A refreshing, alcohol-free take on the classic Cuban cocktail, this virgin mojito bursts with bright lime, cooling mint, and delicate bubbles—perfect for hot afternoons, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want a sophisticated drink without the spirits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zero alcohol, maximum flavor: All the zing of a traditional mojito without the rum.
Five-minute prep: No complicated techniques—just muddle, stir, and sip.
Naturally versatile: Adjust sweetness, swap sweeteners, or infuse extra fruit with ease.
Crowd-pleasing: Scales beautifully from a single glass to a full pitcher.
Hydrating and light: Sparkling water keeps it crisp while fresh mint and lime deliver a cooling boost.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh mint leaves
Freshly squeezed lime juice
Simple syrup (or granulated sugar)
Chilled club soda or sparkling water
Ice cubes
Lime wheels and extra mint sprigs for garnish

directions

Muddle mint & lime: In a sturdy glass, gently muddle 8–10 mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup until the leaves release their oils. Avoid shredding the mint.
Add ice: Fill the glass three-quarters full with ice cubes.
Top with bubbles: Pour chilled club soda over the ice, leaving a little room at the top.
Stir & garnish: Give the drink a quick stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig.
Serve immediately: Enjoy while cold and effervescent.

Servings and timing

Yield: 1 standard 12-ounce glass
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
(For a crowd, multiply ingredient quantities and prepare in a pitcher; timing increases only slightly.)

Variations

Berry Mojito: Add 3–4 fresh strawberries or raspberries to the muddle for a fruity twist.
Cucumber Mint Cooler: Sub half the lime juice with cucumber juice and garnish with cucumber ribbons.
Citrus Splash: Replace half the club soda with grapefruit or lemon-lime sparkling water for extra zing.
Coconut Mojito: Swap club soda for coconut water and sweeten with coconut sugar for tropical flair.
Herbal Blend: Mix in a few basil leaves with the mint for layered herbal complexity.

storage/reheating

Make-ahead syrup: You can prep the lime-mint base (mint, lime juice, syrup) up to 24 hours ahead; keep it chilled and strained of mint bits for best color.
Holding a finished drink: Once mixed with ice and soda, quality declines after 30 minutes as the bubbles fade. Mix just before serving.
Reheating? Not applicable—serve this beverage cold only.

FAQs

What’s the best mint to use?

Spearmint is traditional; its sweet, mild flavor pairs perfectly with lime.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Freshly squeezed is strongly recommended for brightness, but high-quality 100 % bottled juice works in a pinch.

How sweet should the drink be?

Start with 1 tablespoon simple syrup; adjust to taste after topping with soda.

Is there a sugar-free option?

Yes—replace simple syrup with monk fruit or stevia syrup, adjusting to your preferred sweetness.

How do I scale the recipe for a party?

Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings; muddle mint and lime in a pitcher, add ice, then pour soda just before serving.

Can I crush the ice?

Crushed ice looks festive and chills faster, but it also dilutes more quickly; use cubes for a slower melt.

What kind of sparkling water is best?

Plain club soda keeps flavors clean, but flavored sparkling waters (lime, lemon-lime) add an extra layer of zest.

Why muddle gently instead of chopping mint?

Bruising releases essential oils without extracting bitter chlorophyll that can cloud flavor and color.

Can I prepare a “dry mix” ahead?

Combine lime juice and simple syrup in advance, but keep mint leaves separate until muddling to preserve freshness.

How long will leftover lime-mint base last?

Stored airtight in the refrigerator, the base retains good flavor for up to 48 hours.

Conclusion

This Virgin Mojito with Mint and Lime offers a crisp, invigorating sip that suits any season. With minimal ingredients, quick assembly, and endless room for variation, it’s a dependable staple for entertaining or solo refreshment. Cheers to a spirited taste—minus the spirits!