Mojito Margarita

I had no idea I needed a mojito margarita in my life, but then I had one—and now there’s no going back. Refreshing mojito mint is the perfect complement to the classic margarita, bringing a cool, green lift to all that bright citrus. Combining the two cocktails makes both the lime and the tequila really sing, with just enough sweetness and sparkle to keep things easy to sip. I love this drink for warm-weather hangs, or for any time I’m craving something refreshing yet still a little elevated.

Ingredients for Mojito Margarita

• Mint leaves: Mint is what gives this margarita its signature mojito vibe, so you want it to be fresh and fragrant. If you have extra mint, we have plenty of other fresh mint recipes to explore.
• Tequila: Tequila is the base spirit here, so using brand of tequila you’d typically pick for margarita recipes is your best bet for clean, bright flavor.
• Lime juice: Fresh lime juice is best when you need a sharp, citrusy backbone that makes the drink pop. Roll your limes on the counter before juicing them to extract every last drop.
• Triple sec: Orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec rounds out the citrus and adds a subtle sweetness. If you like a slightly richer, sweeter flavor, swap in Grand Marnier.
• Simple syrup: Simple syrup balances the acidity and ties this smooth, sippable cocktail together. You can easily make simple syrup at home and store it for future cocktail emergencies.
• Soda water: Club soda adds a fizzy finish that makes this drink feel extra refreshing and a little too easy to drink. Add it last to keep the bubbles lively.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the glass

Swipe the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then roll the glass through the salt.

Step 2: Gently muddle the mint

Add mint leaves to a shaker and press them gently with a muddler to release the oils.

Editor’s Tip: No need to aggressively muddle here, since shaking the cocktail will break down the mint leaves, too.

Step 3: Build and shake the cocktail base

Add ice and then the lime juice, simple syrup, triple sec and tequila to the shaker. Shake the cocktail for 10 to 15 seconds or until the shaker is icy on the outside.

Step 4: Strain the mixture and add soda

Strain the cocktail base over fresh ice in the prepped rocks glass. Top it with soda water.

Editor’s Tip: Double-straining is a good idea for this drink. Use a Hawthorne strainer (the one with the springy coil) over the mouth of the shaker, then pour the liquid through a second fine-mesh strainer to remove ice chips and mint leaf leftovers.

Step 5: Garnish the cocktail

Garnish the mojito margaritas with mint leaves and a lime wheel.

Mojito Margarita Variations

• Make coconut-flavored tequila: There are some tasty flavored tequilas at the liquor store, but fat-washing tequila is a fun, crafty way to get a full-flavored spirit. In this case, infusing tequila with coconut involves melting about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per cup of tequila. (Add more oil for more flavor or less for a subtler touch.) Melt the coconut oil and add the tequila to a jar that can be covered and sealed, and mix well. Leave it at room temperature for at least two hours or overnight. In the morning, stick it in the freezer until the fat has floated to the top and solidified. Remove the solids and then strain the liquid through a coffee filter. Store it until you’re ready to use it.
• Make it a slushy: After muddling and shaking the cocktail, pour it into a blender with crushed ice and blitz them to make a summertime slush.
• Make mint simple syrup: Instead of regular simple syrup, make a simple syrup with mint leaves by boiling water and sugar in a 1-1 ratio with several mint leaves until the sugar liquifies. Simmer the syrup for a minute or two, then let it cool. Once you strain out the leaves, and you’ll have a perfectly minty sweetener. (This is perfect for the slushy idea above, too.)
• Spice it up: Muddle a couple of slices of jalapeno with the mint to add an exciting kick.
• Explore different bubbly waters: Club soda gives this cocktail a burst of bubbles, but you can try coconut, lime or orange sparkling water for another layer of flavor.

How to Store Mojito Margarita

A muddled cocktail is best served fresh. If you want to make this recipe as a batched cocktail for a group, you can batch the lime juice, simple syrup and tequila ahead of time and store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to one day. Muddle the mint, shake it with the batched mixture, and top it with soda when it comes time to serve.

Simple syrup itself lasts about one month in the refrigerator, so you can absolutely prep that even further in advance.

Mojito Margarita Tips

What type of glass should you use for mojito margaritas?

The best cocktail glass for a margarita mojito is a large rocks glass or a double old-fashioned glass, since you want room for ice and that bubbly club soda finish. You can also use a classic margarita glass if you’re feeling fancy.

What else can you serve with mojito margaritas?

Mojito margaritas pair beautifully with fresh, bright, summery foods, like shrimp tacos, ceviche or anything with citrus and herbs. They also match up with my favorite snack: chips and guacamole.