This Gin Mojito recipe is a fun twist on the traditional mojito, swapping gin for white rum in this refreshing cocktail.
A gin mojito cocktail still has the classic mojito citrus flavours of fresh lime juice and mint leaves that's finished off with sparkling water, but we are replacing the usual ingredient of rum with gin.
Gin is definitely my chosen tipple at the moment, and I love the mint and lime taste combination. These would be awesome summer cocktails, but equally good all year round (it's summer somewhere, right?).
I have also seen this cocktail referred to as a London mojito, probably due to most recipes calling for some type of London dry gin as an ingredient.
My take on the gin mojito is a simple, no-fuss version without any cocktail shakers, simple syrup or muddlers required either, apologies to the purists!
Table of Contents
Why you will love this gin mojito
- A refreshing summer drink (or any other time of the year!).
- Ideal if you would rather drink gin over rum - like me.
- Easy enough to make in the glass, no need for extra equipment.
What you need to make this recipe
*Please see the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions
- gin - I used Bombay Sapphire
- fresh mint leaves
- fresh lime juice
- white sugar
- soda water (club soda) - not tonic water
- ice
*Please see the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions
How to make gin mojitos
- Place mint leaves and sugar in a tall glass.
- Using a long-handled spoon, lightly muddle together the mint and sugar without breaking up the mint.
- Pour in lime juice and gin then stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Top with ice cubes and soda water then garnish and serve.
What is muddling
The term muddling means to bruise or lightly mash things like fruit or herbs (in this case fresh mint leaves) in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or a glass with a cocktail muddler, which is a long wooden tool with a rounded end for the purpose.
The process of muddling slightly bruises the leaves (or breaks down the fruit) which then intensifies their natural flavours.
Top tips for the best result
- You will need 1 - 2 limes for this recipe, depending on their size and if you are going to garnish your cocktail with lime. You need 1 ½ tablespoons (30ml/1 ounce) of juice.
- You don't need a muddler, anything that is tall enough to do the job (and is food-safe) with a rounded end will do.
- I just use a metal spoon, you could also use something like the handle of a wooden spoon (beware of cross-contamination if the wood isn't sealed though).
- Don't shred the mint leaves, just lightly bruise them to bring out the flavour.
- Use chilled soda water, that way the ice doesn't melt as much and dilute the drink.
Suggested garnishes for your gin mojito
- A sprig of fresh mint.
- Lime wedges or slices on the rim of the glasses.
Frequently asked questions
Cuba.
A virgin mojito is a mojito that doesn't contain alcohol.
Gin.
Other gin cocktail recipes you may enjoy
Margarita Gin Fizz - a fresh new take on the classic cocktail using the classic Cointreau and fresh lime and substituting gin for tequila.
Gin and Pineapple Juice Cocktail - a bright and fresh combination of gin and pineapple with coconut rum and fresh lime wheels.
📖 Recipe
Gin Mojito
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin I used Bombay Sapphire
- 30 ml fresh lime juice (see my notes)
- 10 fresh mint leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ice cubes to serve
- soda water (club soda) to fill
Watch me make this recipe
Instructions
- Place mint leaves and sugar in a tall glass.10 fresh mint leaves1 tablespoon sugar
- Using a long-handled spoon, lightly muddle together the mint and sugar without breaking up the mint.
- Add lime juice and gin then stir to dissolve the sugar.30 ml fresh lime juice60 ml gin
- Add ice cubes then top with soda water.ice cubessoda water (club soda)
- Garnish with extra lime or mint sprigs and serve.
Notes
- You will need 1 - 2 limes for this recipe, depending on their size and if you are going to use slices of lime to garnish your cocktail.
- You don't need a muddler, anything that is tall enough to do the job (and is food-safe) with a rounded end will do.
- I used a metal spoon, you could also use something like the handle of a wooden spoon (beware of cross-contamination if the wood isn't sealed).
- You don't want to shred the mint leaves into little pieces, just lightly bruise them to bring out the flavour. The end result will not be as pretty and there is no need to.
- I keep my soda water in the refrigerator, that way the ice doesn't melt as much in my cocktails and dilute the drink.
Gina
This was really easy to make and I loved the gin too. I'm going to make this for new years.
Lee-Ann
That's great Gina!