Refreshing Lime Mojito: Homemade Non-Alcoholic Delight
Easy Homemade Lime Mojito Recipe for Beginners
Introducing a delightful non-alcoholic mojito bursting with the vibrant tang of fresh lime! This refreshing drink is packed with invigorating citrus flavor and the subtle aroma of mint, making it not only delicious but also a great source of Vitamin C. While lime or lemon juice is often mixed with rum for a classic cocktail, this recipe offers a simple, alcohol-free version perfect for enjoying at home anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 limes
- A few sprigs of mint (preferably spearmint or mojito mint)
- 2 cups sparkling water (or club soda)
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Simple syrup or sugar, to taste
- Baking soda, for cleaning limes
- Coarse salt, for cleaning limes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the limes. Sprinkle baking soda over the limes and gently scrub them with a soft brush or your hands to remove any dirt or wax. Rinse them under cool water. Next, use coarse salt to scrub the limes again; the salt acts as a gentle abrasive to further clean the peel. Finally, rinse thoroughly with cold water and pat them dry.
Step 2
Prepare the limes. Cut one lime into four thick wedges. For the second lime, trim off both ends, then slice the remaining part into thin rounds. These rounds will be used for garnish.
Step 3
Squeeze the juice from the trimmed ends of the second lime. Set this fresh lime juice aside; it will add extra zing to your mojito.
Step 4
In a sturdy bowl or a muddler, combine the lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs.
Step 5
To release the full flavor and aroma, gently muddle the lime wedges and mint. Press down firmly but avoid pulverizing them. The goal is to break them down slightly to release their juices and oils, infusing the drink with their bright essence. This step is key to a truly aromatic and flavorful mojito.
Step 6
Fill your serving glasses generously with ice cubes. Spoon the muddled lime and mint mixture from the bowl into the glasses on top of the ice.
Step 7
Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice (from step 2) over the muddled ingredients in each glass.
Step 8
Top off the glasses with chilled sparkling water or club soda. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add simple syrup to your liking. Alternatively, if you’re using lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP), you might not need any extra sweetener as it’s already sweetened. Adjust to your taste.
Step 9
Garnish each glass with the lime slices you prepared earlier and an extra sprig of mint. This creates a visually appealing and fragrant finish. Enjoy your homemade non-alcoholic mojito! Unlike versions made with pre-made syrups, this fresh version offers a depth of flavor and a clean, crisp taste that’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day.
