This Strawberry Mojito recipe is a fun, fruity twist on the classic drink. Made with muddled strawberries, fresh mint, rum, and simple syrup, it's a delicious summer drink you'll want to be sip by the pool every chance you get. You can make a pitcher or single serve glass, the choice is yours!
There's no need to go on vacation, when you can transport yourself to paradise with this sweet strawberry mojito. It's simple, fresh, and tastes like summer in a glass.
I absolutely love how refreshing this fruity drink is and that it's not too overpowering. The bright taste of the strawberries really shines through, and pairs so well with the fresh lime and cool mint flavors.
Simply add some rum and club soda, and you've got a summer sip ready in less than 5 minutes.
If you're a strawberry lover, be sure to also check out my favorite strawberry basil lemonade!
Key Ingredients You'll Need
*the full ingredients list and measurements can be found in the recipe card below*
- White rum: There's two kind of rum- dark rum and light rum. I chose white rum for this drink because the flavor is lighter and often has tropical notes, while dark rum has more caramel notes.
- Lime juice: Fresh is best!! If possible, use fresh lime juice, because bottled is more concentrated and will leave your drink tasting somewhat stale.
- Simple syrup: You can use homemade or store bought simple syrup. If you don't have either, regular sugar will also work.
- Strawberries: For this mojito, you'll want to use fresh strawberries. Frozen will not work, unless you let them thaw completely first.
- Mint: Once again, fresh is best. You absolutely need fresh mint leaves to muddle in your mojito, there is no substitute.
- Club soda: This is used to top off your cocktail and add some bubbles! If you don't have it on hand, you can use seltzer water.
How do you muddle strawberries for mojito?
Muddling is more intimidating then it seems. It really isn't difficult at all if you have one tool, a muddler.
You can use this muddler or the back of a wooden spoon! both work well. Here are some tips for muddling strawberries:
-
Wash and Prepare the Strawberries:
- Start by washing the strawberries under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove the green stems and hulls from the strawberries. You can use a knife or a strawberry huller for this.
-
Cut the Strawberries:
- Depending on the size of your container or glass, you may need to cut the strawberries into smaller pieces. Quartering or slicing them will make muddling easier.
-
Add Strawberries to the Container:
- Place the prepared strawberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, mixing glass, or whatever container you're using for muddling.
-
Add Sugar (Optional):
- If desired, add a small amount of sugar to the strawberries. This can help extract juices and enhance the sweetness. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
-
Muddle the Strawberries:
- Use a muddler, which is a bartender's tool designed for this purpose. It's usually a wooden or metal rod with a flat, rounded end.
- Gently press and twist the muddler against the strawberries in a twisting motion. The idea is to break down the fruit without smashing it into pulp.
-
Press and Twist:
- Apply gentle pressure as you twist the muddler to release the juices from the strawberries. Continue until the strawberries are partially crushed and the juice is extracted.
-
Stop Before Over-Muddling:
- Be cautious not to over-muddle, as this can turn the strawberries into a mushy mess. You're aiming to release the flavors without completely pulverizing the fruit.
-
Strain or Use as Desired:
- You can use the muddled strawberries as they are in your recipes, or you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
Tips For Using Mint
Fresh mint is a crucial and iconic ingredient in making mojitos. Its aromatic and slightly sweet flavor contributes to the refreshing and vibrant taste of this classic cocktail. Here's how to use mint effectively in mojitos:
-
Find Fresh Mint:
- Choose fresh mint leaves that are bright green and aromatic. Avoid leaves that are wilted, discolored, or have a strong off-putting odor.
-
Prepping Mint Leaves:
- Gently wash the mint leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
-
Muddling Mint:
- To release the mint's flavor, gently muddle a handful of mint leaves in the bottom of a glass or cocktail shaker using a muddler. Press and twist the mint leaves without over-muddling, as this can result in a bitter taste.
-
Using Mint Sprigs as Garnish:
- After muddling the mint, you can also add a mint sprig to the cocktail for visual appeal and an extra burst of fragrance. Slap the mint sprig between your hands to release its aromatic oils before placing it in the drink.
-
Mint Variation:
- While traditional mojitos use spearmint, you can also experiment with different mint varieties such as peppermint or chocolate mint to create unique flavor profiles.
