The Strawberry Mojito remains a Mojito: white Rum, lime, mint, soda – plus strawberry. Fruity, not syrup-red, if you use fresh berries instead of grenadine. The strawberries are muddled, the mint only lightly pressed. The result is a long drink that tastes like summer, without the mint turning bitter or the strawberry mutating into jam.
Here’s what you need for the Strawberry Mojito
5 cl white Rum
3 cl lime juice
2 tsp sugar
8 mint leaves
3 strawberries
Soda
Garnish: strawberry and mint
This is what matters
Mint and strawberries require different techniques. The strawberries are muddled in the glass to dissolve sugar with juice and fruit pulp. The mint, however, should only be lightly pressed between your palms – one clap is enough. If you muddle the mint, you tear open the cell walls and release chlorophyll and bitter compounds. The result then tastes green instead of fresh. For the Strawberry Mojito, you work in two steps: first the pestle for the berries, then your hands for the mint.
Variations
- Strawberry-Basil Mojito — 4 basil leaves instead of mint – or 4 of each. Basil pairs well with strawberry but turns bitter more quickly.
- Frozen Strawberry Mojito — Blend all ingredients with crushed ice in a blender. The result is a slushy version but requires frozen strawberries, otherwise it becomes watery.
- Strawberry Mojito with dark Rum — Dark Rum instead of white Rum adds caramel and vanilla. The strawberry then takes a back seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crushed ice or ice cubes?
Crushed ice, as with the classic Mojito. Ice cubes work too, but the drink will be less cold and less dense. Crushed ice cools faster and keeps the mint fresh.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but only if you let them thaw first. Frozen strawberries can’t be muddled and will water down the drink. Fresh berries have more aroma.
Can I use strawberry syrup instead of fresh strawberries?
You can, but it becomes a different drink. Use 2 cl strawberry syrup instead of sugar and strawberries. The result is sweeter, redder, and tastes less like fruit.
Which Rum should I use?
White Rum, preferably from Cuba or Puerto Rico. The Rum should be light and neutral so the strawberry and mint can shine through. Overproof Rum makes the drink too strong.
