Pin it
Brighten your festive season with this snowy white mojito. This drink combines tangy lime and fresh mint with sweet coconut and smooth rum, finished with bright red cranberries. It's basically winter magic in your glass - both sweet and refreshing. Great for festive get-togethers or quiet evenings next to your Christmas tree.
Why Make This Drink
This twist on a classic does something special. It brings a touch of summer into winter celebrations with its coconut and mint flavors, plus the bubbly soda gives it extra zing. Those sugar-coated cranberries look just like tiny ornaments floating on top. You can mix it with or without alcohol so everyone at your gathering can enjoy it. Whip up a large pitcher for your next party and watch your guests smile when they take their first sip.
What You Need
- Fresh Lime Juice: Squeeze it yourself for best flavor
- White Sugar: Just the everyday kind
- Fresh Mint: Look for bright, unblemished leaves
- Simple Syrup: Just sugar dissolved in water
- Clear Rum: Any decent light variety works
- Coconut-flavored Rum: Adds that tropical element
- Canned Coconut Milk: Don't use refrigerated drinking kind
- Ice, Crushed: For maximum chill factor
- Sparkling Club Soda: For that nice fizz
- Fresh Cranberries: Sugar-coated for extra sparkle
How to Make It
- Prepare Your Glasses:
- Pour some lime juice onto one small plate and sugar onto another. First dip the glass rims into the juice, then into sugar for a frosty edge. Set them aside while you make the drink.
- Release Mint Flavors:
- Combine mint leaves with simple syrup in your cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or spoon to gently press the mint and release its oils.
- Blend Your Ingredients:
- Add your freshly squeezed lime, both types of rum, and the coconut milk to the mint mixture. Add some ice and shake everything thoroughly.
- Set Up Your Glasses:
- Fill your sugar-edged glasses with plenty of crushed ice. Strain your mixture over the ice.
- Finish With Bubbles:
- Add a little club soda on top for fizz. Garnish with your sugar-dusted cranberries. Drink immediately while everything's cold and bubbly.
Pick Good Stuff
Always go for just-squeezed limes instead of the store-bought juice. Grab coconut milk that comes in a can, not the diluted drinking variety. Choose rums you'd happily drink on their own. Your mint should look vibrant with no dark edges. When you start with quality ingredients, your cocktail will turn out so much tastier.
Making Pretty Cranberries
Transform ordinary cranberries into glittering garnishes with a coating of sugar. Just dampen them quickly in water or a bit of syrup, then toss them in granulated sugar. Let them dry on some paper towels. They'll shine like mini Christmas decorations and give a sweet-tart pop when eaten. Make a bunch extra - guests always snack on them.
Making for Parties
Got friends coming over? Mix up all your ingredients except the ice and soda in a large pitcher beforehand. Store it in your fridge until party time. When guests arrive, they can grab ice and add soda themselves. Put out small dishes of sugar and lime juice so everyone can decorate their own glass rims. It's both fun and takes work off your plate during the gathering.
No Fancy Tools Needed
Don't worry if you haven't got a proper cocktail shaker. A mason jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. Just crush your mint with syrup at the bottom using a wooden spoon, throw in everything else, and give it a good shake. You can pour through a small kitchen strainer if you don't want bits of mint floating in your drink.
Make It Without Rum
You can easily skip the alcohol and still create something wonderful. Just use extra coconut milk and add some coconut water for depth. Throw in more lime if you want it tangier. Top it with soda and those pretty cranberries. This way nobody gets left out - kids and designated drivers can join the fun too. It still captures that holiday spirit perfectly.
Pin it
Keep It Cold
These drinks really need to be super cold. Smash your ice ahead of time - it chills the mixture faster than whole cubes. If you're serving these drinks outdoors, stick your glasses in the freezer about 10 minutes before filling them. Always have backup ice ready to go. Even a Christmas-themed mojito isn't enjoyable when it gets warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Want a no-alcohol version?
Use more coconut milk to fill the glass. Add fizzy water or clear soda for bubbles. You can also try mint-infused tea for a nice twist. For sweetness, white grape juice works too.
- → Don’t have cranberries?
Coat any berries you have in sugar for a frosted look. You can also try lime wheels, sugared rims, or sprigs of mint. Even candy canes add a festive touch.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
Mix everything except the sparkling water. Keep the garnishes separate until you're ready. Prepare sugared berries in advance. Store mint in water and squeeze limes just before serving.
- → Is bottled lime juice okay?
Fresh lime tastes better but bottled works if needed. It’s stronger, so start with less. Adjust as you go. Don’t skip the lime slice for a finishing touch.
- → Is it vegan-friendly?
You’re good to go! Just check the sugar type if needed. Most rums are vegan and coconut milk is plant-based. Some folks like almond milk in the mix too.
- → Why is it too strong?
Balance it by adding more coconut milk or sparkling water. Toss in extra ice or use a lighter hand with the rum. You can dilute the rum beforehand as well.
- → Want it sweeter?
Pour in some simple syrup or swap for cream of coconut instead. Stir in white sugar a little at a time and taste as you go. Sweetened coconut milk also works nicely.
- → How do I take it to a gathering?
Prepare the drink base ahead of time and leave out the sparkling water. Carry the garnishes separately and don’t forget extra ice. Bring spare mint leaves and sugar just in case.
- → What if the ice melts too fast?
Freeze coconut milk in ice tray molds ahead of time or stick to using larger ice cubes. Keep the drinks chilled before serving, or skip ice entirely if things are already cold.
- → Need to make a bigger batch?
Mix it all in a big pitcher but keep the sparkling water on the side so guests can add their own fizz. Have extra limes and garnishes ready to go.
- → How do I make it look extra fancy?
Rim the glass with sparkling sugar or beautifully layer the ingredients for a striking look. Use crystal-clear glasses and decorate with the freshest mint leaves for a polished presentation.
- → Does it need more mint flavor?
Crush the mint leaves harder when you prep. Stick to fresh leaves and add some while sipping. Play around with mint syrup, but use it sparingly since it’s concentrated.
Conclusion
Fancy this drink? You can leave out the rum, and it’s still great! Try a fresh fruit daiquiri next or whip up a tropical rum punch sometime.