-
Mint Syrup or Infusions:
- For even more mint flavor, you can make a mint-infused simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water with fresh mint leaves. Let it cool, strain, and use it as a sweetening agent in your mojitos.
-
Adjusting Mint Intensity:
- The amount of mint you use can vary based on your taste preference. Some people enjoy a strong mint flavor, while others prefer a milder taste. Start with a few leaves and adjust to your liking.
How To Make A Strawberry Mojito
STEP ONE: Add ¼ cup of crushed ice to a highball glass, along with the strawberries, lime juice, and mint leaves.
STEP TWO: Using a muddler, muddle the ingredients in the glass VERY WELL. Don't be afraid, you want everything to be a super smashed blend.
STEP THREE: Pour in the rum, add another ¼ cup of crushed ice, and give the drink a stir.
STEP FOUR: Top the glass off with club soda, add your garnish, and enjoy your homemade strawberry mojito!
Turn This Drink Into A Pitcher!
I love making large batches of cocktails for more than 4 people. You can totally mix this sweet strawberry mojito up in a pitcher to make hosting at home easier!
Here's what you'll need to serve 8:
- 16 ounces white rum
- 12 ounces lime juice
- 8 ounces simple syrup
- 2 ⅔ cup sliced strawberries
- 16 mint leaves
- Club soda (to fill the pitcher)
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure you can! All you have to do is leave out the rum entirely and you've got yourself a refreshing strawberry mocktail.
Simple syrup is super easy to make, all you have to do is boil equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. After that, let it cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge until needed.
A mojito is made with rum, mint, sugar, lime, and club soda, while a daiquiri is made with just lime juice, simple syrup, and rum. Daiquiris are also blended or shaken rather than muddled.
Aleka's Drink Tips
- If you don't have a muddler, the end of a wooden spoon works well
- Make your own simple syrup, all you need is 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water
- Boost the strawberry flavor by using a strawberry flavored seltzer instead of club soda
- Make a pitcher if you're looking to serve a crowd
- Crushed ice is much easier to muddle instead of cubed
- Always taste test, you want your cocktail to be perfectly suited to your taste buds. add more or less of an ingredient until it's just right for you
Mojito Variations
- Make it a mocktail: Simply remove the rum altogether, and you've got a sweet, refreshing mocktail.
- Use a different berry: Instead of strawberries, try raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries.
- Sweeten with syrup: Try sweetening with a homemade strawberry simple syrup or blackberry syrup instead of plain for more berry flavor.
- Switch up the rum: For a richer, darker flavor, use dark rum instead of white. You could also try with vodka instead!
- Add some heat! If you love spicy drinks, muddle some jalapenos w/ your strawberries, or add my jalapeno syrup! You may also like my spicy jalapeno margarita!
More Cocktails You'll Love!
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Mojito
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Crushed ice (divided)
- ⅓ Cup Sliced strawberries (fresh, not frozen)
- 1 Bunch Fresh mint leaves (about 8)
- 1½ Ounce Fresh lime juice
- 2 Ounces White rum
- Club soda (for topping)
Instructions
- To a highball glass add ¼ cup of crushed ice, sliced strawberries, fresh mint leaves, and lime juice.
- Use a muddler to crush all of the ingredients in the glass together until you're left with a super smashed blend.
- Pour the rum into the glass, add remaining ¼ cup of crushed ice, and give the drink a good stir.
- Top the glass off with club soda, garnish with mint leaves and lime wheels, and enjoy your strawberry mojito!
Recipe Notes
- 16 ounces white rum
- 12 ounces lime juice
- 8 ounces simple syrup
- 2 ⅔ cup sliced strawberries
- 16 mint leaves
- club soda to top.
-
- If you don't have a muddler, the end of a wooden spoon works well.
-
- Make your own simple syrup, all you need is 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.
-
- Boost the strawberry flavor by using a strawberry flavored seltzer instead of club soda.
- Crushed ice is much easier to muddle instead of cubed.
-
- Always taste test, you want your cocktail to be perfectly suited to your taste buds. Add more or less of an ingredient until it's just right for you.
-
- Make a mocktail by removing the rum entirely.
- You may also like my pineapple jalapeno margarita or my lavender lemonade!
Comments
No Comments