Virgin mojito is a refreshing mocktail made with fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and club soda. Learn how to make this quick and easy mocktail at home within a few minutes!
If you are on the lookout for quick, easy, and refreshing beverages to beat the summer heat, you ought to try this easy virgin mojito recipe. The cool and refreshing flavor of mint leaves, the tanginess from the lime juice, and the sweetness of the castor sugar combine to create the perfect invigorating drink!
We love a good mojito and it happens to be one of our favorite cocktails. The alcohol-free version is just as good as the classic cocktail. You can enjoy it without getting intoxicated. It is perfect for your next backyard party, get-together, or summer BBQ!
- Why you will love this Nojito mocktail?
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Variations
- Top tips
- FAQ
- You might also enjoy these easy summer coolers
- Virgin Mojito Recipe
Why you will love this Nojito mocktail?
You will love this easy mocktail recipe as it;
- Is a quick and easy non-alcoholic beverage that everyone can enjoy!
- Does not need special bar tools
- Has a refreshing minty and citrusy taste
- Is perfect for cooling you down during the hot summer days
- Is a lot more economical to prepare at home
- Does not contain a truckload of sugar
- Can be made for one serving or can be easily adapted to serve a crowd
Ingredients
To make this easy virgin mojito mocktail, you will need;
- Mint leaves: Typically, Yerba buena also known as mojito mint is used in the classic Cuban version. But that may not be easy to source depending on where you are at. You can use spearmint instead which works out just as well. Only use the leaves and not the stems as the stems can impart a bitter flavor to the drink.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: Freshly squeezed works best here. The tart flavor of the lime is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar. You can also substitute the lime with lemon.
- Sweetener: I’ve used castor sugar since it dissolves pretty quickly and is something that I always have in my pantry. You can also use simple syrup, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or other sweeteners of your choice
- Ice: I’ve used ice cubes but you can also use crushed ice if you like.
- Club soda: To give it that fizzy lift.
Instructions
Step 1: Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice
In a high ball glass, add the 8 to 10 large mint leaves, 1 to 2 tablespoons of castor or superfine sugar & 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice (in that order). Muddle the mint leaves just until it begins to release some of the essential oils and flavor. ( Photos 1 to 4 )
Stir to dissolve the sugar. ( Photo5 )
Step 2: Add ice and top with club soda
Add 6 to 7 ice cubes or crushed ice. Throw in a couple of lime slices (optional). ( Photo 6 )
Top with 3 to 4 oz club soda or Sprite and stir well. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy! ( Photos 7 and 8 )
Variations
The sky is the limit here, so use your creativity to make your own unique flavored mojito. Here are some ideas to give you a head start!
- Fruits: Add fruits like raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, diced strawberries (or strawberry syrup), diced watermelon, diced pineapple, diced mangoes (or mango pulp), peach slices, passion fruit pulp, and pomegranate arils, etc
- Herbs: Don’t have mint? Or not a fan of it? Substitute with other herbs such as basil, sage, rosemary, etc.
- Polo: For more of a minty flavor, you can try making this mojito with polo. Crush 1-2 polo to a fine powder and add it to the glass in the first step.
- Spice: If you’d like some kick in your mojito, consider muddling a couple of slices of jalapeno along with the mint, sugar, and lime juice. You can remove the deseed jalapeno to tone down the heat. Ginger simple syrup is also a good idea if you are trying to add some spice to your drink.
- Soda: You can swap the club soda with flavored sparkling water, sprite, lemon-lime soda, 7up, ginger ale, limca, etc. Just be mindful of the sweetener if adding sweetened carbonated beverages.
Top tips
Mint leaves: It is ideal to use fresh mint leaves since they add such a refreshing flavor. Avoid muddling the leaves to an extent where they are pulverized. Press and twist the mint leaves using gentle pressure to release their natural oils. Overmuddling will tear the mint leaves and render a bitter flavor to the mojito.
Lime: Instead of adding lime juice, you can cut a lime into wedges and add it to the glass. Muddle the mint, lime wedges, and sugar to release the juice from the lime.
Sweetness and tanginess: You can sweeten the mojito to taste. If you love a tangy mojito, by all means, feel free to skip the sugar or simple syrup. If you prefer more of the lime flavor, skip the club soda and add Sprite or lime-flavored sparkling water instead. Cut back on the sugar if using Sprite.
Don’t have a muddler? No worries! Use the end of a wooden ladle, a rolling pin, or a wooden pestle.
What is a virgin mojito?
Virgin mojito is the non-alcoholic version of the classic mojito cocktail that originated in Havana, Cuba. It is also known as a nojito! Mojito is a Spanish word and is pronounced as mo-hee-toh, the letter j is silent.
Typically, a shot of rum is added to a mojito. However, this drink is pretty good and refreshing without the booze too. Cocktails contain alcohol while mocktails are alcohol-free!
Can I make this mojito by the pitcher?
This recipe will yield one serving of virgin mojito. But you can scale the recipe in the recipe card to yield more servings. To make this in a pitcher, muddle the mint leaves, sugar/simple syrup, and lime juice in a pitcher.
