A mojito is famous for its minty fresh, bitter-sweet flavour. A firmly entrenched cocktail in many people’s summer drink rotations, your standard mojito is made up of soda water, lime juice, brown sugar, mint leaves and rum. But everyone loves a twist on a classic, don’t they?
Equally simple-yet-sophisticated, our non-alcoholic Pineapple Mojito provides a refreshing change, while staying true to the famous cocktail’s roots. Perfect for a balmy beach day or summer garden party, it won’t leave you a drunken shambles by mid-afternoon. Instead, you’ll feel hydrated and refreshed – even the following morning.
So, whether you’re entertaining friends, trying to impress a date or just enjoying a quiet drink with a good book, this summer mocktail won’t let you down.
Things you’ll need:
- Pineapple juice, carton or fresh – dealer’s choice
- Fresh lime juice
- Soda or sparkling water
- A bushel of mint leaves
- Ice, cubed or crushed
- Brown sugar or simple sugar syrup
- Optional straw
How to make a Pineapple Mojit-no:
Whether you’re a veteran mixologist or a mocktail novice, this drink is suitable for all. It’s quick, it’s easy and, most importantly, won’t leave a huge mess in its wake.
First, add a healthy handful of mint leaves to a cocktail shaker, then mix in some ice – crushed is a personal preference – and two teaspoons of brown sugar (or alternative). Now comes the fun part: shake that concoction like your life depends on it. You want to really infuse the mint and sugar.
Next, it’s time to get squeezing. Take two limes and juice them for all they’re worth, adding the juice to your mint mixture and shaking vigorously once again. It’s crucial you spend a good 30-45 seconds shaking the mixture, so the flavours become well-acquainted with each other. We don’t want anyone to be shy.
Then, measure equal parts pineapple juice and soda water, adding them to the mixture without shaking any further – unless you want major spillage: soda water is plenty bubbly as is. Instead, thoroughly stir the mixture with a spoon.
Finally, garnish your drink with a slice of lime and a few additional mint leaves.
Enjoy!
Top tip: Before adding your mixture to a glass, run it through a sieve to remove any sediment from the mint leaves or juiced limes. Then pour your mixture into the glass of your choice – personally, I think this mocktail is well suited to a teacup. It gives the illusion of drinking green tea, making your alcohol-free mocktail seem all the more sophisticated and superior.
Featured picture: Joe Coughlan, Picture editor: Charlotte Doyle