White Christmas Mojitos are a fresh and festive twist on the classic mojito, perfect for celebrating the holidays with a bright and minty touch. This drink combines the cool flavors of mint and lime with a sparkling white rum base, all brought together with a little sugar and soda water to keep things lively. It’s like a little winter party in a glass that’s both refreshing and cheerful.
I love making White Christmas Mojitos when I want something a bit different but still familiar for holiday gatherings. They’re easy to whip up in a batch, which is great when friends stop by unexpectedly. Plus, the mint and lime bring a lovely brightness that balances out the richer foods we usually eat this time of year. It’s a nice way to freshen up the mood and the palate at the same time.
When I serve these mojitos, I usually add a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge right on top for a pretty touch. Sometimes, I even toss in a few cranberries for a little festive pop of color that makes the drink look extra special. It’s a simple drink, but with just these small details, it feels like a true holiday treat that everyone enjoys sipping alongside their favorite seasonal snacks.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mint: Fresh mint leaves are central for that cool, refreshing aroma. If fresh mint isn’t available, frozen mint can work in a pinch, but fresh always tastes brighter.
Lime: Fresh lime wedges are best for juiciness and sharp flavor. If limes are out of season, lemon can be a mild substitute, though it changes the traditional mojito taste.
White Sugar or Simple Syrup: Sugar sweetens and balances the tartness. Simple syrup dissolves easier, especially in cold drinks, but raw or cane sugar adds more depth if you don’t mind a slight grit.
White Rum: White rum is the classic mojito base, light and clear. If you want a non-alcoholic version, try using a rum-flavored extract or just skip the rum and add extra soda and lime.
Crushed Ice: Crushed ice chills the drink quickly and melts evenly, keeping flavors balanced. You can crush regular ice cubes using a blender or a clean towel and mallet.
Club Soda or Sparkling Water: This adds fizz and lightens the drink. For extra flavor, try flavored sparkling waters like lime or cucumber, but avoid anything too sweet.
Fresh Cranberries: These add a festive look and a slight tart bite. Frozen cranberries work well too, just rinse before using.
How Do You Muddle Mint and Lime Without Making the Drink Bitter?
Muddling releases the mint’s essential oils and the lime’s juice, but overdoing it can taste bitter from the mint stems or lime pith. Here’s a simple way to get it right:
- Place mint leaves and lime wedges in the glass.
- Use a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Press down gently and twist once or twice—don’t crush leaves into tiny pieces.
- Stop as soon as you smell the mint and see lime juice released.
Be gentle to avoid breaking the stems or squeezing too hard, which brings out harsh flavors. This technique keeps your mojito fresh and balanced every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon – I use it to gently release flavors from mint and lime without over-squeezing.
- Glassware – A tall glass or highball glass is perfect for this drink, giving plenty of room for muddling and ice.
- Juicer or reamer – To squeeze fresh lime juice easily and get the most flavor out of each wedge.
- Bar spoon or stirrer – To gently mix the drink without losing the fizz from the soda.
- Measuring spoons – Handy for adding the right amount of sugar or simple syrup.
- Ice crusher or blender (optional) – To turn regular ice into crushed ice for the perfect chilled mojito.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Berry Twist: Swap cranberries for fresh strawberries or raspberries for extra sweetness and color.
- Different Spirits: Use coconut rum for a tropical vibe or flavored vodka for a unique spin.
- Herb Extras: Add a sprig of thyme or basil for a fragrant, herbal touch that complements the mint.
- Sweet Variations: Try honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
How to Make White Christmas Mojitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Each Mojito:
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (or simple syrup)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (plus extra wedge for garnish)
- ½ cup (about 4 ounces) white rum
- Crushed ice, enough to fill glass halfway
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top up
- Handful of fresh cranberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe only takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. From muddling the mint and lime to assembling each glass and garnishing, it’s quick to make and perfect to serve instantly for any holiday party or cozy gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Mint, Lime, and Sugar:
Place 5-6 mint leaves and 1 tablespoon sugar into a tall glass. Squeeze the juice from lime wedges into the glass, then put the wedges inside as well. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press and twist the mint, lime, and sugar to release flavors—be careful not to crush too hard to avoid bitterness.
2. Add Ice and Rum:
Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice, then pour in ½ cup of white rum. This gives your mojito its smooth, spirited base with a fresh taste.
3. Top and Stir:
Top off your drink with club soda or sparkling water. Use a bar spoon or stirrer to gently mix the ingredients together, preserving the bubbly fizz.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Add a handful of fresh cranberries on top to give a festive pop of color. Finish by decorating with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Serve right away and enjoy the bright, merry flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Mint or Cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work well if fresh aren’t available—just give them a quick rinse. For mint, fresh leaves are best for flavor and aroma, but frozen can be used in a pinch; just thaw and pat dry before muddling.
How Can I Make This Mojito Non-Alcoholic?
Simply omit the rum and increase the amount of club soda or sparkling water. You can add a splash of lime juice or a bit of white grape juice to keep it flavorful and festive.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Mojito Ingredients?
Keep fresh mint leaves wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge to stay fresh for several days. Store lime wedges in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. Use cranberries within a few days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I Prepare This Drink Ahead of Time?
It’s best to prepare individual mojitos just before serving to keep the mint fresh and the soda bubbly. If you want to prep in advance, muddle the mint, lime, and sugar mixture and refrigerate separately, then add rum, ice, and soda when ready to serve.