Cover and refrigerate until needed. Just before serving, fill the pitcher with ice cubes or crushed ice, and top it with soda or any other carbonated beverage of your choice. Give it a quick stir and it’s ready!
How to make simple syrup?
Combine equal parts of water and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Switch off the heat and let the syrup cool down completely. The syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Can I make a keto version of this virgin mojito mocktail?
Yes, you certainly can! Swap the sugar with erythritol, stevia, monk fruit, or allulose to make it low-carb.
You might also enjoy these easy summer coolers
Strawberry limeade
Berry lemonade
Lemon iced tea
Blue lagoon mocktail
Virgin Mojito Recipe
Ingredients1x2x3x
- 8 to 10 large mint leaves
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tablespoons
- 1 to 2 tablespoons castor sugar/superfine sugar or simple syrup, as per desired sweetness
- 6 to 7 ice cubes
- Cub soda or sprite, about 3 to 4 oz or as needed
To garnish
- Lime slices, as needed
- Sprig of mint leaves
Instructions
- In a high ball glass, add the mint, sugar & lime juice (in that order). Muddle the mint leaves just until it begins to release some of the essential oils and flavor.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add ice cubes or crushed ice. Throw in a couple of lime slices (optional).
- Top with club soda and stir well. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Virgin Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 large mint leaves
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tablespoons
- 1 to 2 tablespoons castor sugar/superfine sugar or simple syrup, as per desired sweetness
- 6 to 7 ice cubes
- Cub soda or sprite, about 3 to 4 oz or as needed
To garnish
- Lime slices, as needed
- Sprig of mint leaves
Instructions
- In a high ball glass, add the mint, sugar & lime juice (in that order). Muddle the mint leaves just until it begins to release some of the essential oils and flavor.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add ice cubes or crushed ice. Throw in a couple of lime slices (optional).
- Top with club soda and stir well. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Made with just four ingredients, this blue lagoon mocktail is sure to impress! It has a refreshing citrusy flavor and a gorgeous blue hue that will make you want to dive right in!
If you love a good old-fashioned lemonade, you will love this blue lagoon mocktail. It is an upgraded version of lemonade that has an exquisite blue color and tastes so refreshing.
You will need just four ingredients and a few minutes of your time to prepare this non-alcoholic blue lagoon mocktail which is ideal to be enjoyed during the summers!
- Why you will love this mocktail?
- Ingredients needed
- How to make a blue lagoon mocktail at home – Step by step process
- Serving suggestions
- Recipe tips and variations
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- You might also enjoy these easy summer coolers
- Blue Lagoon Mocktail
Why you will love this mocktail?
☑ It has a beautiful blue color that gives out beach vibes, it would be great to serve at beach-themed parties!
☑ It is not cloyingly sweet
☑ Can be prepared within minutes
☑ Requires no fancy bar accessories
☑ It is a non-alcoholic drink, so even kids and pregnant women can enjoy
☑ It is perfect for sipping on a hot summers day lounging in a hammock by the poolside/beach or on the patio
☑ Can be made in a large batch to serve a crowd
Ingredients needed
This simple blue color mocktail recipe can be prepared using just four ingredients;
Ice: I’ve used standard ice cubes, but you can add crushed ice, sphere ice cubes, pebble ice cubes, etc.
Blue curaçao syrup: Since this is a mocktail, we will be skipping the blue curaçao liquor and using the syrup instead which is nothing but sugar syrup flavored with lemon and oranges and tinted with blue food dye.
Lemon juice: Can also be substituted with lime juice. Whatever you choose to use, make sure it’s freshly squeezed, as it makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor given that there are few ingredients used here.
Sprite: Instead of lemonade that’s used to make a blue lagoon mocktail, we will be using sprite here. Using lemonade will make this mocktail too sweet!
How to make a blue lagoon mocktail at home – Step by step process
Step 1: Fill a chilled hurricane glass with lots of ice
Fill a hurricane glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.
Step 2: Add all the ingredients and stir
Add 1/2 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao syrup and 1 oz (30 ml) of lemon juice.
Top with 4 oz (125 ml) sprite or 2 oz of club soda and 2 oz of sprite (for a less sweet drink). Stir gently. Check for sweetness, if you prefer a sweeter drink, add 1/2 to 1 oz more of blue curaçao syrup.
Step 3: Garnish, and serve
Garnish with a lemon wheel, maraschino cherry, and cocktail umbrella (optional, but fun!)
Serve immediately!
Serving suggestions
The classic blue lagoon cocktail is generally served on the rocks, so I’ve used the same route to serve this mocktail.
Traditionally, maraschino cherries are used to garnish this mocktail. I also garnished the drink with a lemon wheel and a cocktail umbrella. You can play around with the garnishes, some other options are;
- Lemon or lime twists or peels
- Orange slices, twists, or peels
- Fresh mint leaves
Recipe tips and variations
This recipe is quick and easy, that just uses a handful of ingredients. But I’d like to share some tips and variations so that you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste.
