Nojito
Ingredients
- 8 each Mint
- 20 ml Simple Syrup
- 8 each Mint
- 120 ml Soda Water
- 20 ml Simple Syrup
- 120 ml Soda Water
- 20 ml Lime Juice
- 20 ml Lime Juice
Garnish
- Lime
- Lime
Tools & Glassware
- Muddler
- Bar spoon
Directions
- Clap the mint leaves between your palms to release oils
- Add to a highball glass with 4 lime wedges
- Add simple syrup and gently muddle to extract lime juice and mint aroma
- Fill the glass ¾ full with crushed ice
- Pour in soda water and stir with a bar spoon in a 3D motion to mix
- Top with more crushed ice and garnish with mint sprig and lime wedge
History
The Nojito is a modern, non-alcoholic twist on the classic Mojito, designed to offer the same refreshing experience without the rum. While the Mojito’s roots trace back to 16th-century Cuba, the Nojito emerged much later, likely in the early 2000s, as part of the global rise in mocktail culture and the demand for inclusive, alcohol-free options. The Mojito evolved from a medicinal drink called El Draque, named after Sir Francis Drake, which combined aguardiente (a precursor to rum), lime, sugar, and mint. Over time, it became a Cuban staple, especially in Havana, where it was refined with white rum and soda water. The Nojito likely gained traction in hospitality and wellness circles as a way to offer the Mojito’s signature mint-lime-sugar-soda profile without alcohol. It became a menu staple in UK bars, cafés, and family-friendly venues, especially during summer or Dry January. Its name, a portmanteau of “No” + “Mojito”, signals its identity as a zero-proof sibling of the Mojito. The Nojito now stands as a flagship mocktail.
Discover More Cocktail Recipes
Join The Cocktail Codex to explore our complete collection of classic and modern cocktails.
Sign Up Free