3 Mojito Mocktail Recipes to Try Out This Summer

There's nothing like enjoying a cold beverage on a hot day. Mojitos in particular are a popular way to beat the heat. Find out more about making a mojito mocktail to keep cool without alcohol.

What is a mojito?

A mojito is a cocktail that originated in Cuba. It is a refreshing and citrusy drink traditionally made with rum, lime juice, sugar, soda water, and fresh mint leaves. However, they can easily be converted into a mocktail by either omitting the rum or substituting a zero-proof rum alternative.

The combination of sweet, tart, and minty flavors makes it a popular choice for warm weather or summer gatherings. Mojitos are often served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime.

3 considerations for choosing the right zero-proof rum for a mojito mocktail

While the flavor profile can differ across brands and types, all rums tend to share certain characteristics. These factors are no different for their non-alcoholic counterparts.  

If you decide to use a zero-proof rum alternative for your mojito mocktail, what should you consider? Check out these features:

1. Sweetness

Sugars typically derived from sugarcane and molasses give zero-proof rum a sweet flavor profile. These sugars are typically derived from molasses or sugarcane. The sweetness can range from subtle to pronounced, depending on the rum.

2. Caramel and vanilla

Many non-alcoholic rums exhibit notes of caramel and vanilla, which contribute to their smooth and rich taste. The addition of spices and flavorings can recreate the barrel-oak aging of their alcoholic counterparts.

3. Spices

Certain types of non-alcoholic rum, such as spiced rum, may contain added spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger. These spices impart warmth and additional flavor nuances to the rum.

3 mojito mocktails

Ready to get started with your mojito mocktail mixology? Here are three different Mojito mocktail recipes you can try out this summer:

Classic Mojito Mocktail

Your mood: When you feel like experiencing something tried and true

Ingredients:

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Optional: 2 oz of zero-proof rum
• 1 cup club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add lime juice, simple syrup, zero-proof rum (if using), and ice to the shaker.
3. Shake well.
4. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint leaves.

Strawberry Mojito Mocktail

Your mood: When you're in a "berry" good mood

Ingredients:

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 2-3 fresh strawberries, sliced
• Optional: 2 oz zero-proof rum
• 1 cup club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, and sliced strawberries in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add simple syrup, zero-proof rum (if using), and ice to the shaker.
3. Shake well.
4. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a strawberry and fresh mint leaves.

Pineapple Mojito Mocktail

Your mood: When you're imagining a tropical locale

Ingredients:

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 2-3 chunks of fresh pineapple
• Optional: 2 oz zero-proof rum
• 1 cup club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, and pineapple chunks in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add simple syrup, zero-proof rum (if using), and ice to the shaker.
3. Shake well.
4. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a pineapple chunk and fresh mint leaves.

Enjoy your tasty mojito mocktails!