Light Rum Mojito Granita

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing frozen treat combining light rum, mint, lime, and sugar for a perfect summer palate cleanser. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes brings together light rum, (about 6 limes) 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 150 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 150 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/4 cups water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, add 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves and 1/4 cup of the cooled sugar syrup. Blend until finely chopped and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mint syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup light rum and 3/4 cup fresh lime juice to the mint syrup.
  5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into a shallow metal pan and freeze for 1 hour. After 1 hour, scrape the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat scraping every 30 minutes for 3 more times until the granita is fluffy and fully frozen.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately in chilled glasses garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Light Rum Mojito Granita take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Light Rum Mojito Granita?

Refrigerate any leftover light rum mojito granita 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 Light Rum Mojito Granita?

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 Light Rum Mojito Granita for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Light Rum Mojito Granita?

Caribbean desserts 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.