Cherry Mojito
This cherry mojito is bright and refreshing. It’s a fruity twist on the classic with homemade cherry syrup, fresh mint, and lime. The gorgeous pink color makes it feel special, but it’s just as easy to make as a regular mojito.
About this cherry mojito
The cherry mojito is a fruity rum cocktail made with white rum, fresh lime juice, mint, cherry simple syrup, and soda water. It follows the same technique as a classic mojito, just with cherry syrup in place of regular simple syrup. If you can make a mojito, you can make this.
The cherry flavor comes from a homemade cherry simple syrup. I prefer using a syrup over muddling fresh cherries because you get a richer, more consistent flavor and that beautiful pink color without chunks of fruit in your drink. The syrup can be made with fresh or frozen cherries, so you can enjoy this cocktail year-round.
One thing that makes the cherry syrup special: it includes a tiny bit of almond extract. Cherries and almonds are actually related (both in the prunus family) and share similar flavor compounds. A touch of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor rather than competing with it. You won’t taste almond, you’ll just taste more cherry.
Key ingredients and why
Method
- In a sturdy glass, add the mint leaves and lime juice.
- Gently muddle with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the mint’s oils.
- Add the cherry simple syrup and rum (or sparkling water for a mocktail). Stir gently to combine.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, fresh cherries, and fresh mint.
Tips
- Muddle gently. You want to bruise the mint to release its oils, not shred it. Over-muddling makes the mint taste bitter and leaves little green bits throughout your drink.
- Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice tastes flat and won’t give you that bright, fresh mojito flavor.
- Make the syrup ahead. Cherry simple syrup keeps in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Make a batch and you’ll have mojitos ready to go whenever you want.
- Chill your glass. A cold glass keeps the drink colder longer. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before making the cocktail.
Variations
- Non-alcoholic version: Skip the rum and add extra soda water, or use a splash of cherry juice for more flavor.
- Berry mojito: Add some fresh raspberries or blackberries to the syrup when you make it for a mixed berry version.
- Basil cherry mojito: Swap the mint for fresh basil.
Make a Strawberry Mojito Mocktail alongside for guests who aren’t drinking. Same refreshing vibe, no alcohol.
More mojito recipes
Cherry Mojito
Ingredients
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz lime juice fresh
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1 oz cherry simple syrup
- Soda water for topping
- Ice
- Fresh cherries lime and mint for garnish
Instructions
- Add the mint leaves and lime juice to a tall glass. Gently muddle with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the mint’s flavor.
- Add the rum and cherry simple syrup and stir gently to combine.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water
- Garnish with a lime wedge, fresh cherries, and fresh mint.
Notes
- Muddle the mint gently. You want to bruise it, not shred it. Over-muddling makes it bitter.
- Cherry simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Find the full recipe here.
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and add extra soda water or a splash of cherry juice.
