Cherry Mojito: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Summer Sipper

I just have to say—thank you for stopping by. Whether you’re a mojito lover looking to shake things up, or just here because the idea of cherries + mint sounded too good to resist (you’re absolutely right), I’m so glad you’re here.

This Cherry Mojito is everything I love about summer: light, bright, juicy, and just a little playful. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the sparkle of club soda and the freshness of muddled mint. You get that classic mojito vibe but with a fruity twist that makes it taste like a backyard sunset in a glass.

This Cherry Mojito is a fruity, refreshing take on the traditional Cuban cocktail. Made with juicy cherries, fresh mint, white rum, lime juice, and a splash of club soda, it’s the ultimate drink for summer evenings, brunch with friends, or any time you want something cool and crisp with a little twist.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice (about 1 small lime)
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 6 fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda (to top)
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge and mint sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Muddle the Cherries & Mint
   In a sturdy glass, muddle the fresh cherries, mint leaves, and lime juice together until the cherries release their juice and the mint is fragrant.
2. Build the Cocktail
   Add the simple syrup and white rum into the glass. Stir well to combine and dissolve the syrup.
3. Add Ice & Fizz
   Fill the glass with ice cubes and top with chilled club soda.
4. Garnish & Serve
   Gently stir to lift the muddled cherries. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Sip and enjoy!

Notes

• Use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor—Bing cherries are my go-to!
• No cherry pitter? Carefully slice around the pit with a small knife.
• Adjust the simple syrup to your sweetness preference.

Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Muddled
• Cuisine: Cuban-inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
• Keywords: cherry mojito, summer cocktail, fruit mojito, cherry lime drink, refreshing cocktails

Equipment

• Sturdy glass (or cocktail muddler-friendly glass)
• Muddler (or wooden spoon if needed)
• Bar spoon or stir stick
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Knife & cherry pitter (optional)
• Ice cubes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Serving Size: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Helpful Tips

• Chill your glass ahead of time for a longer-lasting cold sip.
• Gently slap the mint leaves before muddling to release more aroma.
• Want to go all out? Garnish with a cherry-on-top cocktail skewer!

Conservation and Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can pre-muddle the cherries and mint up to a few hours in advance. Store the mixture in the fridge and build the cocktail when you’re ready to serve.

Substitutions and Variations

• No fresh cherries? Use frozen (thawed) or cherry preserves in a pinch.
• No white rum? Try vodka or even tequila for a twist.
• Want a mocktail? Skip the rum and add extra club soda + a splash of cherry juice.

Storage Instructions

• Short-term: Pre-muddled base can be stored in the fridge for 2–4 hours.
• Long-term: Not recommended—fresh fruit and mint lose their charm quickly once muddled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Cherry Mojito without alcohol?
Yes! Just leave out the rum and replace it with extra club soda, a splash of cherry juice, or even some sparkling water. You’ll still get that delicious fruity, minty flavor in a refreshing mocktail version.

Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely. Just thaw them before muddling. They work great and still give you that deep cherry flavor and color. Fresh cherries are ideal for garnish, though!

What type of rum works best in a mojito?
White rum is the traditional choice because it’s clean, light, and lets the fruit and mint shine. Brands like Bacardi, Havana Club, or even a local white rum work beautifully.

Do I need a muddler?
Nope! A sturdy spoon, the back of a wooden spoon, or even the handle of a rolling pin will work in a pinch. The key is to gently mash the ingredients—don’t pulverize them.

Can I make this in advance for a party?
You sure can! Muddle the cherries, mint, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, just add rum, ice, and top with club soda.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice will always give you the best flavor, but bottled will work if that’s what you have. Just make sure it’s 100% lime juice without added sugar or preservatives.

What if I don’t have simple syrup?
You can easily make it at home—just mix equal parts sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves. Or use honey or agave syrup as a quick alternative.

Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?
Totally! Try blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches. The base mojito recipe is super versatile.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and just a little bit fancy—this Cherry Mojito is calling your name. It’s a fruity spin on a classic, and the perfect way to celebrate cherry season (or just a Friday afternoon).

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