Basil Mojito

If you are looking for a fresh and fun twist on the classic mojito, this basil mojito is exactly what you need. It has all the things you love about a traditional mojito: the bright citrusy lime, the sweetness, the bubbles, but instead of mint, fresh basil steps in and completely elevates the whole drink. It is herbaceous, a little sweet, a little tart, and absolutely gorgeous in the glass.

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You’ll love this basil mojito

It’s so refreshing. Fresh basil and lime juice together are such a bright, vibrant combination. Every sip of this basil mojito tastes clean and crisp and absolutely perfect on a hot day.

It’s easy to make. No complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just a handful of fresh ingredients, a muddler, and about five minutes of your time.

Ingredients

Rum. A classic mojito calls for white rum, and this basil version is no different. White rum is clean and light, and lets all those fresh basil and lime flavors really shine. Bacardi or Plantation 3 Star are both great options to keep on hand!

Fresh Basil. This is the star of the show and the ingredient that makes this mojito so special. Fresh basil has this gorgeous, herby, slightly sweet, almost floral flavor that is so different from mint. Make sure you use fresh basil, not dried. Dried basil will not muddle the same way, and the flavor just is not the same.

Fresh Lime Juice. Fresh-squeezed lime juice is a must for any mojito, and this basil version is no exception. The bright tartness of fresh lime is what gives this cocktail its signature zing. Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch, but fresh really does make a difference here!

Simple Syrup. Simple syrup sweetens everything up and balances out all that gorgeous tart lime. You can buy it at the store or make your own in about five minutes by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool completely and store it in the fridge for up to a month!

Soda Water. The finishing touch that gives this basil mojito its light, bubbly effervescence. Club soda or any plain sparkling water works great here. Add it right at the end so you do not lose any of that fizz.

How to make a basil mojito

1. Muddle the basil. Add your fresh basil leaves to the bottom of a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, gently press and twist the basil about 5 to 6 times to release all those beautiful oils and fragrant flavor. 
2. Add the rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Pour everything right into the glass or shaker over your muddled basil. If you are using a shaker, add a handful of ice and give it a quick shake for 10 to 15 seconds to chill everything. If you are building directly in the glass, just give it a gentle stir.
3. Fill your glass with ice and top with soda water. Strain your cocktail into a tall glass packed with fresh ice, then top it off with a generous pour of soda water. Give it one more gentle stir to combine, garnish, and enjoy immediately!

Substitutions and variations

Swap the rum for vodka. Not a rum person? Try making this with a clean, neutral vodka instead! A basil vodka mojito has a slightly lighter flavor profile but is just as refreshing and delicious. It is a great option if you are serving a crowd with different spirit preferences.

Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup. For a slightly more complex, floral sweetness, swap the simple syrup for honey syrup. Just mix equal parts honey and warm water until combined. The honey adds a warm, rich sweetness that pairs so beautifully with the fresh basil and lime.

Add strawberries or watermelon. Want to make this basil mojito even more fun and fruity? Muddle a few fresh strawberries or chunks of watermelon right along with the basil. A strawberry basil mojito or a watermelon basil mojito is such a gorgeous, summery twist on this recipe and is perfect for parties!

Garnish ideas

• Fresh Basil
• Lime Wedge
• Lime Wheel

How to make a big batch of this basil mojito

Hosting a summer party or backyard happy hour? This basil mojito pitcher recipe is a lifesaver. A couple of notes before you scale up: since soda water goes flat quickly, you will want to add it right before serving rather than mixing it into the pitcher ahead of time. And because muddling a big batch of basil in a pitcher can get tricky, the easiest approach is to make a basil simple syrup instead, which infuses all that gorgeous fresh basil flavor right into the sweetener.

To make basil simple syrup, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and a big handful of fresh basil leaves in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, let the basil steep for about 10 to 15 minutes off the heat, then strain out the basil and let the syrup cool completely.

To make a big batch of basil mojitos (about 8 to 10 servings), combine the following in a large pitcher:

• 2 cups white rum
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• ¾ cup basil simple syrup

Stir together, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. When it's time to pour, fill individual glasses with ice, pour the mojito mixture about three-quarters of the way up, and top each glass with soda water. Garnish with fresh basil and a lime wedge, and you are all set!

FAQs

Can you use basil instead of mint in a mojito?

Yes, absolutely! Basil is a wonderful substitute for mint in a mojito. While mint gives a classic mojito its cool, refreshing quality, fresh basil brings a slightly sweeter, more herbaceous and floral flavor that is equally delicious. 

What can replace mint in a mojito?

Fresh basil is one of the best substitutes for mint in a mojito, and this recipe is proof! But there are a few other fun options too. Fresh rosemary adds a more savory, woodsy note. 

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Want more summer cocktail recipes?

• Coconut Key Lime Margarita
• Banana Daiquiri
• Blueberry Vodka Lemonade