Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, crisp, and incredibly refreshing
- Made with just a few easy-to-find ingredients
- Perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike
- No alcohol, making it safe for all ages and occasions
- Ready in minutes with no special equipment needed
- Easily customizable to your taste
- Can be served still or sparkling
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan
- Great for summer entertaining or everyday sipping
- Looks beautiful when garnished with fresh mint and lime
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh lime juice
- Sugar, honey, or simple syrup (to taste)
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: lime wedges, mint sprigs
Directions
- In a sturdy glass, add mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar.
- Gently muddle with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the mint’s flavor.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
- Serve immediately and enjoy chilled.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 to 2 servings and takes about 5 minutes to prepare.
Variations
- Fruity Mojito: Add berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Cucumber Mojito: Add thin cucumber slices for a refreshing twist.
- Coconut Mojito: Use coconut water instead of soda for a tropical version.
- Lemon Mojito: Swap lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus note.
- Frozen Mojito: Blend ingredients with ice for a slushy-style mojito.
- Mint-Lime Sparkler: Add lemon-lime soda instead of sparkling water for extra sweetness and fizz.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute or skip sweetener entirely.
- Herb Blend: Add a bit of basil for a complex herbal flavor.
- Mojito Iced Tea: Mix with chilled green tea for a refreshing tea mocktail.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. If needed, prepare the lime-mint-sugar base and store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add ice and sparkling water just before serving.
- Reheating: Not applicable. This is a cold, fizzy drink that should always be served chilled.
FAQs
What is a virgin mojito?
A virgin mojito is a non-alcoholic version of the mojito, made with mint, lime, sweetener, and soda water.
Is this drink healthy?
Yes, it’s low in calories, hydrating, and made with fresh, natural ingredients.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled juice can work if you’re in a pinch.
What’s the best mint to use?
Spearmint is commonly used, but any fresh mint variety will work.
How do I make it less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar or skip it entirely for a lighter version.
Can I make a big batch?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher. Add mint and lime slices just before serving.
Can I use still water instead of sparkling?
You can, but the fizz is part of the classic mojito experience. Still water makes it milder.
Do I have to muddle the mint?
Muddling helps release the oils and flavor, but you can also finely chop the mint if needed.
Can kids drink this?
Yes, it’s completely alcohol-free and great for kids and teens.
Can I mix this with fruit juice?
Absolutely! Try pineapple, orange, or apple juice for added flavor.
Conclusion
The Virgin Mojito is the ultimate non-alcoholic refresher—cool, citrusy, and bursting with minty flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a simple treat on a hot day, this mocktail delivers all the fun of a classic mojito with none of the alcohol. Quick to make, beautiful to serve, and endlessly customizable, it’s a drink you’ll reach for again and again.
PrintVirgin Mojito
The Virgin Mojito is a non-alcoholic version of the classic Cuban cocktail, made with fresh mint, lime juice, a touch of sweetness, and topped with sparkling water. It’s a crisp, cool, and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 to 2 servings
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Muddled
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar, honey, or simple syrup (to taste)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: lime wedges, mint sprigs
Instructions
- In a sturdy glass, add mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar.
- Gently muddle the mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release its flavor.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.
- Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference or use a sugar substitute.
- Add fruits like berries or cucumber slices for variations.
- Muddle gently to avoid tearing the mint too much, which can make the drink bitter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1.25 cups)
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg