Christmas Mojito Recipe
If there’s ever been a drink that captures the spirit and sparkle of the holidays, it’s the Christmas Mojito. Imagine the classic Cuban refreshment with a fun, festive twist: tart cranberry juice, pomegranate jewels, fresh mint, zippy lime, and an irresistible pop of white rum. It’s dazzling to look at, joyful to sip, and the perfect crowd-pleaser for any winter gathering. Whether you’re toasting with friends, hosting a cozy dinner, or just treating yourself to a glass of cheer, this Christmas Mojito will light up any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Mint Mojito:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 lime (cut into wedges)
- 2 ounces white rum
Cranberry Mix:
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 2 ounces club soda
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
Garnish:
- Crushed ice
- Fresh cranberries and mint sprigs
How to Make Christmas Mojito
Step 1: Muddle the Mint, Lime, and Sugar
Start by grabbing a sturdy glass or a cocktail shaker. Toss in your fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, and granulated sugar. Now comes the fun part: muddle them together! Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush the mint and lime. The goal is to bruise the mint and release the lime juice, mixing everything with the sugar for a fragrant, zesty base that will infuse your Christmas Mojito with tons of flavor.
Step 2: Add Rum and Cranberry Juice
Pour in your white rum and cranberry juice over the muddled mixture. This is when that brilliant color starts to come alive, and the magic of the mojito meets holiday cheer. The rum provides warmth and depth, while cranberry juice gives tartness and a festive rosy hue.
Step 3: Fill with Crushed Ice and Shake
Time to make things frosty! Add plenty of crushed ice to your shaker (or glass) until it’s almost full. Put the lid on the shaker and give everything a gentle shake—not too vigorous, just enough to mix and chill. If you’re working in a larger glass, you can simply stir well to combine and cool all the ingredients.
Step 4: Top with Club Soda and Stir
Pour the cold, muddled mixture into your serving glass if it’s not already there, and top it off with crisp club soda. Give it a gentle stir: you want those bubbles to lift all the flavors, making your Christmas Mojito extra refreshing and lively!
Step 5: Add Pomegranate Seeds and Garnish
Sprinkle in your pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and a hint of sweetness. Now, finish off with a few fresh cranberries and a generous mint sprig for garnish. The result is jaw-droppingly pretty and totally ready for a celebration. Serve right away and enjoy every sparkling, festive sip!
How to Serve Christmas Mojito
Garnishes
Garnishing your Christmas Mojito is where you get to turn a simple drink into something swoon-worthy. Mint sprigs and fresh cranberries are classic, but don’t stop there—a sugared rim or a few shimmering pomegranate seeds on top will make your glass look as vibrant as a holiday wreath. For extra pizzazz, tuck in a thin wheel of lime or a little rosemary sprig, and watch your guests light up before they even take that first sip.
Side Dishes
This refreshing cocktail loves good company. Pair your Christmas Mojito with light appetizers like spiced nuts, cheese boards, or citrusy shrimp skewers. The sweet-tart flavors also contrast beautifully with rich holiday nibbles, from brie en croute to roasted root veggies. Honestly, you can’t go wrong—this drink is a merry match with so many festive bites!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to win extra style points? Serve your Christmas Mojito in tall Collins glasses for a dramatic layered look, or in quirky mason jars for a homespun holiday party vibe. Float a few cranberries in each glass, hang a mini candy cane on the rim, or add sparkly cocktail picks garnished with fruit for something truly memorable. Individual mini-mojitos in shot glasses are always a huge hit at larger gatherings, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Christmas Mojito doesn’t happen often, but if you end up with extra, keep the mixture (without club soda and fresh garnishes) in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to 24 hours. Just add club soda and garnishes whenever you’re ready for your next round.
Freezing
While mojitos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the muddled mint-lime-sugar-cranberry mixture as ice cubes. These festive cubes are ready to toss in a glass, top with rum and club soda, and get right to celebrating—no watering down your Christmas Mojito, just pure flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled drink, there’s no need to reheat! The beauty of this recipe is its frosty, refreshing nature, so just pour any pre-mixed base over fresh ice, top with club soda, and garnish.
FAQs
Can I make a Christmas Mojito without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just skip the rum and add a little extra cranberry juice or sparkling water for a mocktail that even kids and non-drinkers can enjoy. The result is just as festive, colorful, and delicious.
How do I make a big batch for a party?
To make a party pitcher, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Muddle the mint, lime, and sugar in the bottom of a large pitcher, then add rum and cranberry juice. Chill until ready to serve, and pour over ice with club soda and garnishes in each glass.
Can I use frozen cranberries as a garnish?
Yes, and they actually work beautifully! Frozen cranberries not only look great but help keep your drink cold without watering it down. Plus, they float and add a touch of frosty charm to every Christmas Mojito.
What’s the best rum for this recipe?
A smooth, clean-tasting white rum is ideal. Choose a mid-range brand you like to sip on its own; this allows the mint, lime, and cranberry flavors to really shine instead of being overshadowed by strong alcohol notes.
Can I prep the mint and lime ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Wash and gently tear up the mint, and slice your lime into wedges hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated in airtight containers so everything is ready to muddle when it’s time to make your Christmas Mojito.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly special about a Christmas Mojito—it’s crisp, colorful, and loaded with holiday cheer. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it the highlight of your celebration. Cheers to good friends, great flavors, and the very best festive memories!
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Christmas Mojito Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Christmas Mojito is a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail that combines the classic mojito flavors with a seasonal twist of cranberry and pomegranate. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy during holiday gatherings or as a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients
Fresh Mint Mojito:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 lime (cut into wedges)
- 2 ounces white rum
Cranberry Mix:
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 2 ounces club soda
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
Garnish:
- Crushed ice
- Fresh cranberries and mint sprigs
Instructions
- Muddle: In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar until the mint is bruised and the lime has released its juice.
- Add Liquids: Add white rum and cranberry juice, then fill the shaker with crushed ice.
- Shake: Shake gently to mix and chill.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into a glass and top with club soda. Stir to combine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle in pomegranate seeds and garnish with fresh cranberries and a mint sprig.
- Serve: Serve immediately for a festive, refreshing holiday drink.
Notes
- For a mocktail version, omit the rum and add extra cranberry juice or sparkling water.
- For added flair, rim the glass with sugar or garnish with a lime wedge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Cuban-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
