Raspberry Mojito
The Raspberry Mojito is a vibrant and popular variation of the traditional Mojito. It maintains the beloved mint and lime base while adding the luscious sweetness and tartness of muddled raspberries. The result is a beautifully colored, incredibly refreshing cocktail that's perfect for warm weather. Its balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Raspberry Mojito is categorized as a cocktail, specifically a modern classic variation. It falls under the "long drink" or "cooler" sub-category due to being served in a tall glass and topped with soda. It is an adaptation of the original Mojito, a classic Cuban highball.
Serving
Serve this medium-strength cocktail ice-cold in a tall Highball glass to showcase its vibrant color. It's a refreshing long drink perfect for sipping.
Serving size
Approx. 270 ml / 9 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
While the classic Mojito has a long history in Cuba, the Raspberry Mojito is a modern adaptation that rose in popularity with the global craft cocktail movement of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It's a testament to the original's perfect template, which allows for endless fruit variations. The addition of raspberry not only enhances the flavor but also gives the drink a stunning, vibrant red hue, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Origin
This cocktail is a modern variation on a classic Cuban Mojito. Its exact origin is unknown, but it became globally popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as flavored mojitos became a bar staple.
Raspberry Mojito
The name "Raspberry Mojito" is straightforward, clearly indicating it's a variation of the classic Mojito cocktail that prominently features fresh raspberries. It is sometimes referred to as a Raspberry Rum Mojito to specify the base spirit. The name itself highlights the key flavor modification to the original Cuban recipe.
Original name
Raspberry Mojito
Alternative name
Raspberry Rum Mojito
Characteristics overview
This drink has a fresh aroma of mint and raspberry, leading to a fruity, sweet-and-sour flavor profile. Its light, bubbly texture and clean aftertaste make it incredibly refreshing, especially for summer.
Flavor
Fruity, Minty, Sweet, Tart, Refreshing, Lime
Aroma
Mint, Raspberry, Citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Fruity, Minty
Fizziness
Lightly bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Pink to deep red, Contains muddled fruit and mint leaves
Texture
Light, Refreshing
Seasonality
Summery, Refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
A fruit-forward cocktail where the sweetness from raspberries and syrup is well-balanced by the tartness of lime juice. The alcohol presence is moderate, complemented by light carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You'll need white rum as the base, complemented by fresh raspberries, mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup. The drink is topped with soda water for effervescence.
- White Rum60 ml / 2 ozA good quality Cuban or Puerto Rican style white rum works best.
- Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 ozAlways use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust quantity based on the sweetness of the raspberries and personal preference. Use a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio.
- Fresh Raspberries6-8Use fresh, ripe raspberries for the best flavor and color.
- Fresh Mint Leaves8-10Spearmint is the traditional choice for Mojitos.
- Soda WaterTop up, approx. 60 ml / 2 ozUse chilled soda water or club soda.
Ice type
- Crushed or Cubed
Mixing equipments
The primary tools needed are a muddler to release flavors from the mint and raspberries, and a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the ingredients before serving.
- Muddler for pressing the raspberries and mint
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
- Jigger for measuring ingredients
- Strainer for pouring into the glass
Instructions
The process involves muddling raspberries and mint with syrup, shaking with rum and lime juice, then straining over ice and topping with soda water. A final garnish completes the drink.
1. In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves, raspberries, and simple syrup.
2. Gently muddle the ingredients to release the mint oils and crush the raspberries. Avoid shredding the mint leaves.
3. Add the white rum and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Fill a Highball glass with fresh ice (crushed ice is recommended).
6. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
7. Top the drink with chilled soda water.
8. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, a few extra raspberries, and a lime wheel before serving.
Garnishing
Garnish the drink with a fresh mint sprig to enhance the aroma, along with a few extra raspberries and a lime wheel for visual appeal.
- A fresh sprig of mint
- A few whole fresh raspberries
- A thin lime wheel or wedge
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, provided pure distilled rum and cane sugar are used. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the rum, simple syrup, and fresh raspberries.
Calories
Approx. 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approx. 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approx. 15-20 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Its refreshing and fruity nature also makes it an excellent choice for brunch or a pre-dinner cocktail hour.
- Summer Parties
- Brunch
- Cocktail Hour
- Barbecues
- Celebrations
Pairing suggestions
The Raspberry Mojito pairs well with light and fresh foods that complement its flavor profile. Consider serving it with seafood appetizers, fresh salads, or spicy dishes, as the drink's sweetness and acidity can cool the palate. It also works beautifully with fruit-based desserts.
- Light appetizers
- Grilled shrimp or fish tacos
- Fresh salads with vinaigrette dressing
- Spicy dishes like jerk chicken
- Fruit platters and light desserts
Raspberry Mojito: A Berry-Infused Cuban Classic
The Raspberry Mojito is a delightful and visually appealing twist on the Cuban classic. It perfectly marries the refreshing qualities of mint and lime with the sweet and tart notes of fresh raspberries, all brought together by a base of white rum. Easy to make and even easier to drink, it's an ideal choice for summer gatherings, brunches, or any occasion that calls for a vibrant and delicious cocktail. Its popularity stems from its accessible, fruit-forward flavor profile that appeals to a wide audience.