins glass (or a cocktail shaker if you prefer to mix before serving).

Add 2 oz club soda toward the end, after muddling and stirring, to preserve fizz.

Prepare mint and lime

Place 10 fresh mint leaves and 2 lime wedges into the glass. If using a shaker, use the same quantities in the shaker.

Muddle gently

Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, press the mint leaves and lime wedges firmly but gently 6–8 times. Aim to release the lime juice and the mint's aromatic oils without shredding the mint into bits (over-muddling makes the drink bitter).

Add ice and combine

Fill the glass about three-quarters with crushed or chipped ice (approximately 1 cup). If you used a shaker, add ice to the shaker, shake briefly (about 5 seconds) to chill, then strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.

Add rum and soda

If you muddled in the serving glass, pour the 2 oz white rum over the ice, then top with 2 oz club soda. Stir gently with a bar spoon 4–6 times to combine and lift the mint leaves through the drink for aroma.

Garnish and finish

Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel or wedge on the rim. Clap the mint sprig between your palms once to activate the aroma before garnishing. Serve immediately with a straw if desired.