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There’s something about a cold, refreshing mojito that instantly makes an ordinary evening feel a little more special. I first tasted these mojitos at JW Café in JW Marriott Mumbai, and I remember loving the combination of fresh fruit, lime, mint and that lovely fizzy finish. I came home thinking, “I have to try making these myself.”
After a little experimenting in my own kitchen, I managed to recreate three versions that I now love: a juicy Blackberry Mojito, a refreshing Virgin Mojito and a vibrant Pomegranate Mojito.
They’re incredibly easy to put together and perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon, a small get-together with friends, or simply when you want to make yourself a pretty drink and slow down for a while. Here are the three recipes I’ve been enjoying lately. Since I don’t drink alcohol, I have made these mojitos without rum.
Blackberry Mojito
1/2 cup blackberries
2 tsp fine (berry) sugar
4 medium fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup club soda
Muddle blackberries, sugar, and mint together, breaking down the blackberries and dissolving the sugar.
Add lime juice to blackberry mixture, stirring to combine. Divide between two glasses and top with club soda.
Top with lots of ice (crushed is usually more traditional in a mojito).
Virgin Mojito
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
1 fresh lime (cut into quarters or wedges)
2 tablespoons sugar (or 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup)
Ice cubes or crushed ice
150 to 250 ml club soda (or sparkling water / Sprite)
A tiny pinch of salt (optional, for balance)
Fresh mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Put the mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar into a sturdy tall glass.
Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the ingredients. Do not shred the mint completely; just release the juices and essential oils.
Fill the glass halfway or three-quarters full with ice.
Pour in the chilled club soda or sparkling water. Add an optional pinch of salt if desired.
Stir gently to mix the flavors, then garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel
Pomegranate Mojito
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
12 mint leaves
1⁄4 cup pomegranate juice
1⁄4 ounce soda water
Combine the sugar, lime juice and mint leaves in a tall glass; mash with the back of a spoon.
Mix the pomegranate juice.
Fill glass with ice.
Top with a splash of soda water.