This non-alcoholic mojito with Sprite is a fizzy mint-and-lime drink inspired by the Cuban mojito, served over ice without rum. Sprite adds sweetness and bubbles, while fresh lime and gently muddled mint keep the drink bright and refreshing; make it in two glasses in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml juice), plus 2 thin lime wheels for garnish if desired
- 12 fresh mint leaves (about 2 g), plus 2 small mint sprigs for garnish if desired
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (8 g); use less or omit to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) chilled Sprite
- 1 cup crushed ice (about 140 g), or enough to fill two glasses
Instructions
- Prepare the lime and mint, about 4 minutes. Rinse the mint and pat it dry. Juice the lime, removing any seeds, and divide the juice between two sturdy glasses. Set aside the optional lime wheels and mint sprigs for serving.
- Release the mint aroma, about 2 minutes. Add 6 mint leaves and 1 teaspoon sugar to each glass. Press and turn the leaves gently with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon for about 10 to 15 seconds. The goal is to bruise the leaves and release their fragrance, not grind them into a paste.
- Add ice, about 2 minutes. Divide the crushed ice between the glasses, filling each roughly halfway to three-quarters full. Stir once or twice so the lime, sugar, and mint are distributed through the ice. If the sugar is still sitting at the bottom, stir until most of it dissolves.
- Top with Sprite and serve, about 2 minutes. Pour half of the chilled Sprite into each glass, about 1/2 cup (120 ml) per serving. Give each drink one gentle stir to combine without knocking out too many bubbles. Taste and adjust with a little extra lime juice or Sprite if needed. Garnish with the reserved lime and mint, and serve right away with a straw or spoon.
Tips
- Muddle lightly. A few gentle presses are enough to bruise mint leaves. Crushing them aggressively can make the drink taste grassy or bitter, and tiny pieces may cling to the straw. If you do not have a muddler, use the rounded end of a clean wooden spoon.
- Adjust sweetness after adding Sprite. Sprite is already sweet, and the amount of sugar needed can vary with the lime and your taste. The recipe starts with 1 teaspoon per glass; for a less-sweet drink, reduce it or leave it out. Stir granulated sugar thoroughly, or use superfine sugar, which dissolves more quickly.
- Use cold soda and sturdy ice. Chilled Sprite keeps the drink lively without requiring extra ice. Crushed ice cools the ingredients quickly and makes the classic frosty style, while larger cubes melt more slowly if you want the drink to stay less diluted as you sip.
- Keep mint fresh and dry until use. Rinse it shortly before making the drinks and pat it dry so water does not dilute the lime. Remove any dark or wilted leaves. If the mint is especially strong, begin with fewer leaves and add more only if you want a more pronounced herbal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mojitos immediately in highball glasses or other tall glasses that leave room for ice and soda. A straw makes it easier to sip through crushed ice, while a long spoon helps redistribute the lime and mint between sips. A lime wheel tucked against the glass and a small mint sprig make a simple garnish; tap the mint sprig once between your palms before adding it to release its aroma.
This drink works well alongside salty or boldly seasoned snacks because the citrus and bubbles provide a crisp contrast. Try it with tortilla chips and salsa, roasted nuts, vegetable fritters, grilled corn, or a plate of fresh fruit. For a meal, serve it with tacos, sandwiches, or a rice bowl. If serving several people, set out extra lime wedges and mint so each guest can adjust the drink to taste.
For a neat presentation, add the mint and lime mixture to the glass first, then ice, then Sprite. Pouring the soda over the ice helps preserve its fizz, and a single gentle stir is usually enough. Avoid filling the glass to the brim before stirring, since the ice and bubbles can make the drink spill.
Variations
Make it less sweet: Omit the added sugar and squeeze in a little extra lime. You can also replace part of the Sprite with plain sparkling water. Start with 1/4 cup (60 ml) sparkling water per glass, then taste; this softens the sweetness and Sprite flavor while keeping the drink bubbly.
Use another lemon-lime soda: A similar lemon-lime soda can replace Sprite in the same quantity. The sweetness, citrus flavor, and level of carbonation vary by brand, so add it gradually and adjust the lime rather than assuming the finished drink will taste identical. For a lighter flavor, combine half soda and half sparkling water.
Add fruit: Gently muddle 2 to 3 raspberries or a few small pieces of strawberry with the lime and sugar before adding the mint. The fruit adds color and a mild berry flavor. Do not mash the mint together with the fruit for too long; press the fruit enough to release juice, then bruise the mint lightly.
Try ginger or cucumber: Add 2 thin cucumber slices to each glass for a mild, clean flavor, or use a small splash of ginger syrup in place of some of the sugar for a spicier drink. Since syrups add sweetness, taste before adding more sugar. These are optional twists, not required ingredients for the basic mint-lime version.
Storage and Reheating
This mojito is best made just before serving. Once Sprite is mixed with ice and lime, its bubbles fade and the ice melts, so a stored finished drink will taste flatter and more diluted. If a prepared drink remains, cover it and refrigerate it within 2 hours; for the best flavor and fizz, drink it the same day. Do not leave it at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
For easier advance preparation, wash and dry the mint, juice the lime, and keep them separately covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The lime juice may lose some of its fresh aroma over time, and mint can darken if it is damp or crushed. Keep Sprite chilled in its original container and open it only when ready to mix. Add ice and soda at serving time. There is no reheating step for this cold drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a mojito with Sprite without adding sugar?
Yes. Sprite already contributes sweetness, so you can omit the sugar, especially if you prefer a tart drink. Mix the lime, mint, ice, and soda, then taste. Add a small amount of sugar only if the lime tastes too sharp for you.
Is this a traditional Cuban mojito?
No. A traditional mojito is an alcoholic Cuban cocktail that commonly combines rum, lime, mint, sugar, and soda water. This is a non-alcoholic variation that uses Sprite in place of the rum and soda-water combination. Mojito recipes have variations, but this version is designed as a straightforward alcohol-free drink.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Yes, but mix the lime juice, sugar, and gently bruised mint in a pitcher shortly before serving. Add the Sprite and ice at the last moment so the drink stays fizzy and does not become watery. For two servings, use the amounts in the recipe; multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need, then taste the pitcher before adding all the soda.
What can I use if I do not have a muddler?
The rounded end of a wooden spoon works well. Press the leaves lightly against the bottom of the glass and twist once or twice. Avoid using a sharp utensil, which can damage the glass, and avoid shredding the mint into small bits that can make the drink harder to sip.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice gives the drink a brighter, more fragrant citrus flavor. Bottled juice can work in a pinch; begin with the same amount, about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) per glass, and adjust to taste because bottled products vary in tartness. Fresh lime wedges can still be used as garnish.
Can I make it with lemon-lime sparkling water instead of Sprite?
Yes. Lemon-lime sparkling water is usually less sweet than Sprite, so you may want to add a little sugar or simple syrup. Start with a small amount, stir until dissolved, and taste before adding more. Plain sparkling water also works, though the drink will have a milder soda flavor.
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