If you’re looking for a refreshing drink that’s lower in calories and doesn’t skimp on flavor, this virgin mojito recipe is for you! Made with mint, lime juice, and sparkling water, this mocktail is perfect for baby showers, wedding showers, and other types of gatherings, or anytime you want a delicious non-alcoholic beverage. And the best part? It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your taste. So whether you like your drinks sweet or tart, this mojito recipe is sure to please. It’s the perfect drink!
What is a Virgin Mojito?
A virgin mojito is the non-alcoholic version of the popular Cuban drink, mojito. While a classic mojito cocktail is made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint, the virgin mojito is served without any alcohol. It’s a refreshing drinks most popular during hot summer days because of its cooling properties.
Can I Drink Virgin Mojito When Pregnant?
Yes, this recipe is safe to drink during pregnancy as it is alcohol-free. However, be sure to use sugar-free alternatives if you are watching your sugar intake.
Virgin Mojito Ingredients
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to muddle the mint leaves and give the drink some sweetness.
- Fresh mint leaves: Mint is what gives a mojito its refreshing flavor. By muddling the mint leaves, you release their essential oils and infuse the drink with extra mintiness. Mint leaves can help to soothe an upset stomach, relieve nausea, and even aid in digestion.
- Fresh lime juice: Lime juice is a key ingredient in any mojito, Virgin or not. It adds a tart, citrusy flavor that is refreshing and delicious, especially on a hot day. Lime juice is also packed with vitamin C, which makes it a great choice for a healthier drink option.
- Simple syrup: Simple syrup helps to sweeten the drink and balance out the tartness of the lime juice. Simple syrup is easy to make at home or can be purchased at most grocery stores.
- Sparkling water: Sparkling water adds a refreshing effervescence to the drink and helps to balance the sweetness and tartness of the drink.
- Non-alcoholic rum: Non-alcoholic rum is becoming more widely available, or can be purchased online through non-alcoholic drink stores such as Nanobar. It mimics the aromatics of what can be found in traditional rum, like vanilla and citrus.
- Lime wedges or slices: Only a couple are needed as a garnish.
Ingredient Substitutions
There are a few substitutions that can be made for this virgin mojito mocktail. If you don’t have mint leaves, you can use mint extract or peppermint extract. You can also substitute the lime juice for lemon juice.
You can use ginger ale instead of sparkling water but make sure it’s high quality ginger ale and I suggest using less simple syrup as well, otherwise the drink might end up being too sweet.
If you don’t have or do not like simple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can always substitute with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
How To Make Virgin Mojito (Instructions)
Scroll all the way down to the recipe card to get the full recipe.
- In a mortar or a small bowl, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together.
- Split the muddled mint mixture between two serving glasses and top with lime juice, simple syrup, non-alcoholic rum, and sparkling water.
- Stir well and garnish with lime slices or mint sprigs. Enjoy!
What You Can Make Ahead Of Time
If you are about to throw a party and would like to get some of the prepping out of the way before the guests arrive, muddle the mint leaves and lime juice together before adding the other ingredients.
This will help to keep the drink fresh and prevent the mint leaves from getting brown. You can skip the granulated sugar and only use simple syrup. You may need to add a little extra simple syrup for sweetness but taste it first and see how you like it.
If you want to make a larger batch, simply double or triple the recipe.
What To Serve With Virgin Mojitos
Bright and refreshing flavors pair nicely with a lite fare. Think lots of small plates, finger foods, chilled dishes and nothing too heavy.
Some of my favorite party foods I like to pair with both cocktails and mockails are:
- California rolls
- Gluten free cauliflower crust pizza alla margherita
- Flaky cheese and sriracha pinwheels
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Guasacaca
- Castella cake
Have you ever tried a Virgin Mojito? Did you enjoy this non-alcoholic mojito recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
PrintVirgin Mojito
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 drinks 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Muddling
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Made with mint, lime juice, and sparkling water, this mocktail is perfect for baby showers, wedding showers, and other types of gatherings, or anytime you want a delicious non-alcoholic beverage.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Handful mint leaves
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 2 shots of non-alcoholic rum (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Lime slices, wedges, or mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the sugar and mint leaves to a pestle and mortar and muddle the mint to release their juices. If you don’t have a pestle and mortar you can use a bowl and a muddler or a wooden spoon to muddle the leaves.
- Divide the lime juice, simple syrup, muddled leaves and sugar among 2 glasses, and stir.
- Add the non-alcoholic rum, if you are using some, and stir.
- Top with a few ice cubes and some sparkling water.
- Garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of mint and serve.
Notes
For a low-sugar virgin mojito, use sugar-free alternatives such as stevia or monk fruit.
To prevent the mint leaves from turning brown, muddle them with lime juice instead of sugar. This is a good trick if you want to do the prepping early and enjoy the mocktail later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 57
- Sugar: 13.8g
- Sodium: 0.7mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15.9g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg