Mojito with Gin
This quick Mojito with Gin recipe is a simple swap that totally works. Instead of white rum, this version uses gin, which keeps the classic mint-and-lime combo but adds an extra, slightly herbal edge. It’s crisp, refreshing and not sweet (which is my fave). Plus it gives you another easy way to use that bottle of gin that’s probably been sitting in your liquor cabinet for a while.
Quick Look: Mojito with Gin
A gin mojito is a simple cocktail, a fun twist on a classic. By swapping the spirits, you get a whole new way to enjoy a classic mojito cocktail, full of refreshing flavor.
- Flavor: Crisp, minty, citrusy with light herbal notes from the gin
- Sweetness: Low (from white sugar so no strong, cloying sweetness)
- Base Spirit: Gin (notes of juniper and other botanicals)
- Time to Make: 5 minutes
- Skill Level: Very easy
- Glass: Highball or Collins (any tall glass)
- Best For: Gin lovers, using what you already have in your bar, making a twist on an old favorite cocktail recipe
This Gin Mojito cocktail (sometimes called a London Mojito) gives you a whole new drink by just switching the liquor of a classic drink.
The herbal notes of the gin pair perfectly with the mint but stand out against the other simple ingredients. The limes keep it bright, the mint keeps it fresh for a balanced drink that’s not too sweet.
Many cocktail require specialty items and the ingredients can really add up. A mojito is a relatively inexpensive drink to make (depending on the gin you buy), which I love!
While you do need to muddle the limes, this Mojito with gin is low-effort but big on flavor. So if you’ve been stuck making gin and tonics, here’s another delicious cocktail to try.
I love to serve gin mojitos near the holidays. Pop in some pomegranate arils and you’ve got a super simple green and red cocktail that’s always a crowd pleaser. And, of course, mint and lime are perfect when the weather starts to warm up.
For more gin cocktails to make at home try my Perfect Gin and Tonic, Gin Sour, Casino Cocktail or my favorite the Corpse Reviver No. 2.
*I was sent a bottle of Silent Pool gin years ago. This is not a sponsored post, but the gin was free.
How to Make a Mojito with Gin
Ingredients
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full recipe and ingredient list.
- fresh mint leaves, plus extra mint for garnish
- fresh limes: I’m obsessed with the taste of fresh lime so I like to use fresh squeezed juice plus muddle lime wedges (some people just like to muddle the lime). NO bottled juice, it should be fresh.
- white sugar: I prefer to use white sugar in my mojitos (superfine is best) as it adds that authentic touch, but if you prefer, you can substitute simple syrup.
- gin: If you don’t drink a lot of gin, I would start with something that is a little more floral, like Silent Pool. If you love the flavor of gin, you can go for a dry gin.
- soda water: soda water, sparkling water or club soda will work here.
Substitutions
Directions
Step 1
Add the lime juice and sugar to your serving glass along with the mint leaves and the lime pieces.
Step 2
Use a cocktail muddler to muddle until the sugar has dissolved. *You’re trying to gently bruise the mint leaves and squeeze the lime pieces as well, but you don’t need to take out all your aggressions while doing this.
Step 3
Fill your glass just about to the top with ice cubes, then add the gin. Top with soda water. Gently stir everything to combine.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. (Clap it between your hands before putting in the drink. Trust me, it will wake up the scent and make it super fragrant!)
Tips
- This is a gin-forward cocktail where you’ll be able to taste the botanicals, so use a gin that you love the flavor of.
- If you like the taste of gin but you find it a little overpowering at times, you can always scale it back in this drink to 1 – 1.5 ounces per drink so you still get the flavor of gin but without it being so strong.
- If you’re worried about the sugar in this recipe, try making one without the sugar and add in a little, as needed, to find your perfect balance.
- Don’t go light on the ice! These are best with a little dilution and when they are very cold!
Variations
- Different gin – As with other liquor, there are different flavor profiles of gin. It’s a pretty unique taste and if you aren’t used to it you may think you don’t like gin. My suggestion would be to visit a larger liquor store, like Total Wine, and ask for their help in choosing one that is right for you.
- Add fresh fruit – Fresh fruit muddled into a mojito is another easy way to add more flavor. Try a Blackberry Mojito, Passion Fruit Mojito or a Cranberry Mojito.
- Add cucumber: Cucumber is a classic pairing with gin and pairs well with lime and mint. Muddle cucumber chunks with lime for a refreshing cucumber flavor.
- Add fruit juice: Try adding an ounce or two of fruit juice for another layer of flavor like in my Apple Juice Mojito.
- Go non alcoholic – for a zero proof version of this gin mojito recipe, simply sub in your favorite non alcoholic gin!
Tools
If you love a good mojito I would invest in a muddler to really get the best flavors out of your mint and lime.
However, if you’re just starting out with your home bar and don’t want to buy too much equipment while you figure out what sort of drinks you’re into (here are my essential tools for cocktail making at home, by the way), you can use the handle of a wooden spoon to muddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, traditional mojitos are made with light rum. But that’s what is so great about making cocktails at home. You can try different ingredients and experiment with flavors.
Yes! You can make a mojito with gin. The gin adds a light herbal flavor, making the drink feel even fresher and a little less sweet than the classic recipe.
The best gin for gin mojitos depends on if you know and like gin. If you’re a novice, choose something that is either pretty neutral, like Tanqueray, or with lots of floral notes, like Silent Pool. Some gin has lots of spiced elements that you may or may not like. If you are a fan of gin, you can use whatever gin you like best.
Yes, you can make gin mojitos in a pitcher. They are easy to scale for a crowd. Wait to add the mint and club soda until ready to serve for the freshest taste with the most fizz.
You can make parts of this gin mojito ahead of time. Prepare the lime juice, sugar and gin ahead. But add the mint, ice and soda water when serving.
A Refreshing Mojito with Gin
Ingredients
- 12 mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 3 lime pieces see notes
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 oz gin
- 2-4 oz soda water chilled
- ice
Instructions
- Muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, lime pieces and sugar together in the bottom of a tall glass.
- Fill glass almost to the top with ice.
- Add gin and top with soda water.
- Stir gently with a long spoon.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Notes
- This is a gin-forward cocktail where you’ll be able to taste the botanicals, so use a gin that you love the flavor of.
- If you like the taste of gin but you find it a little overpowering at times, you can always scale it back in this drink to 1 – 1.5 ounces per drink so you still get the flavor of gin but without it being so strong.
- If you’re worried about the sugar in this recipe, try making one without the sugar and add in a little, as needed, to find your perfect balance.
- Don’t go light on the ice! These are best with a little dilution and when they are very cold!