How to Make the Ultimate Mojito Cocktail

One of the joys of Spring is watching as plants emerge from the dormancy of winter. I am always happy when mint returns because it reminds me of summer and the refreshing taste of a Mojito cocktail. In this post, I will share my recipe for the ultimate Mojito cocktail and include some information on growing and caring for mint. First, let’s take a look at the video where I demonstrate how to make a mojito.

Growing and Caring for Mint

Mint is a fast-growing perennial that is easy to grow but can be quite invasive (e.g. spread quickly). To control the spread, plant mint in a container where the roots can be confined. Either bury the container in the soil of your garden bed or keep it in a container outside the garden bed. I keep mine in a container outside the garden bed.

While mint can be grown from seed, I find it much easier to purchase a transplant from a reputable garden source. There are many varieties of mint including peppermint, spearmint and sweet mint. There is also a variety called Mojito Mint (mentha x villosa) that originated in Cuba. I use spearmint when preparing a Mojito but any of the varieties mentioned can be used.

When transplanting mint into a container, use good quality potting soil. Mint should be planted in full sun to semi-shade; check the light requirements of the variety you purchase. Add 1 tsp of slow-release balanced fertilizer to the potting soil prior to planting the mint. Because mint prefers moist soil, water 2-3 times per week.

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Mint can be harvested when the plant reaches a height of 3-4 inches. I store any unused stems of mint in a glass of water and leave on the counter. This is also a great way to propagate mint. After ~1-2 weeks of mint being in the water, you will notice white root(s) emerging from one or more of the leaf nodules. Plant this stem in a good quality potting mix and allow it to establish. You will have a new mint plant!

Ultimate Mojito Cocktail Recipe

The mojito origin can be traced back to the 16th-century in Havana, Cuba. It is a refreshing summertime cocktail with fresh mint and the citrus taste of lime. While it requires a bit of work to make, it is well worth the effort.

Step 1

Place 10 mint leaves in a 16-ounce glass. Place 2-1/4 inch slices of lime in the glass. Take the muddler and gently push down and turn the muddler. This pushing and turning will extract the juice from the limes and release the oil from the mint.

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Step 2

Add 1-tablespoon of sugar to the glass and 1-2 additional 1/4 inch slices of lime (depending upon the size of the lime). Muddle again by pushing down and turning the muddler. I have learned that everyone’s taste for sweetness varies. For those who like a sweeter cocktail, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.

Step 3

Fill the glass with ice.

Step 4

Add 2 ounces of white rum on top of the ice. For those who do not drink liquor, the rum can be omitted. The drink is equally refreshing and tasty with or without the rum.

Step 5

Fill the glass with seltzer and stir. You need to give a good stir to mix the sugar, lime, and mint together with the rum and seltzer. When you finish mixing, you will see the limes and mint floating all around the glass (e.g. not on the bottom). Enjoy!

If you are interested in starting a herb garden, check out these posts on how to grow various herbs.

• Dill – How to successfully grow Dill in your garden
• Parsley – How to successfully grow Parsley in your garden
• Basil – How to successfully grow Basil in your garden
• Cilantro – How to successfully grow Cilantro/Coriander in your garden
• Garlic – How to successfully grow Garlic in your garden
• Mint – Growing mint in containers is the best choice

Here is another great recipe.

• Refreshing Strawberry-Mint Garden Spritz

References (for growing mint)

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension – Mint in the Garden
• University of Florida Garden Services – Mint