Cocktail: For an alcoholic version add a shot of vodka, light rum, or gin.
Sweetness: I have not added any simple syrup or sugar in this mocktail since the blue curaçao syrup along with the sprite imparts ample sweetness. In fact, I’ve cut back on the blue curaçao syrup because I don’t think it makes for a good 1:1 substitution for the curaçao liquor. The lemon juice is needed here as the acidity of the fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and balances the drink perfectly.
Club soda: You may skip the sprite and use sparkling water or club soda instead. Increase the blue curaçao syrup to 1 oz (2 tablespoons or 30 ml). The rest of the procedure will stay the same. After adding the club soda, taste and check for sweetness. The increased curaçao syrup will provide enough sweetness, but if it’s less for you, add 1 oz of simple syrup or sweeten it to taste.
Orange flavor: You can also add a couple of tablespoons of orange juice for that added orange flavor to replicate the flavor of the blue curaçao liquor. This will change the color of the drink towards a greenish tint though.
A hint of heat: Spice up this drink by adding som e chili pepper simple syrup or ginger simple syrup or ginger juice.
Chill your glassware: This is a matter of personal choice, but doing so will keep the mocktail cold for a longer time and prevent the ice from melting quickly. Chill the glass in the fridge for 30 minutes. Also, remember to chill the ingredients for the drink. You could eliminate the use of ice if you’d like.
Make a blue lagoon mojito mocktail: Muddle 8 to 10 large mint leaves along with 1 oz (2 tablespoons) of lime juice in a highball glass. Top with ice cubes, add 1 oz (2 tablespoons) of blue curaçao syrup, and top with 3 to 4 oz of club soda or sprite. Again check for sweetness and adjust accordingly.
Ice: You can skip the ice if all the ingredients are chilled.
Is blue curaçao a syrup or alcohol?
Curaçao is a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the bitter orange laraha, a citrus fruit grown on the Dutch island of Curaçao.
Curaçao can be sold in numerous forms, though the most common are the orange-hued dry Curaçao and blue Curaçao, which is dyed bright blue. ( Wiki )
To make a classic blue lagoon cocktail, you need 1 part of the Caribbean liquor blue curaçao, 1 part of vodka, and 4 parts of lemonade.
For the mocktail version, blue curaçao is replaced by blue curaçao syrup which is non-alcoholic. It is nothing but sugar syrup flavored with mild orange flavor and dyed with blue food coloring.
What does blue curaçao syrup taste like?
It tastes sweet with a hint of orange and lemon flavor. The local Indian brand (Mapro) that I’ve used also has added lemon flavor. The taste may vary depending on what brand you use, but expect it to be sweet since it is nothing but sweet syrup infused with orange flavor. It is used to make a number of cocktails and mocktails such as the Blue Hawaiian, blue Hawaii, blue devil, midnight kiss, blue mermaid and many more!
Why is blue curaçao blue in color?
The liquor and the syrup are both naturally colorless. The blue color in both comes from blue food coloring.
What is a substitute for blue curaçao syrup?
You can use 1 tablespoon of orange-infused simple syrup instead, along with a few drops of blue food coloring.
To make the orange simple syrup: Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Add the peel from an orange (avoid the pith). Bring to a boil, and cook until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Switch off the heat and allow the simple syrup to steep for 30 minutes. Once it is completely cool, discard the peels and refrigerate in an airtight glass bottle for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
What does this tropical blue lagoon mocktail taste like?
This fun and colorful mocktail has a citrusy, sweet-sour flavor.
Can this mocktail be made in advance?
I do not suggest making this several hours in advance. The ice will melt and water the drink down diluting the flavor. Also, the sprite will lose its fizz!
If making a large batch, you can squeeze the lemon juice and add it to the blue curaçao syrup in a pitcher. Mix well and refrigerate the pitcher. When you are ready to serve, add ice cubes, top with sprite, stir and serve!
Do I need a special glass to serve this mocktail?
Traditionally, the blue lagoon cocktail is served in a hurricane glass. Feel free to use a serving glass of your choice!
You might also enjoy these easy summer coolers
Virgin mojito
Mango mojito
Strawberry limeade
Berry lemonade
Lemon iced tea
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Blue Lagoon Mocktail
Ingredients1x2x3x
- 14 to 15 ice cubes, or as needed
- 1/2 oz blue curaçao syrup, 15 ml
- 1 oz lemon juice, 30 ml
- 4 oz sprite, 125 ml or 2 oz sprite and 2 oz club soda
To garnish
- Lemon, lime, or orange wheel
- Maraschino cherry
- Cocktail umbrella
Instructions
- Fill a hurricane glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Add blue curacao syrup and lemon juice.
- Top with sprite or a mix of club soda and sprite (for a less sweet drink). Stir gently. Check for sweetness, if you prefer a sweeter drink, add 1/2 to 1 oz more of blue curacao syrup.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel, maraschino cherry, and cocktail umbrella (optional, but fun!)
