Crisp and refreshing, the vodka mojito is a fantastic alternative to the classic mojito. Made in a similar manner, this cocktail simply substitutes the mojito’s rum with vodka. The swap is a brilliant idea for drinkers who prefer the smooth, clean taste of top-shelf vodka. The liquor pairs equally well with the mojito’s sparkling minty-lime flavor and is just as quick and easy to mix up.
For this mojito, you’ll start with the typical muddle—the light mashing of ingredients using a muddler—of fresh mint and lime. The recipe is sweetened with rich simple syrup rather than sugar (though that is an option), and it’s easy to make at home.
When making the switch to vodka, skip the cubes and use crushed ice to soften the alcohol and thoroughly blend it with the other flavors. It’s also an excellent excuse to use a swizzle stick and churn the drink into an easy-drinking, frosty cocktail. Whether you swizzle it or stir like normal, the vodka mojito is an ideal summertime cocktail that can be adapted to taste with as many variations as its famous rum counterpart.
“A classic mojito that’s perfect for vodka lovers. The ratios are spot-on for a lightly sweet, lightly sour, bubbly, and refreshing cocktail—but feel free to adjust the ratios to suit your tastes. I’ll try adding a few fresh raspberries next time.” —Laurel Randolph
A Note From Our Recipe Tester
Ingredients
-
5 to 8 torn fresh mint leaves, plus whole leaves for garnish
-
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, from 1/2 lime
-
1/2 ounce rich simple syrup
-
2 ounces premium vodka
-
2 to 3 ounces club soda, to taste
-
Lime slice, for garnish
Steps to Make It
-
Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi
-
In a collins glass, add the torn mint leaves, juice of half a lime, and simple syrup. Muddle gently to release the herb’s essence.
The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi
-
Add the vodka and fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. Use a swizzle stick or bar spoon to churn the ingredients into a frosty mix.
The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi
-
Fill the glass with more crushed ice and top with club soda.
The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi
-
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime slice.
The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi
Tips
- Due to its clean, fresh flavor, the vodka mojito is best with premium vodka. Pour your favorite brand; one that you enjoy drinking straight is a good choice.
- Mint leaves vary in size, and you can add more or less according to your personal taste.
- Rich simple syrup is sweeter than standard simple syrup and made with two parts sugar and one part water.
- Muddlers are useful for a variety of cocktails beyond the mojito, including the old-fashioned and mint julep. If you don’t have a muddler, a spoon will work in this recipe, though it’s not as efficient at mashing fruits if you choose to add them.
Recipe Variations
- Rather than lime juice, muddle a few lime slices or wedges with the mint and simple syrup.
- If you don’t have simple syrup, use two teaspoons of white or raw granulated sugar. Muddle it with the lime juice until the sugar is completely dissolved, then add the mint and muddle gently.
- Citrus vodka is an excellent alternative to unflavored vodka. Other flavored vodkas, such as berry, coconut, or pineapple are fun, too.
- It’s easy to increase this recipe for quick party service. Like the rum-based pitcher mojito, use a mint simple syrup: Combine about one cup of mint syrup with an equal amount of fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 cups of vodka, and 2 cups of club soda. Adjust the ingredients to taste.
- Make a keto vodka mojito by using a sugar-free sweetener. You can even make keto simple syrup for cocktails; an allulose monk fruit sweetener works best and doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste.
- Add fresh seasonal fruits, such as a handful of berries or melon chunks to the muddle for a flavor twist.
- For a virgin mojito, skip the vodka and increase the mint, syrup, and soda.
How Strong Is a Vodka Mojito?
Most mojitos contain a moderate amount of alcohol, and this vodka mojito follows suit. When made with the standard 80-proof vodka, it should fall in the 11 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 22 proof) range. The crushed ice adds more dilution than cubes, which produces a slightly lighter drink. In any case, the vodka mojito is similar to drinking a glass of wine.
