A refreshing, bubbly and herbal vodka cocktail ∙ Churn ∙ 3 min ∙ 15.6% ABV ∙
The Vodka Mojito is a churned highball of vodka, fresh mint, lime juice, and sugar syrup topped with soda, a vodka-based twist on the classic rum Mojito.
The Vodka Mojito is a modern variant of the Mojito that swaps vodka in for rum, for drinkers who prefer a neutral spirit to rum's flavor. Swapping out the rum is nothing new: a 1931 souvenir menu from Sloppy Joe's bar already printed a gin-based version beside the rum Mojito.
Yes. Vodka is a common swap for rum: it is cleaner and more neutral, so the mint and lime come through more sharply, with no rum sweetness to soften them.
A Vodka Mojito. It is the same mint, lime, sugar, and soda over crushed ice, with vodka in place of rum, so it tastes cleaner and less sweet than the rum original.
Pre-chill a highball glass, then add fresh mint leaves, vodka, lime juice, and sugar syrup. Fill the glass two-thirds with crushed ice and churn with a bar spoon, top up with more crushed ice, add a splash of soda water, stir briefly, and garnish with a mint sprig.
Churn the mint rather than crushing it, and add the soda last with only a brief stir so the drink stays fizzy.
Common variations add fruit, such as muddled strawberries or raspberries or a fruit purée, swap in a flavored syrup, or use a flavored vodka instead of plain.