Mojito, drink from Cuba: what it is and how it is eaten

Mojito is a classic Cuban drink made by mixing white rum, fresh lime juice, mint, sugar, and sparkling water, served cold over ice. Its refreshing mix of citrus, sweetness, and mint makes it especially popular in warm weather. The mojito is closely tied to Havana and is enjoyed in many countries, often as a summer cocktail.

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Originated in Havana, Cuba
Made with white rum, lime, mint, sugar, and soda water
Traditionally uses yerba buena mint in Cuba
Served cold over ice in a tall glass
Named most popular cocktail in Britain and France in 2016

What is Mojito?

A mojito is a mixed drink that combines white rum, lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, and sparkling water, all poured over ice. The drink is usually garnished with a sprig of mint or a wedge of lime. Its flavor is a blend of bright citrus, cool mint, and gentle sweetness, balanced by the warmth of rum. The mint is gently pressed to release its aroma, giving the drink a fresh, herbal note. Served in a tall glass, the mojito is clear to pale green, with visible mint leaves and lime.

Where does Mojito come from?

The mojito traces its roots to Havana, Cuba, but its beginnings are debated. Some stories link it to early remedies made from sugarcane spirit, lime, sugarcane juice, and mint, which were used to treat illnesses. Another account credits a drink called 'El Draque', made with brandy, as a forerunner. Over time, rum replaced other spirits as it became more available. The name may come from 'mojo', a lime-based Cuban seasoning, or from the Spanish word for 'wet'. The mojito is often linked to Ernest Hemingway and the bar La Bodeguita del Medio, though this connection is not certain.

How is Mojito made?

To make a mojito, fresh lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves are placed in a glass and gently pressed with a muddler to release the mint's oils without tearing the leaves. White rum is then added, followed by ice. The mixture is stirred lightly to blend the flavors and dissolve the sugar. Finally, sparkling water is poured in to top up the drink, and it is garnished with more mint or a slice of lime. In Cuba, a mild, citrus-scented mint called yerba buena is traditional, while spearmint is common elsewhere.

How and when is Mojito eaten?

Mojitos are enjoyed as a cooling drink, especially in hot weather or at social gatherings. They are served in tall glasses, often with a straw, and are typically sipped slowly to enjoy the layered flavors. The drink is not tied to a particular meal or time of day, but is popular at bars, parties, and outdoor events. Mojitos may be paired with light snacks or Cuban dishes, but are mostly appreciated on their own for refreshment.

Kinds of Mojito

Many versions of the mojito exist. Some bars in Havana use powdered sugar or simple syrup instead of granulated sugar for easier mixing. Flavored versions include the rose mojito, which uses rose-flavored spirit, and the Cojito, which adds coconut flavor. A dirty mojito swaps in gold rum and raw or demerara sugar for a deeper taste. In Mexico, tequila can replace rum, while in Peru, fruits like grapefruit or passionfruit are added. Other fruits and even gin or tonic have been used to create new twists.

What Mojito means

The mojito is a symbol of Cuban hospitality and is widely recognized as a classic cocktail. It has been associated with famous figures and legendary bars, especially in Havana. In 2016, it was named the most popular cocktail in Britain and France by a market survey. The drink is also part of the official list of cocktails recognized by the International Bartenders Association. Its image is tied to summer, relaxation, and Cuban culture.

Questions people ask about Mojito

What is a mojito made of?

A mojito is made with white rum, lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, sparkling water, and ice. The mint is gently pressed to release its flavor, and the drink is served cold in a tall glass.

Where did the mojito come from?

The mojito comes from Havana, Cuba. Its origins are linked to early Cuban drinks that mixed sugarcane spirit, lime, sugar, and mint, and it has become a symbol of Cuban cocktail culture.

What kind of mint is used in a mojito?

In Cuba, mojitos are usually made with yerba buena, a mild, citrus-scented mint. Outside Cuba, spearmint is often used instead, which has a stronger minty aroma.

Are there different types of mojitos?

Yes, there are many variations. Some use different sugars or syrups, add fruits like grapefruit or passionfruit, or swap rum for other spirits like tequila or gin. Coconut and rose flavors are also found in some versions.

Is a mojito alcoholic?

A traditional mojito contains white rum and is alcoholic. However, non-alcoholic versions are also made by leaving out the rum.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Mojito", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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