Classic Mojito Recipe

Prepare glass and lime

Select a highball or Collins glass (12–14 oz). Cut the whole lime in half. Cut one half into a wheel or wedge for garnish and set aside. Cut the remaining half into 4–6 wedges for muddling.

Muddle sugar, lime, and mint

Place the 2 tsp granulated sugar into the glass. Add the lime wedges. Add the 10 fresh mint leaves (reserve the mint sprig for garnish). Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press and twist 6–8 times—enough to release lime juice and mint oils but not so hard that the mint becomes shredded and bitter.

Add rum

Pour 2 oz white rum into the glass and stir for about 5–10 seconds to dissolve remaining sugar and integrate flavors.

Add ice and top with soda

Fill the glass with about 1 cup crushed ice, leaving a little room at the top. Top with 4 oz club soda. Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to lift mint through the drink and combine ingredients without flattening the soda.

If using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar: add 0.5 oz simple syrup at the muddling stage and reduce or omit granulated sugar accordingly. If using angostura bitters: add 1 dash on top of the finished drink and gently stir once.

Garnish with the reserved mint sprig and lime wheel or wedge. Clap the mint sprig lightly between your palms (optional) to release aromatic oils before placing it in the glass so the aroma sits above the drink. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.