It’s Monday, and, instead of a margarita, I’m making a London (Gin) Mojito.

See…that’s me…breaking out of my Monday Margarita recipe rut. It feels good. Something new. And yet still utterly delicious.

Wait. I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t mojitos made with rum?

Traditionally, yes.

But a London Mojito is made with…GIN!

I stumbled on the London Mojito because I’m not a huge rum fan. I’d much prefer to drink vodka or gin. More on that later.

And, you CAN swap out either of those spirits for the traditional rum in a mojito.

In fact, it’s really fun to play with classic cocktail recipes.

Looking for our Monday Margarita Madness Posts?

Check out our many margarita posts:

Spicy Watermelon Margarita

Juicy Vanilla Pear Margarita

Coconut Margarita

Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

Winter Citrus Margarita which is also delicious in the other three seasons as well.

Our Super Bowl Pour Decisions Margaritas featuring a Strawberry Margarita, a Spicy Jalapeño Blackberry Margarita, and a Spicy Grapefruit Jalapeño Margarita.

Our Trio of Fall-Inspired Margaritas including a Thanksgiving Margarita, a Sparkling Blood Orange Margarita, and a Plum-Thyme Margarita.

Simple to Make−London (Gin) Mojito

Get the recipe from: My Overactive Late Night Brain

The base recipe for a classic mojito is pretty simple. Rum, lime, mint, simple syrup, club soda, and ice.

But one night when my brain wouldn’t shut off, I started to wonder why I had never made a GIN mojito. After all, I’m much more a fan of gin than I am of rum. And really, there was no reason not to try it.

So, the following evening, it was time for a gin mojito.

I’ll admit I didn’t know it’s called a London Mojito until after I tried it and decided it might be my favorite version of a mojito. That’s because I did a little digging to see if I was the only one in the world weird enough (not likely) to substitute gin for the standard rum.

I was not. It’s a thing. In fact, it’s a big thing.

And I like the sound of “Would you like a London Mojito?”

If you would, here’s how you make it.

Ingredients (Makes 2 cocktails or 1 very tall cocktail as illustrated in my photo):

  • 15-20 mint leaves (depending on leaf size), plus more for garnish
  • Juice of 2 limes, plus lime slices for garnish
  • 3 oz. Gin (I used Hendrick’s)
  • 2 oz simple syrup
  • 1 C. club soda
London (Gin) Mojito Ingredients

Instructions:

  • Juice the two limes into either a muddling bowl or your cocktail shaker. Add the mint leaves and gently muddle. You’re not trying to crush the mint leaves, but rather just release their juices.
Gently muddle the mint leaves in the lime juice.
  • Fill your cocktail shaker 3/4 full with ice then add the gin, muddled mint and lime juice, club soda, and simple syrup*.
  • Shake to mix (approximately 20-30 seconds).
  • Fill two cocktail glasses with ice and pour your mojito over the ice. I don’t strain my mojito as I like the mint to continue to infuse in the drink. Plus, it’s pretty to have the mint floating around.
  • Garnish with lime slices and mint leaves.

*Simple Syrup: Combine equal parts (typically 1C each) sugar and water in a saucepan and bring it just to a boil. The sugar should be fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using. You can store simple syrup in an air tight container for 3-4 weeks.

I think the London Mojito may be my favorite summer drinky-drink. It’s cool. It’s refreshing. It’s minty. It’s perfect.

Drop me a note and a photo if you try the London Mojito!

London (Gin) Mojito and sunshine