Dark Rum Mojito Recipe

Who’s in the mood to try a new take on a classic mojito? Our dark rum mojito recipe is the perfect way to shake things up and bring a little extra flavor to your glass.

Dark rum adds a richness that makes this drink stand out. The warm notes of caramel and spice blend beautifully with the bright zest of lime and the cool freshness of mint. It’s a combination that feels both refreshing and indulgent.

This dark rum mojito cocktail is a fun twist on the traditional version. It’s perfect for a summer gathering with friends or even a cozy evening at home when you want to treat yourself to something special.

What makes it even better is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the sweetness, try different garnishes, or play around with the flavors until it feels just right for you. That’s what makes mixing cocktails so much fun. It’s all about experimenting and finding what makes it perfect for you.

Ingredients You'll Need

Let’s talk about what we need to make an amazing dark rum mojito. Each ingredient brings something special to the mix, so let’s dive in.

Dark Rum

Dark rum brings a rich, caramel flavor that takes a regular mojito and turns it into something unforgettable.

If you’re wondering what to use, Pusser's Rum has a bold flavor that really stands out. Bacardi Black is smooth and easy to drink. Feeling fancy? Mount Gay Eclipse or Zacapa 23 are excellent choices. On a budget? Captain Morgan works just fine.

No dark rum at home? No problem. Spiced rum is a great substitute. If you happen to have a high-quality aged rum, that works too.

Fresh Lime

Lime is what gives a mojito its bright, tangy flavor. It balances the sweetness and makes everything taste fresh.

We always go for fresh limes. They’re juicier and have the best flavor. If you’re picking some up, look for ones that feel slightly soft when you give them a squeeze. If fresh limes aren’t available, bottled lime juice will work, but fresh is always better.

Fresh Mint Leaves

Mint is the ingredient that makes a mojito so refreshing. It adds a burst of flavor and an aroma that feels like a little vacation in a glass.

We like using organic mint when we can find it because it usually has a stronger flavor. But honestly, any fresh mint will do. If you want to try something different, you can swap mint for basil or even cilantro for a completely new flavor.

Club Soda

Club soda gives our mojito its fizz. It makes the drink light and refreshing while bringing all the flavors together.

San Pellegrino and Fever-Tree are great choices, but brands like Schweppes or Canada Dry work perfectly too. Sparkling water is a fine substitute if that’s what you have, and flavored sparkling water can add a fun twist.

Sugar (Raw, White, or Simple Syrup)

Sugar is what balances out the lime’s tanginess and brings out the caramel notes in the rum. It’s what makes the mojito feel perfectly balanced.

Raw sugars like Demerara or Turbinado add a richer flavor, but plain white sugar works well too. If you prefer using simple syrup, you can pick up a bottle or make it yourself at home.

Looking for a natural option? Honey or agave syrup works beautifully. Just use a little less since they’re naturally sweeter.

How to Make a Dark Rum Mojito

Let’s make a dark rum mojito together. It’s simple, fun, and the perfect way to enjoy a refreshing cocktail.

First, we’ll need a few bar tools. If you have a cocktail shaker set, that’s great. If not, no worries. A large jar with a lid works just as well.

We’ll start by muddling fresh mint leaves and lime wedges right in the glass. The trick is to press gently. This helps release the flavors without overdoing it. We don’t want the mint to get too crushed or the drink to turn bitter.

Next, we add dark rum and a little sugar. The dark rum is what makes this drink stand out. It brings a rich, bold flavor that’s different from the usual mojito.

Now it’s time to add ice and pour in some soda water. A quick stir blends everything together so every sip is perfectly balanced.

To finish, we’ll add a sprig of mint and a slice of lime for garnish. It makes the drink look amazing and gives it an extra burst of freshness.

If you’re ready to try it out, you'll find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below. Let's get mixing!

Dark Rum Mojito Cocktail Recipe Variations

We love mixing things up with our dark rum mojitos. There are so many fun ways to give this classic cocktail a fresh twist, and we’re excited to share some of our favorites with you.

