White Christmas Mojitos are a festive twist on the classic mojito, bursting with fresh mint, zesty lime, and a splash of rum, all topped with sparkling white soda for a bright, refreshing holiday treat. These vibrant cocktails are crisp, a little sweet, and perfect for bringing a bit of island cheer to your winter celebrations.
I love making White Christmas Mojitos because they’re super easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The fresh mint gives such a lovely aroma and flavor, and squeezing the lime right before mixing really wakes everything up. Whenever I make this drink, it instantly makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation, even if I’m just sitting by the fireplace!
My favorite way to serve them is with a generous handful of crushed ice and a sprig of mint on top for a pretty finish. They’re great for holiday parties or just unwinding after a chilly day. Plus, they bring a bright, fresh contrast to heavier winter foods, making the celebration feel a bit lighter and more joyful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mint: Mint is the heart of a mojito—it gives that fresh, bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh mint, try adding a few drops of mint extract, but use less since it’s stronger. Fresh always tastes best!
White Rum: White rum is light and smooth, perfect for a mojito. If you prefer less alcohol or want a lighter version, use sparkling water extra or even coconut water for a tropical twist.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is important for that zesty tang. Avoid bottled lime juice if you can—it often tastes flat. If fresh limes aren’t available, lemon juice can work in a pinch but will change the flavor slightly.
Pomegranate Seeds: These add festive color and a sweet crunch—perfect for this Christmas version. If pomegranate isn’t in season, try red currants or a few fresh cranberries instead.
How Do You Get the Best Mint Flavor Without Over-Muddling?
The secret to a great mojito is releasing the mint’s essential oils without making it bitter. Over-muddling can crush the leaves too much, turning your drink harsh.
- Gently press and twist the mint leaves with your muddler or spoon—don’t mash them into a paste.
- Use just enough pressure to release the mint aroma and oils.
- If you don’t have a muddler, the back of a wooden spoon works fine.
- Remember, fresh mint gives the best flavor, so pick bright green leaves with no bruises.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cocktail muddler – I find it helps release the mint’s flavor gently without tearing the leaves.
- Fresh citrus juicer – makes getting all the lime juice quick and easy.
- Sturdy glass or cocktail shaker – perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Long stirring spoon – makes gentle mixing a breeze without disturbing the fizz.
- Serving glasses – tall glasses like highball or Collins work best for these mojitos.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pomegranate seeds for fresh cranberries or red currants for a different burst of color and tartness.
- Add a splash of coconut cream or coconut water to give your mojito a tropical twist.
- For a spiced version, include a pinch of ground cinnamon or fresh ginger slices along with the mint.
- Use flavored rum (like coconut or vanilla) instead of plain white rum to add extra depth and sweetness.
White Christmas Mojitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons white sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/2 cup white rum
- Crushed ice
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top off
- Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
- 3 cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s all about quick muddling, mixing, and garnishing. Perfect for a last-minute festive drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Mint and Sugar:
Place the fresh mint leaves and white sugar into a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon—press just enough to release the mint oils and aroma without tearing the leaves.
2. Mix Lime Juice and Rum:
Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and white rum to the muddled mint and sugar. Stir lightly or shake just a bit to combine the flavors well.
3. Assemble the Drink:
Fill your serving glasses halfway with crushed ice. Pour the mint and rum mixture over the ice. Then, top off each glass with club soda or sparkling water until full. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Add a generous amount of crushed ice to the top of the glass. Garnish your White Christmas Mojito with a fresh mint sprig, a cinnamon stick if you like a hint of spice, and sprinkle bright red pomegranate seeds over the top for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Mint for the Mojitos?
Fresh mint is best for vibrant flavor, but if frozen mint is all you have, thaw it completely and pat dry before muddling. It may be less aromatic, so consider adding a bit more to make up for it.
Can I Make White Christmas Mojitos Ahead of Time?
It’s best to mix the mojitos just before serving to keep the mint fresh and the soda fizzy. You can prepare the lime juice and rum mixture in advance and refrigerate it, then combine with ice and soda right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover mojito mix without soda, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add fresh ice, soda, and garnish when ready to serve again.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of This Mojito?
Absolutely! Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and adjust to taste. You can swap sugar for simple syrup for easier mixing, or use a sugar substitute if you want a lower-calorie option.