Gin Mojito

The Gin Mojito is a tasty spin on the classic using gin instead of rum! It’s just as refreshing as the original.

Want to make a mojito but there’s no rum in sight? Make a Gin Mojito! Of course, a Mojito without rum does not equal a true Mojito. In fact, if you’re a cocktail connoisseur like we are, you’ll know the Gin Mojito is simply a Gin Gimlet with mint. But if you’re going to monkey with the alcohol in this classic drink, this is the best way to do it! It’s sweet tart and refreshing, with just the right hint of botanical gin. We’ve tried the Mojito with vodka and tequila, but the gin version takes the cake.

What’s in a gin mojito?

The gin mojito is a spin on the Mojito, a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. The modern version of this drink took off in America in the 1930’s when Ernest Hemingway helped to popularize it.

Of course, if you want to make a Mojito we recommend making the real thing with white rum! But we trust you have a reason. To make a gin spin, simply substitute an equal amount of gin for the white rum. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh mint
• Lime juice
• Simple syrup
• Gin
• Soda water

More gin spins on classics? Try the Red Snapper, Gin and Coke, Gin Sour, or Gin Gin Mule.

A Mojito with gin: pros and cons

Is the Gin Mojito even good? Do you recommend using gin in a mojito? Here’s our honest opinion:

• It’s not quite the real thing, but a Gin Mojito is the best alternative. We’ve tried a Vodka Mojito and a Tequila Mojito, and we can confirm: gin makes the best alternative alcohol for a Mojito.
• It’s basically a Mint Gimlet: and it tastes great. Think of it as a Gin Gimlet with fresh mint: beautifully minty and refreshing!

Muddle the mint, then shake

The main skill for making a Gin Mojito? Muddling! Muddling is gently mashing herbs or fruits to release their juices. All you’ll need to do for this drink is muddle the mint, then add the remaining ingredients. Here’s what to do:

• Use a cocktail muddler. Use this cocktail muddler, or an unfinished wooden spoon.
• Muddle the mint first. Gently mash the herb to get out all the oils. Do this right in the cocktail shaker.
• Add the drink ingredients, ice and shake! Then strain out the drink into the glass. Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a glass jar with a cover (poke holes in the lid to strain it out).

Best gin to use

The best gin for a Gin Mojito? Well, if you’re monkeying with a rum drink already: anything goes! Here are some of our top choices and what we’d steer clear of:

• Malfy gin has a great flavor that blends well in cocktails.
• Local gin: local gin can be top notch! In Indianapolis we buy from 8th Day Distillery or Hotel Tango
• What to avoid: To us, Tanqueray gin is very floral and can overpower drinks. Opihr gin is has very forward spices (in this drink, it almost tasted like cumin!)

What’s your favorite gin? Let us know in the comments below.

More Mojito recipes

If you’re going to make a Mojito…we still prefer it with rum! Here are some of our favorite fruity Mojito recipes:

• Try berry-forward Blackberry Mojito, Blueberry Mojito, Strawberry Mojito or Raspberry Mojito
• Grab a fruity Peach Mojito or Watermelon Mojito
• Go tropical with Coconut Mojito, Pineapple Mojito or Mango Mojito

01

Blackberry Mojito

02

Mango Mojito

03

Coconut Mojito

04

Watermelon Mojito

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