Classic Light Rum Mojito Cocktail
A refreshing Cuban cocktail combining light rum with fresh mint, lime, and sparkling soda for an invigorating drink. This caribbean-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together light rum, (about 1 lime) fresh lime juice, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz (about 1 lime) fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 10 leaves, plus extra for garnish fresh mint leaves
- 4 oz club soda
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a sturdy glass, combine 2 tsp granulated sugar and 10 fresh mint leaves. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press the mint with sugar for 30 seconds until fragrant — avoid shredding the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 1 oz fresh lime juice and 2 oz light rum to the glass, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar.
- Step 3: Fill the glass with 1 cup crushed ice, then top with 4 oz club soda. Stir lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge. Serve immediately with a straw for sipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Light Rum Mojito Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Classic Light Rum Mojito Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover classic light rum mojito cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Light Rum Mojito Cocktail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Light Rum Mojito Cocktail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Light Rum Mojito Cocktail?
Caribbean cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
