Easy Gin Mojitos – 5 Minute Twist On A Classic Mojito

If you have ever tasted a classic mojito, you know how refreshing and bright one can be, and these gin mojitos have nothing to lose over the classic Cuban cocktail! Imagine swapping rum for gin, and you will get a fun twist that is even more botanical and light gin mojito cocktail.

Simona has always been the one to order mojitos when we went out. I am more of a vodka kinda gal, but I must admit that this gin mojito sprite really opened up the scene! After making these delicious blue mojitos and trying our hand at making a mojito mocktail, we couldn’t miss trying this gin coctail recipe.

Why will you like these gin mojitos?

• they are a refreshing, fun twist on a classic mojito;
• easy and quick to make;
• a more herbaceous and bright cocktail recipe.

What is a mojito?

Mojito is a classic cocktail originating from Cuba, renowned for its refreshing and invigorating flavour profile. Traditionally made with five key ingredients – white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint – the mojito is a beloved drink that captures the essence of tropical relaxation, perfect in summer, but it’s also widely drank all year round.

Mojito’s roots trace back to the 16th century. One theory suggests that an early version of the drink was created by indigenous South American peoples. However, the more widely accepted origin story involves the English sea captain and pirate Sir Francis Drake. His crew concocted a primitive version of the mojito using a crude form of rum, lime, sugar, and mint to ward off dysentery and scurvy.

The drink evolved over the centuries, particularly in Havana, where it became a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The modern mojito, with its precise balance of ingredients, gained international fame in the 20th century, particularly through its association with Ernest Hemingway, who was known to enjoy the cocktail at the famed La Bodeguita del Medio Bar in Havana.

This recipe for gin mojitos is a take on a Cuban classic, using gin instead of the classic rum, but with the same idea of a refreshing and tasty drink in mind.

What is gin?

Gin is a clear distilled spirit made from grain (corn, rye, barley and wheat) and botanicals and the main ingredient for these gin mojitos. The main ingredient and distinctive flavour of gin is juniper berries. Other botanicals used for gin can be coriander, lavender, citrus peel, ginger, bay leaf and angelica root, among others. Gin has been a popular alcoholic beverage for centuries and dates back to the 16th century in the Netherlands, where Dr Sylvius created it. From martinis to gin and tonics and negroni, gin is one of the most popular drinks and mixers for cocktails.

There are many styles and varieties of gin that you can use for different purposes:

• Genever: Dutch and Belgian version of gin, distilled from malted grain and originally used for medicinal purposes. Often aged in oak caskets. Comes in two versions: old (sweet and aromatic) and young (dryer and lighter body);
• London dry gin: one of the most popular and most produced, also what we will be using in this gin mojito recipe. It’s flowery, aromatic, very dry and juniper-forward in taste, and the one most preferred for making cocktails;
• Plymouth gin: clear, slightly fruity, very aromatic and full-bodied. Only produced in Plymouth, England. It’s often preferred for fruity cocktails;
• Old Tom gin: a sweeter version of the London dry gin. Mixed with simple syrup and with notes of citrus;
• New western dry gin: modern gins released in the 2000s, with fewer notes of juniper. created with vodka and modern cocktail drinkers in mind. (The Spruce Eats).

What ingredients do I need to make the gin mojitos?

To make gin mojitos you will need:

• gin: the main ingredient and what will give the drink its botanical and herbaceous notes;
• fresh lime juice: this will add a bright flavor note to your gin mojito, providing the essential citrusy tang;
• fresh mint leaves: essential for a mojito, adding a cooling, aromatic flavour that pairs perfectly with the lime. When muddled, mint releases its essential oils, enhancing the drink’s refreshing qualities;
• sugar: adds sweetness and complements the tartness of the lime juice while also enhancing the gin;
• ice cubes: helps to serve your gin mojitos at the perfect temperature;
• sprite: to top up your drink, which will add the bubbles;
• mint leaves & lime slices to garnish.

How to make a gin mojito?

To begin your london mojito, divide the mint leaves and sugar between the two glasses. Then gently muddle with the back of a wooden spoon to release the mint oils. Add the gin and the fresh lime juice to each glass. Then stir to dissolve the sugar.

Fill the glasses with ice cubes and top up with soda water. Give a gentle stir, add the extra fresh mint leaves and lime slices to garnish and serve!

Do you have more gin cocktail recipes and other drinks?

• cantaloupe melon gin cocktail: refreshing, slightly sweet, and so tasty you can’t but ask for more;
• blueberry gin cocktail: a refreshing cocktail for summer, perfect beside bbq recipes;
• this brilliant apple cider vinegar mocktail, packed with fresh raspberries;
• lavender mocktail which is unbelievably delicious;
• the freshest pineapple basil mocktail to sip on this summer;
• this beautifully simple sparkling grapefruit mocktail for the ages.
• green apple mocktail: offers the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess;
• this chic Cosmopolitan mocktail to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw;
• a lovely and refreshing cucumber basil mocktail, the perfect way to enjoy cucumber in summer;
• this delicious apple fizz mocktail: a taste of fall in a glass;
• the delicious alcohol-free version of this Aperol Spritz mocktail has nothing on the alcoholic counterpart;
• a yummy blueberry mojito mocktail you won’t be able to put down this non-alcoholic mojito;
• blueberry mojito mocktail: nothing beats the powerhouse of blueberries paired with lime and sugar.

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