Virgin Mojito (Fresh Mint and Lime Mocktail)

How to Make Virgin Mojito (Fresh Mint and Lime Mocktail)

1. 1

   Step 1: Muddle mint, lime juice and syrup

   In a large pitcher (or a sturdy mixing glass), combine the mint leaves, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press and twist the mint a few times to release the oils — avoid shredding to keep bitterness low.

   For this step

   • 1 cupFresh mint leaves, loosely packed
   • 1/2 cupFresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
   • 1/3 cupSimple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Add crushed ice

   Add the crushed ice to the pitcher or divide it among four serving glasses. The ice chills rapidly and helps integrate the muddled mint mixture with the rest of the drink.

   For this step

   • 4 cupsCrushed ice
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Top with club soda and stir

   Pour chilled club soda over the ice and muddled mixture, dividing evenly if using glasses. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine and lift the mint leaves through the drink for aroma.

   For this step

   • 4 cupsClub soda or sparkling water, chilled
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Taste and adjust sweetness

   Taste one glass and adjust to preference — add a splash more simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or an extra squeeze of lime for more brightness. Stir again briefly to distribute any added syrup or juice.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Garnish and serve immediately

   Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint, giving the mint a light slap between your palms first to wake up the aroma. Serve the virgin mojitos immediately while fizzy and cold.

   For this step

   • 4 wedgesLime wedges, for garnish
   • 4 sprigsMint sprigs, for garnish
   

1. In a large pitcher (or a sturdy mixing glass), combine the mint leaves, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press and twist the mint a few times to release the oils — avoid shredding to keep bitterness low.
2. Add the crushed ice to the pitcher or divide it among four serving glasses. The ice chills rapidly and helps integrate the muddled mint mixture with the rest of the drink.
3. Pour chilled club soda over the ice and muddled mixture, dividing evenly if using glasses. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine and lift the mint leaves through the drink for aroma.
4. Taste one glass and adjust to preference — add a splash more simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or an extra squeeze of lime for more brightness. Stir again briefly to distribute any added syrup or juice.
5. Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint, giving the mint a light slap between your palms first to wake up the aroma. Serve the virgin mojitos immediately while fizzy and cold.