Popular Citrus Mint Smash

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

A vibrant, herbaceous smash combining fresh mint and zesty lime for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing cocktail. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together white rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup 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 180 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.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Drinks cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 8 fresh mint leaves and 3/4 oz simple syrup into a mixing glass and gently muddle to release the mint aroma without tearing the leaves.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz white rum and 1 oz fresh lime juice to the mixing glass.
  3. Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with crushed ice and stir gently for 15 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass packed with fresh crushed ice.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with a large mint sprig, slapping it lightly between your hands to release oils before placing it upright.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular Citrus Mint Smash take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Popular Citrus Mint Smash?

Refrigerate any leftover popular citrus mint smash 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 Popular Citrus Mint Smash?

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 Popular Citrus Mint Smash 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 Popular Citrus Mint Smash?

Cocktails & Drinks 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.