Virgin Mojito Recipe
Mint, lime, sugar and soda. A Mojito without the rum.
The Virgin Mojito, also called a Nojito, is the alcohol-free version of the Mojito: fresh mint, lime juice and sugar syrup over crushed ice, topped with soda water. It is sharp, minty and refreshing, and it is one of the most ordered mocktails in the world.
Ingredients
- 10 leaves Fresh mint
- 30 ml Fresh lime juice
- 20 ml Sugar syrup
- 120 ml Soda water To top up
- 1 sprig Mint For the garnish
Garnish: Mint sprig and lime wheel
How to Make a Virgin Mojito
- Put the mint leaves, lime juice and sugar syrup in a highball glass.
- Press the mint gently with a muddler five or six times.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir from the bottom to lift the mint through the drink.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.
Tips for a Better Virgin Mojito
- Press the mint gently. Shredding it releases bitterness.
- For the sweeter Indian cafe style, use lemon-lime soda and cut the sugar syrup to 5ml.
- A pinch of salt or black salt makes the lime taste brighter.
About the Virgin Mojito
The Virgin Mojito follows the Cuban Mojito exactly and simply leaves out the rum. The original drink grew out of Havana's bars in the early 20th century, and the alcohol-free version spread with it as the Mojito became a global order in the 1990s and 2000s.
It is especially popular in India and the Middle East, where it is a fixture of cafe, restaurant and wedding menus and is often made with lemon-lime soda in place of soda water. In the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia it has become a default choice for drivers, for Dry January and for the growing number of people who are drinking less.
Because it relies on fresh mint and lime, not on an alcohol substitute, it is one of the few mocktails that tastes complete without the spirit.
Virgin Mojito Variations
- Classic Mojito: add 40ml of white rum.
- Strawberry Virgin Mojito: muddle 3 strawberries with the mint.
- Watermelon Virgin Mojito: add 60ml of fresh watermelon juice.
- Ginger Virgin Mojito: ginger ale in place of soda water.
- Masala Virgin Mojito: add a pinch of chaat masala and black salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Virgin Mojito?
How many calories are in a Virgin Mojito?
What is the difference between a Mojito and a Virgin Mojito?
Should you use soda water or Sprite?
How do you make a jug of Virgin Mojito?
Can you make a Virgin Mojito ahead of time?
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