Monday Mojito Madness−London Mojito
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:
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.
London (Gin) Mojito
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
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.
- 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!