Original Cuban Mojito Recipe (Refreshing Classic Cocktail) 2026

If we had to list the most popular cocktails worldwide, the Cuban mojito would undoubtedly be among them. And it's no wonder; its flavor is both delightful and refreshing, giving it a cheerful and addictive touch.

Of Cuban origin and invented at the beginning of the 20th century, its popularity gradually increased thanks to being the star drink of the establishment "La Bodeguita de en Medio" in Havana , one of the city's tourist spots that is practically considered the mecca of this famous drink.

Making a mojito is very simple: it's a mixture of rum, lime, and spearmint (though mint also works), and it's all done in the same glass. However, there's a specific order of ingredients that you need to follow to make it smoothly and get it perfect, as it does require a bit of technique.

There's a variation of the mojito that involves adding a dash of Angostura bitters at the end, a spice commonly used in cocktails to add a touch of bitterness that enhances the flavor. However, this is entirely optional, and it will be delicious without it as well.

And finally, before we get to the recipe, remember that although the mojito is very tasty, we should always try to enjoy it in moderation.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Recipe Information

• Preparation time : 5 minutes
• Total time : 5 minutes
• Servings : 1
• Category : cocktail
• Type of cuisine : Cuban
• Calories per serving (kcal) : 176

Mojito ingredients for 1 person

• ½ lime or 25 ml of lime juice
• 2 teaspoons of white or brown sugar
• 10 leaves of spearmint or mint
• Crushed, ice cubes or cocktail ice
• 60 ml of white rum (preferably Cuban)
• 1 splash of sparkling water or soda
• A few drops of Angostura bitters (optional)
• 1 sprig of mint (for garnish)
• 1 lime wedge (for garnish)

Necessary utensils

• 1 wide, tall glass of approximately 300 ml
• 1 pylon
• 2 short straws

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

How to make a mojito

To prepare the mojito, we will start by taking half a lime, if we use it whole, and cut it into four pieces as seen in the photo (not into four wedges).

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Now we take a wide, tall glass with a capacity of approximately 300 ml and begin adding the ingredients. First comes the sugar, which can be white or brown, of which we will add 2 teaspoons.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Next, we'll add the spearmint, or mint if you don't have spearmint. Some people like to add the stems, while others prefer just the leaves. We'll go with the latter, as it's easier to prepare, and we'll leave the whole stem for garnish. Place about 10 spearmint or mint leaves in the glass.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Next, add the lime. If using a whole lime, place the four pre-cut lime wedges into the glass. Alternatively, you can use only lime juice, in which case add about 25 ml.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Next comes the most important part of the preparation: macerating these three ingredients. The technique is very simple: gently crush the ingredients in the glass with a pestle. This extracts the lime juice while simultaneously rubbing the mint leaves with the sugar to release their essential oils. Note: the goal is not to turn the mint into a paste; the leaves should remain fairly whole.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Once we notice an intense aroma of mint, we will fill the glass with crushed ice, also called a cocktail glass, almost to the top.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Next, we'll add the rum. A white rum is usually used, preferably Cuban, in both dry and aged versions. Use whichever you prefer. The standard amount is what's known as two measures, which is 60 ml. From there, adjust the amount to your liking.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

At this point we're going to take a spoon and mix very well to dissolve the rest of the sugar in the alcohol.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

All that remains is to add a splash of sparkling water or soda and, if desired, a touch of Angostura bitters to give it a slightly bitter note.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

When finished, if the ice has melted a lot, add a little more, give it one last stir with the spoon and it's ready.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

To serve, we can garnish it with a slice of lime and a sprig of spearmint or mint. Serve and enjoy immediately, along with two straws if desired.

Original Cuban Mojito Recipe

Easy-to-prepare summary

1. Cut half a lime into quarters
2. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar to the glass
3. Then, 10 leaves of spearmint or mint
4. And then the lime wedges
5. Crush to extract the lime juice and the mint flavor
6. Fill the glass with crushed ice
7. Add the 60 ml of white rum
8. Mix with a spoon
9. Add soda or sparkling water and optionally a few drops of Angostura bitters
10. Top up with more crushed ice and stir
11. Garnish and serve with two short straws

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