Non-alcoholic mojito with sparkling water: the recipe that really works
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A non-alcoholic mojito made with sparkling water is just as good as the original—and almost no one who tries it can tell the difference. The key isn't in the ingredients, but in the order: muddled mint first, sparkling water last, and never the other way around. Here's the exact recipe.
Non-alcoholic mojitos have an unfairly bad reputation. Most of the time they turn out badly not because they lack rum, but because they're prepared hastily: unmuddled mint, lukewarm water, insufficient ice. The result is mint lemonade, not a mojito.
This recipe fixes that. It's the same one we make and the one we get asked for most often when we have guests.
Ingredients for 1 glass
• 10-12 fresh mint leaves (the more the better — don't be shy)
• The juice of 1 medium lime + 2 slices for garnish
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or 2 teaspoons of agave syrup
• Plenty of crushed ice — enough to fill the glass almost to the top
• 150 ml of very cold, fully carbonated sparkling water
Step-by-step preparation
1. Place the mint, lime juice, and sugar in the bottom of a glass. Muddle for about 20 seconds with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. The goal is to release the mint's essential oils—not to destroy the leaves. When you start to smell the mint strongly, it's ready.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice almost to the rim. The more ice, the longer the cocktail will stay cold and bubbly.
3. Add the sparkling water very slowly, pouring it down the side of the glass so as not to break the bubbles. Do not stir vigorously.
4. Gently swirl with a spoon, garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately.
The trick that makes all the difference
Freshly made sparkling water from your sparkling water maker has finer, more active bubbles than bottled water. For a mojito, use the highest carbonation setting available—the bubbles hold the ice much better, and the cocktail stays lively longer.
Variants for customization
• With red berries: add 4-5 strawberries or raspberries to step 1 along with the mint. The color is spectacular.
• With ginger: add a thin slice of fresh ginger while mashing. It adds a spicy kick that's addictive.
• Sugar-free version: replace the sugar with a few drops of liquid stevia. The flavor changes slightly, but it works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare it in advance?
Not quite. You can muddle the mint with the lime and sugar up to two hours beforehand and leave it in the refrigerator. But always add the sparkling water and ice right before serving—otherwise, the cocktail will be flat.
What do I do if I don't have crushed ice?
Put 4-5 ice cubes in a plastic bag and hit them with a rolling pin. Five hits are enough — there's no need to leave any powder.
In summary
Muddle the mint with the lime and sugar — that step is the soul of the mojito.
Fill with ice to the top before adding the water.
Pour the sparkling water down the side, without stirring vigorously.
Use freshly carbonated water at maximum carbonation to make it last longer.
Is your homemade sparkling water losing its fizz too quickly? It could be that the cylinder is low. With Congas Soda Club , we'll let you know before that happens—and the cylinder will be delivered right to your door.