White Christmas Mojitos are a refreshing twist on the classic mojito, perfect for the holiday season! This festive drink blends the crispness of fresh mint and lime with the cool sparkle of white rum and a gentle touch of sweetness. It’s light, bubbly, and has just the right amount of zing to keep your spirits bright.
I love making these mojitos when friends come over for holiday gatherings because they feel special without being fussy. The mint leaves add a lovely aroma that fills the room, and the splash of soda water keeps it nice and fizzy. It’s such a simple recipe, but it always gets everyone chatting and smiling.
My favorite way to serve White Christmas Mojitos is in tall glasses with plenty of crushed ice and a sprig of fresh mint on top. They look so cheerful with a little lime wedge on the rim, and they’re great for toasting to good times. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire or celebrating with a crowd, these mojitos bring a touch of festive fun to any moment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for White Christmas Mojitos
Mint leaves: Fresh mint is a must! It gives the mojito its classic, refreshing flavor. If you don’t have fresh mint, you can try fresh basil for a slightly different twist, but mint really shines here.
Lime: Lime brings the vibrant citrus zing. If limes aren’t available, lemon works, but the flavor will be a bit different—less sharp but still delicious.
Sugar or simple syrup: Simple syrup dissolves faster and mixes more evenly than granulated sugar. Honey or agave syrup can also work, but start with less since they’re sweeter.
White rum: This is the main spirit. You can use silver rum or any light rum for a clean taste. If you prefer less alcohol, reduce the amount or use a non-alcoholic rum substitute.
Pomegranate seeds: These give a festive red pop that feels perfect for the holidays. If you don’t have pomegranates, cranberries or red currants make good colorful alternatives.
How Do You Muddle Mint and Lime Without Making It Bitter?
The key to muddling is to gently press and twist to release flavors without smashing too hard. Here’s how I do it:
- Add mint leaves and lime wedges to your glass or shaker.
- Use a muddler or the back of a spoon, pressing down gently while twisting.
- Aim to bruise the mint lightly and crush the lime just enough to release juice.
- Avoid over-muddling, as too much release of mint’s chlorophyll can create bitterness.
Getting this right makes your mojito bright and fresh—not bitter or grassy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sturdy glass or cocktail shaker – I like a good shaker because it helps blend the flavors evenly and keeps things cool.
- Muddler or the back of a spoon – this gently releases the mint and lime flavors without tearing the leaves.
- Measuring spoons and jigger – easy to measure the sugar and rum for the perfect balance.
- Long spoon or stirrer – for mixing the ingredients smoothly and evenly.
- Tall serving glasses – ideal for stacking ice and garnishes, plus they look festive.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use flavored or spiced rum (like coconut or vanilla) to add a different aroma and taste.
- Mix in crushed fresh berries—blueberries or raspberries work well for more color and flavor.
- swipe some peppermint syrup or add a candy cane stir stick for extra holiday flair.
- Replace pomegranate seeds with fresh cranberries or orange zest for different fruit notes.
White Christmas Mojitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Drink:
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons white sugar or simple syrup
- 2 ounces white rum
- Crushed ice
- Soda water (club soda or sparkling water), to top up
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (for festive red garnish)
- Lime slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe only takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and simple—just muddling, mixing, and pouring—making it perfect for last-minute holiday drinks or any festive occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Mint and Lime:
In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add 10 fresh mint leaves and 2 lime wedges. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Press just enough to release the delicious lime juice and mint oils without tearing the mint leaves too much, which keeps the drink smooth and fresh.
2. Add Sugar and Rum:
Add 2 tablespoons of white sugar or simple syrup into the glass. Muddle a bit more to help it mix well. Pour in 2 ounces of white rum and stir the mixture gently to combine all the flavors nicely.
3. Assemble and Garnish:
Fill your serving glass with crushed ice, almost to the top. Pour the rum and mint mixture over the ice, then top up the glass with soda water for a refreshing fizz. Stir gently to blend everything together. Finally, garnish with a generous sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a touch of festive red, a fresh sprig of mint, and a lime slice on the rim. Serve right away and enjoy your White Christmas Mojito!
Can I Use Frozen Mint Leaves for This Recipe?
While fresh mint leaves work best for flavor and aroma, you can use frozen mint if that’s what you have. Just thaw them gently and pat dry before muddling to avoid extra water diluting the drink.
How Can I Make This Mojito Non-Alcoholic?
Simply skip the rum and add a little extra soda water or a splash of lime juice for tang. You can also use a non-alcoholic rum substitute to keep the mojito vibe without the alcohol.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Mojito Mix?
If you have leftover muddled mint, lime, and sugar mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir before using again, but it’s freshest when made and served immediately.
Can I Prepare White Christmas Mojitos in Advance?
It’s best to prepare the components separately—muddle the mint and lime fresh, then add rum and ice right before serving to keep the mint vibrant and the drink fizzy. You can pre-cut limes and chill your soda water ahead of time to speed up assembly.