Original Cuban Mojito Recipe (Refreshing Classic Cocktail) 2026

Isabel Gaines
Original Cuban Mojito Recipe (Refreshing Classic Cocktail) - grandgoldman.com
This page may contain affiliate links.

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.

Homemade Cuban MojitoOriginal 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

Mojito ingredientsOriginal 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).

Cut the lime for a mojitoOriginal 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.

Add sugar to the mojitoOriginal 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.

Add mint to the mojitoOriginal 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.

Add the lime to the mojitoOriginal 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.

Crush the limeOriginal 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.

Fill the mojito with iceOriginal 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.

Add rum to the mojitoOriginal 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.

Stir the mojitoOriginal 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.

Add a splash of soda or sparkling waterOriginal 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.

Top up the mojito with iceOriginal 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.

Garnish the mojito with lime and mint.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

 

30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home

Universal Meals: Recipes

If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.

Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.

For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.

When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.

For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.

And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

 

More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family

This may contain: a group of people sitting around a table eating food

Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.

The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook regularly because they save time while still producing great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

For anyone avoiding wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe proves that classic baked pasta dishes can still be rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying without gluten.

Gluten free Empanada Dough Recipe 🍕 Fluffy Apple Cake Recipe 🍔 Langos Hungarian Fried Bread Recipe 🌭 Gluten Free French Brioche Recipe 🍟 Madeira British Sponge Cake Recipe 🌮 Chocolate Argentinian Cookies Alfajores Recipe 🌯 Barmbrack Irish Sweet Bread Recipe 🥙 Gluten free Cookies Recipe 🥗 Homemade cream Maruxas Galician Biscuit Recipe 🍝 Japanese Dumplings Gyoza Dough Recipe

American Gluten Free Cookies Recipe 🍜 Gluten Free King Cake Recipe 🍲 Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe 🍛 Extremadura Style Chard Recipe 🍣 Keto Sliced Sandwich Bread Recipe 🍱 Gluten Free Waffles Recipe 🍤 Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe 🍗 Gluten Free Bread Rolls Recipe 🍖 Flourless Gluten Free Bread Buns Recipe 🥓 Protein Ice Cream Recipe 🥞 Chia Pudding Dessert with Seeds Recipe

Fluffy Cloud Bread Pan Nube Recipe 🧇 Quinoa Bread Recipe 🍞 Schiacciata Tuscan Focaccia Flat Bread Recipe 🥐 Shokupan Japanese Milk Bread Recipe 🥨 Potato Sandwich Bread Recipe 🧀 Homemade Breadsticks Recipe 🍳 Stollen German Dried Fruits Cake Recipe 🥚 French Gingerbread Spiced Cake Recipe 🍰 Gluten Free Pancakes Recipe

🥔 Potato-omelet-in-Thermomix 🍓 Smores-Sandwich-Dessert 🍰 Womens-Day-Mimosa-cakeCoffee-Sorbet 🍆 Eggplant-pizza 🍋 Ciambella-Italian-Lemon-Cake 🥖 Zapiekanka-Polish-Snack 🌰 Dukkah-Egyptian-Nuts-Mix 🧆 Best-Hummus 🥑 Best-Avocado


Latest Reviews
Best Poison for Racoon | Best Spy Camera Watch | Best Bag for MGI Zip Navigator | Best Low Level CO Detector | Best Camera for MEVO Plus | Best Sun Lamp for Tanning

Isabel Gaines

Author

Isabel Gaines

As a former restaurant owner turned reporter, Isabel brings a unique perspective to Grand Goldman. With decades of experience, her articles on cooking and homemaking are both informative and engaging, reflecting her deep knowledge and love for all things culinary.



Get Lifetime Access to the Lastest Movies, with Exclusive Offers & Free Express Order Delivery.

PlayHot Portable Handheld Personal Fan Review - grandgoldman.com

PlayHot Portable Handheld Personal Fan Review

If you’re searching for a lightweight, ultra-portable cooling solution for travel, office desks, or hot summer outdoor moments, the PlayHot Portabl...

Read
Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner Review - grandgoldman.com

Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner Review (What I Found)

Owning a reliable spot cleaning machine is one of the smartest investments for households dealing with accidental spills, pet messes, or upholstery...

Read
AUTOMAN Adjustable Garden Hose Nozzle Review - grandgoldman.com

AUTOMAN Adjustable Garden Hose Nozzle Review

When searching for a reliable garden hose accessory that delivers precision water control, durability, and comfortable handling, many homeowners an...

Read
HOMESURE Strong Storage Bags Review - grandgoldman.com

HOMESURE Strong Storage Bags Review

Over the years reviewing home organization gear for Grandgoldman.com, I’ve found that many storage solutions fail because they sacrifice durability...

Read
LEVOIT Core 200S Smart Air Purifier Review - grandgoldman.com

LEVOIT Core 200S Smart Air Purifier Review (You Must See This)

As someone who regularly reviews home air quality products, I spent time analyzing the LEVOIT Core 200S Smart Air Purifier for performance, usabili...

Read
Dreo Velocity Oscillating Tower Fan Review - grandgoldman.com

Dreo Velocity Oscillating Tower Fan Review

When summer heat hits or indoor air feels stagnant, a powerful tower fan becomes one of the most practical cooling upgrades for a home or office. A...

Read
Shark HV302 Rocket Ultra-Light Vacuum Review - grandgoldman.com

Shark HV302 Rocket Ultra-Light Vacuum Review

If you’re searching for a lightweight vacuum that delivers strong suction without the bulk of a traditional upright, the Shark HV302 Rocket Ultra-L...

Read
GENIANI Electric Heating Pad Review - grandgoldman.com

GENIANI Electric Heating Pad Review (Read Before You Buy)

Chronic back pain, menstrual cramps, stiff shoulders, and muscle soreness affect millions of people every day. As someone who regularly tests home ...

Read
AmazonBasics Oscillating Standing Fan Review - grandgoldman.com

AmazonBasics Oscillating Standing Fan Review (Must Read)

Finding a reliable pedestal fan that delivers strong airflow, quiet operation, and long-term durability can be surprisingly difficult. After testin...

Read
LEVOIT Classic Smart Bedside Fan Review - grandgoldman.com

LEVOIT Classic Smart Bedside Fan Review (Things to know)

Getting consistent airflow at night can dramatically improve sleep quality, especially in warm bedrooms or poorly ventilated apartments. After test...

Read