The Mojito Mocktail is a non-alcoholic version of the Mojito, which is just as tasty as the original. All that refreshing mint and lime flavor remains, you just lose the alcohol.
This recipe basically replaces the rum with more club soda and a touch of rum extract. In my opinion, you might want less than two tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar because the rum extract adds some sweetness.
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But if you like your drinks on the sweeter side, use the full measure. You might also want to use Sprite or 7-Up instead of club soda.
What’s Great About It
This Mojito Mocktail is stunning looking for non-drinking guests. If your party includes both cocktails and mocktails, it’s important for the mocktails to look beautiful too.
It has the same chilled out, bracing feel as the classic drink, just without the alcohol. That makes it easy to enjoy any time of day.
It works just as well at a backyard cookout as it does with a quiet lunch on the patio. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the drink comes together fast once you get the hang of muddling.
Another plus is how flexible the recipe is. You can adjust the sweetness, swap Sprite for soda, or even change the citrus without breaking the drink.
It still tastes clean and refreshing, which is what most people want from a Mojito Mocktail.
What the Mojito Mocktail Tastes Like
As with the Mojito, the first thing you notice is the mint. It’s bright and fresh. Lime juice adds a sharp, clean acidity that keeps the drink from tasting flat.
The brown sugar gives a mild molasses note that adds depth, even in a non-alcoholic version. Then the rum extract completes that rum flavor and makes the Mojito Mocktail feel closer to the original.
The rum flavor is crucial to round out the sharpness of the mint and lime. And the club soda adds just enough bitterness and bubbles to keep it tasting refreshing and clean.
When to Enjoy
This is a terrific mocktail whether you’re taking a day off from drinking, or a whole lifetime, or just trying to shave a few calories off your daily count. It’s easily as satisfying as a beverage like sweet tea or soda, although it takes a little more effort to make.
It’s great in warm weather, but don’t limit it to summer. It’s also great for baby showers, brunches, and afternoon gatherings where people want something refreshing without caffeine or alcohol.
And it’s ideal for designated drivers, dry January, or anyone pacing themselves at a party. Because it feels like a “real” cocktail, it blends right in with alcoholic options on the table.
Pro Tips
Fresh mint makes a big difference. If your mint looks limp (store-bought often does) you can easily revive that tired mint in about 10 minutes. See how to revive tired mint garnish.
Taste the drink before serving. Depending on how juicy your limes are, you may want a touch more sugar or soda. Make sure the sugar fully dissolves at the bottom of the glass during the muddling process.
Batching for Parties
If you’re making several Mojito Mocktails, prep the mint, lime juice, and sugar in each glass ahead of time. Keep them chilled, then add ice and soda right before serving to keep everything crisp.
Muddling the Mint for Your Mojito Mocktail
The muddling step is important. Despite how fragrant mint it, those leaves won’t give up their flavor until you press them. But you don’t want to crush them.
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The idea is to put some pressure on them with your muddler, and then twist back and forth, squeezing them against the bottom of a dish or cocktail shaker or whatever you’re using. In this case, it’s a glass.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Total Time
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 to 14 small mint leaves or 6-8 big ones
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 tablespoon rum extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 ounces club soda (Sprite works, too)
Instructions
- Put the mint leaves, lime juice and brown sugar in a tall cocktail glass.
- Muddle the leaves.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add the rum extract and club soda.
- Stir to mix up the sugar.
- Garnish with another mint sprig.
