Cucumber Ginger Mojito

I love a good Mojito, but I also love a fun twist. This refreshing cocktail is one of my go-to orders when I’m out, and it’s one of my favorites to make at home. The mint and lime are like heaven on the taste buds, and with the fun addition of ginger and cucumber, this drink only becomes more flavorful. Check out my recipe for a cucumber ginger Mojito.

I am really happy to work with our sponsor Klyr Rum to create this refreshing cocktail.

Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.

What is a Mojito? 

A Mojito is a Cuban highball. A highball is a mixed drink that has a spirit, a carbonated liquid, and another liquid, and a traditional Mojito consists of sugar, club soda, lime juice, white rum, and mint. 

A Mojito has a very fresh taste thanks to the mint, but is well-balanced with sweet sugar and tart lime juice. Mojitos are typically served in a tall cocktail glass and garnished with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge. Lots of people have put their own twist on a Mojito throughout the years, like watermelon, raspberry, basil, and dozens of others.

What is White Rum?

Rum is a liquor made by distilling sugarcane, either molasses, juice, or plain sugar. It is then aged in oak barrels. There are many different types of rum, including white rum, which just means it’s not distilled for as long as its darker counterparts. 

White rum can be consumed on its own, but it’s usually found in either mixed drinks or cocktails. Aside from Mojitos, rum is commonly found in piña coladas and daiquiris. Rum has a sweet taste thanks to the sugar it derives from, but it can take on other notes depending on its production.

Klyr Rum

There are many different rums you can choose from, but I like to use Klyr Rum. It’s got a great taste and is perfect for my cucumber ginger Mojito.

What is Ginger Syrup?

Ginger syrup is a simple syrup that has a ginger flavor. It’s sweet, but it has that signature ginger flavor, too. It’s got a bit of a bite, and it’s super easy to make it home.

How Do I Make It at Home?

Ginger syrup is made like any simple syrup. You’ll need sugar, water, and freshly peeled ginger. I suggest either cutting up your ginger, or thinly slicing it before using it to make your simple syrup, as this will allow the flavors to become more intense. If you put in ginger root without cutting it, the syrup will not take on as much of the ginger taste.

The ratio for the ingredients is 2:2:1, water to sugar to ginger. For every 1 cup of sugar and water, use about a half a cup of ginger.

In a heavy saucepan, boil the sugar and water until thoroughly combined, stirring continually so the sugar does not scorch on the bottom of the pan. Once boiling, add your ginger and reduce the heat, allowing it to sit for about 15 minutes. 

Then remove the saucepan from the heat source all together and let the ginger steep for at least one hour. The longer you leave it, the more intense the ginger flavor will be. Once you have reached your desired flavor, strain the ginger.

If you are going to use this in a cocktail right away, you may want to put it in the freezer for just a bit to allow it to chill, but not freeze. It shouldn’t be hot, but you don’t want the syrup to be warm as this will affect the flavor of the drink and could potentially melt your ice cubes.

Substitutes for Mocktails

This recipe can easily be made non-alcoholic. The great thing is that you are only using one type of alcohol, so you don’t have to find a bunch of substitutes. You could omit the rum all together, or you can use a non-alcoholic rum, if you really want that rum flavor. 

You could also add a tiny bit of molasses to your drink. Mix it with a little bit of water so that it’s not so thick, and add it to your drink.

What You’ll Need

To make this refreshing twist on a Mojito, you’re going to need the following ingredients:

• White rum – I suggest using Klyr Rum.
• Ginger syrup – You can make your own ginger syrup at home or you can use one that’s store-bought.
• Mint leaves – You can buy mint leaves at the grocery store, or you can use your own if you have them in your garden. Just be sure to use fresh mint leaves, not dried.
• Cucumbers – You’re going to use cucumber slices and cucumber ribbons for this recipe.
• Lime juice – I suggest using freshly squeezed lime juice.
• Club soda – Use any brand of club soda.
• Ice 

You’ll also need these items:

• Tall cocktail glass
• Jigger
• Muddler
• Cocktail stirrer
• Garnish stick

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Recipe Tips 

This is a simple drink to make, but here are some ways you can make it even better:

• Muddle your ingredients – Don’t skip this! It can seem like an unimportant step, but it’s going to add so much flavor. When you muddle the cucumbers and mint leaves, even lightly, you extract some of the juices from both, giving you an even tastier cocktail.
• Stir, don’t shake – For this drink, you are building a cocktail, meaning you’re making it right in the glass you’re going to serve it in. There’s no reason to use a shaker. To incorporate all the ingredients and flavors, simply stir before garnishing. 
• Measure your liquids – If you’ve ever watched a bartender mix a drink for you without measuring, and it’s come out amazing, that’s because the bartender is experienced and very good at their job. If you are just starting out, I highly recommend measuring your liquids, especially your spirits. This will ensure you get the proper balance of flavors, and prevent a burnt drink.

Love mojitos? Try this delicious Coconut Mojito.

Sources

https://flaviar.com/rum/white/

https://www.liquor.com/articles/mojito/