For a bit of spice, try adding a few slices of jalapeño when you muddle the mint. It gives the drink just the right kick without overpowering the other flavors.

If fruity cocktails are more your style, toss in a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries. They add a natural sweetness and a beautiful splash of color that makes the mojito even more special.

Want to try something completely different? Swap out the mint for basil or cilantro. These herbs bring a unique flavor that makes the mojito feel fresh and unexpected.

Another way to change things up is to use raw sugar or brown sugar instead of white. It gives the cocktail a deeper, more complex flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a less sweet drink.

We always taste as we go and adjust the sweetness and rum to get it just right for us.

These variations are such a fun way to keep things interesting. Try them out and see which one becomes your favorite! We’d love to hear what you think.

More Cocktails to Try

Now that we’ve made a dark rum mojito, why not try some other rum cocktails? Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Dark and Stormy
• Mai Tai
• Classic Mojito
• Rum and Coke
• Rum and Ginger Ale
• Rum Sour
• Cuba Libre

Looking for more ideas? Check out these helpful links:

• 2-Ingredient Rum Drinks
• Easy White Rum Cocktails
• Dark Rum Cocktails

Let’s grab our favorite rum and have some fun experimenting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is a dark rum mojito?

A dark rum mojito packs a punch. We typically use 2 ounces of dark rum in our recipe. This gives the drink a robust kick that many enjoy. Keep in mind, the strength can vary based on how much rum you add.

What type of dark rum is best for mojitos?

We love using aged rums for our dark rum mojitos. They bring rich caramel and spice notes to the drink. Plantation Original Dark Rum and Mount Gay Eclipse are great choices. Pick a rum that suits your taste buds best.

Can I use white rum instead of dark rum in a mojito?

We say go for it! White rum is the classic choice for mojitos. It gives a lighter taste. Dark rum creates a richer, more complex flavor. Try both and see which you prefer.

What is the difference between a classic mojito and a dark rum mojito?

The main difference is the rum used. Classic mojitos use white rum, while dark rum mojitos use, well, dark rum. This changes the flavor and color of the drink. Dark rum mojitos have a deeper, richer taste.

Should you shake or stir a mojito?

We always stir our mojitos. It keeps the mint leaves intact and mixes the flavors well. Shaking can make the mint bitter. Muddle the mint first, then stir gently with ice and soda.

How can I make a non-alcoholic or 'virgin' dark rum mojito?

We've got you covered for alcohol-free options too. Skip the rum and add extra lime juice or flavored syrup instead. This keeps the drink tasty without the alcohol. You can also try non-alcoholic rum alternatives for a similar flavor.

Dark Rum Mojito Recipe

A dark rum mojito is a bold twist on the classic cocktail, combining rich, caramel notes with refreshing mint and lime. This simple recipe brings depth and excitement to every sip. Perfect for relaxing evenings or lively gatherings, it’s a drink you’ll want to make again and again.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Muddler
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Jigger
• Collins Glass or Highball Glass
• Bar Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 8-12 fresh mint leaves
• 1 medium lime cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tsp demerara sugar or turbinado sugar
• 2 oz dark rum
• 4 oz club soda or sparkling water
• Lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Start by adding the mint leaves and lime wedges to your glass.
• Sprinkle in the demerara sugar.
• Use your muddler to press everything together. Be gentle here. We’re looking to release the flavors without making the mint taste bitter.
• Fill the glass with ice.
• Pour in the dark rum and stir it up to mix those flavors.
• Top it off with club soda and give it one more gentle stir.
• Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

• Dark rum is what gives this cocktail its rich, bold flavor. If you don’t have dark rum, spiced or gold rum works too.
• Demerara sugar adds a nice caramel flavor, but if you’re short on time, simple syrup is a quick alternative.
• Club soda keeps things light and bubbly, but sparkling water works just as well if that’s what you have.
• Go easy on the muddling. Gently pressing the mint is enough to release its flavors without overdoing it.
• Adjust the sugar and lime to your liking. Some of us like it sweet, while others prefer a tangier kick.

 

That’s it! Take a sip and enjoy the bold, refreshing taste of your homemade dark rum mojito.

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