If you do have a muddler, make sure it is made of unfinished wood. Anything that has been varnished or lacquered will eventually wear down, and the finish will end up in your drinks. [2] X Research source
Make sure you remove the leaves from the stems, as these will also give the drink a bitter taste. Spearmint is the type of mint most often used in a mojito, but you can experiment with peppermint or pineapple mint for different flavors.
Muddling the leaves with sugar will allow the oils to seep into the sugar, adding more depth to the drink. [8] X Research source
The simple syrup will make your drink sweet all the way through, as sugar won’t dissolve completely in cold liquids. You can skip the simple syrup and just go with the granulated sugar, just be aware it might all sit at the bottom of your glass. Turbinado sugar has a slight molasses flavor some people really like, but the grains are too big to dissolve in a cold drink. If you want to use it, you’ll have to grind it in a spice or coffee grinder first.
Cut the lime in half and place one half in an open hinged hand-held lemon or lime squeezer. The flat part of the lime should be facing the round bottom of the inner cup. There should be little holes on the bottom of the cup for the juice to strain through. [11] X Research source Hold the squeezer over a bowl or glass. Close the squeezer, bringing the top cup down on the lime. Squeeze the arms of the juicer together. As the top cup presses down on the lime, it will turn it inside-out and the juice the lime. [12] X Research source
Cut the lime in half and place one half in an open hinged hand-held lemon or lime squeezer. The flat part of the lime should be facing the round bottom of the inner cup. There should be little holes on the bottom of the cup for the juice to strain through. [11] X Research source Hold the squeezer over a bowl or glass. Close the squeezer, bringing the top cup down on the lime. Squeeze the arms of the juicer together. As the top cup presses down on the lime, it will turn it inside-out and the juice the lime. [12] X Research source
If you want to deviate from the classic Mojito, now is the time! Try adding apple juice, pink grapefruit juice, lemonade, strawberry puree, or other fruit juices. You might come up with some really surprising and delicious flavor combinations![13] X Research source
Crushed ice will cool your drink faster, but it also means it will melt faster. [14] X Research source Make ice cubes with muddled leaves of mint frozen inside, so as the ice cubes melt, the mint flavor seeps into your drink.
Garnish your drink with a leftover sprig of mint or a lime wedge or wheel, or even a swizzle-stick of rock candy. [16] X Research source If the mojito is too tart, add the extra 1 teaspoon of sugar or more simple syrup and stir. Tonic water can be used instead of club soda, but the taste will be more bitter.
