White Christmas Mojitos are a fresh and festive twist on the classic mojito, perfect for holiday gatherings. They feature crisp white rum, bright lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and a splash of sparkling soda, all coming together to create a cool and refreshing drink that feels like a winter celebration in a glass.
I love making these mojitos because they’re easy to prepare and always bring a cheerful vibe to the party. The mint and lime give it such a lively kick, and the white rum keeps it smooth and light. Adding a little extra sparkle just makes it feel special, like you’re sipping on a holiday treat without the heaviness of typical festive drinks.
My favorite way to serve White Christmas Mojitos is in tall glasses with plenty of crushed ice and a sprig of mint on top. It’s a great drink for when you want something bright and cheerful to balance out all the rich holiday food. Whenever I bring these out, everyone always asks for seconds — they’re just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rum: This is the heart of the mojito, offering a smooth, light flavor. If you prefer less alcohol or can’t find white rum, try silver tequila or a mild vodka for a different twist.
Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives the drink its bright acidity. Avoid bottled juice if possible, as fresh is fresher and more vibrant. If limes are out of season, lemon juice can work too.
Mint Leaves: Mint brings that classic mojito aroma and taste. Use fresh spearmint or peppermint. If fresh mint isn’t available, you can infuse with mint tea as a last resort.
Pomegranate Seeds: These add color and a subtle tartness, perfect for the holiday feel. You can swap for fresh cranberries or red currants if pomegranates are hard to find.
Simple Syrup: It sweetens without graininess. You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water or substitute with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Muddle Mint Without Making the Drink Bitter?
Muddling mint releases its oils but can turn bitter if overdone. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Put mint leaves and simple syrup in the glass.
- Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to press gently 3–5 times, just enough to bruise the leaves and release aroma.
- Avoid tearing or crushing the leaves too much to keep bitterness away.
- Once muddled, add lime juice and rum right after to balance flavors.
Gentle muddling keeps the mint fresh and bright, enhancing the whole drink.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Highball glass – I recommend this because it’s the perfect size for muddling, mixing, and serving.
- Salad muddler or wooden spoon – makes gentle muddling of mint easy without tearing the leaves.
- Measuring jigger – keeps your rum, lime juice, and syrup just right for a perfect balance.
- Bar spoon – helps stir the ingredients smoothly and evenly.
- Straw – a fun way to sip your mojito and keeps it looking nice.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pomegranate seeds for fresh cranberries or raspberries for a different festive flavor and color.
- Add a splash of coconut cream or coconut rum for a tropical holiday twist.
- Mix in a few slices of cucumber or fresh berries for extra freshness and texture.
- Use flavored sparkling water, like lemon-lime or berry, to add a fun twist without extra sugar.
White Christmas Mojitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mojito:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Crushed ice
- Sparkling water or club soda, to top
For Garnish:
- Fresh pomegranate seeds (for a festive touch)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Mint sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing White Christmas Mojito takes about 5 minutes to prepare, with no cooking involved. It’s a quick mix-and-serve cocktail that’s perfect for last-minute holiday parties or relaxing at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Mint and Simple Syrup:
Place the fresh mint leaves and simple syrup into a sturdy glass. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press the mint leaves just enough to release their aroma and flavor. Avoid over-muddling to keep the mint from becoming bitter.
2. Add Lime Juice and Rum:
Pour in the fresh lime juice and white rum over the muddled mint mixture.
3. Add Crushed Ice and Stir:
Fill the glass almost to the top with crushed ice. Stir gently to mix all ingredients and chill the cocktail evenly.
4. Top with Sparkling Water and Garnish:
Top off the mojito with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizz. Sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds on top for a pop of holiday color and flavor. Garnish with a sprig of mint and, if desired, a lime wedge on the rim.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Insert a straw, serve immediately, and enjoy the bright and festive flavors of your White Christmas Mojito!
Can I Use Frozen Mint for This Mojito?
Fresh mint is best for this recipe to get that bright, aromatic flavor. If you only have frozen mint, thaw it completely and gently pat dry before muddling, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
How Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Simply skip the rum and add extra sparkling water or a splash of club soda with a little more lime juice and simple syrup for balance. You’ll get a refreshing, minty mocktail with the same festive flair.
Can I Prepare Parts of This Mojito Ahead of Time?
You can make the simple syrup several days in advance and store it in the fridge. It’s best to muddle the mint and mix the drink just before serving to keep the fresh mint flavor vibrant and the crushed ice from melting.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Mojitos?
Because mojitos are best fresh, leftover mixed drink can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours but without the ice and sparkling water, added fresh when serving again for best flavor and fizz.