Mint Mojito Iced Coffee

The Mint Mojito Iced Coffee is a delightful and invigorating beverage that perfectly balances the richness of coffee with the cool, crisp taste of fresh mint. Brown sugar provides a gentle sweetness, while a splash of cream lends a smooth, luxurious texture. Shaken with ice until frothy, it's a wonderfully aromatic and uplifting drink, perfect for a warm day or anytime you need a special pick-me-up.
Mint Mojito Iced Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Mint Mojito Iced Coffee is categorized as a modern coffee drink. It deviates from traditional espresso-based beverages by incorporating muddled fresh mint, creating a unique flavor profile. While it shares a preparation method with cocktails (muddling and shaking), it is fundamentally a non-alcoholic coffee beverage enjoyed for its refreshing qualities.

Serving

Serve this cold, non-alcoholic drink in a tall glass like a Highball or a pint glass filled with ice. The generous serving size makes for a satisfying and refreshing coffee experience.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Mint Mojito Iced Coffee was popularized by Philz Coffee, a specialty coffee company founded in San Francisco. Founder Phil Jaber created the drink for his customers, aiming for a unique, refreshing, and handcrafted coffee experience. It quickly became their signature drink, beloved for its surprising yet harmonious combination of coffee and fresh mint, and has since inspired many homemade versions.
Origin
United States, popularized in the early 2000s by Philz Coffee in San Francisco, California.

Mint Mojito Iced Coffee

This drink is widely known as the Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, a name popularized by the Philz Coffee chain. Despite the "Mojito" in its name, the standard recipe is completely alcohol-free, often leading to alternative names like "Iced Mint Coffee" to avoid confusion. The non-alcoholic "Coffee Mojito" designation helps clarify its mocktail nature.
Original name
Mint Mojito Iced Coffee
Alternative names
  • Coffee Mojito (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Iced Mint Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a vibrant aroma of fresh mint and coffee, with a sweet, creamy flavor and a clean, refreshing aftertaste. Its smooth texture and light brown appearance with green mint flecks make it a perfect summery treat.
Flavor
Minty, sweet, coffee, refreshing, creamy
Aroma
Fresh mint, roasted coffee, sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, minty, lingering coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, creamy light brown, flecked with green mint leaves
Texture
Creamy, smooth, light, slightly frothy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, defined by a pleasant balance between sweetness from the sugar, bitterness from the coffee, and creaminess from the milk or cream. It is entirely non-alcoholic and still.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need fresh mint, brown sugar, strong chilled coffee, and heavy cream. All ingredients are readily available, with plant-based milks serving as an easy substitute for the cream.
  • Fresh mint leaves6-8 leaves
    Spearmint is recommended for its sweet, mild flavor.
  • Brown sugar2 teaspoons
    Adjust to taste. Can be substituted with simple syrup or another sweetener.
  • Strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate180 ml / 6 oz
    Chilled before use. A medium roast works well to complement the mint without overpowering it.
  • Heavy cream60 ml / 2 oz
    Can be substituted with whole milk, half-and-half, or a plant-based alternative like oat milk or coconut cream for a different texture.
  • Ice1 cup for shaking and more for serving
    Standard cubed ice is perfect.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The essential tools are a cocktail shaker and a muddler. The muddler is used to gently press the mint and sugar, while the shaker ensures the drink is perfectly chilled and frothy.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Muddler for releasing mint oils

Instructions

The process involves muddling fresh mint with sugar, adding chilled coffee and cream, and shaking everything vigorously with ice. The drink is then strained into an ice-filled glass and garnished.
1. Add the fresh mint leaves and brown sugar to the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Gently muddle the mint and sugar together until the leaves are bruised and aromatic. Avoid shredding them into tiny pieces.
3. Add the chilled coffee and heavy cream to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside is well-chilled and frosty.
5. Fill a highball or pint glass with fresh ice.
6. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
7. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh mint sprig enhances the drink's aroma and visual appeal. Gently clap the mint sprig between your hands before placing it on top to release its fragrant oils.
  • Fresh mint sprig: Place a fresh sprig of mint on top of the drink before serving.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from coffee and dairy from cream, making it vegetarian but not vegan or dairy-free. It can be adapted for vegan and dairy-free diets by substituting the cream with a plant-based alternative like oat milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the brown sugar and heavy cream. Using milk or sugar substitutes can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Approximately 180-250 kcal / 753-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-24 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a vibrant morning boost or a revitalizing afternoon pick-me-up. Its refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for summer days and a unique, sophisticated addition to any brunch menu.
  • Morning Boost
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
  • Summer Refresher
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

This refreshing coffee drink pairs wonderfully with morning pastries, complementing their buttery texture. It's also an excellent companion to light brunch fare or as a standalone treat alongside chocolate desserts or crisp biscotti.
  • Buttery pastries like croissants or scones
  • Light breakfast or brunch dishes
  • Chocolate-based desserts or cookies
  • Almond biscotti

The Refreshing World of Mint Mojito Iced Coffee

The Mint Mojito Iced Coffee is a uniquely refreshing and aromatic non-alcoholic beverage that has carved out a special niche in modern coffee culture. By combining muddled fresh mint with sweet, creamy coffee, it offers a multi-layered sensory experience that is both invigorating and indulgent. Its simple preparation belies a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to coffee lovers seeking something beyond the standard latte or cold brew. Perfect for a sunny afternoon, it's a testament to how creative, non-alcoholic drinks can be just as exciting as their spirited counterparts.

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