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Blackberry Mojito

A refreshing cocktail that combines the herbaceous kick of fresh mint with tart blackberries and zesty lime, all topped with sparkling water for a drink that's both sophisticated and easy to make at home.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Cuban-inspired cocktail
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 to 10 fresh blackberries
  • 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves plus one sprig for garnish
  • 1 medium lime cut into wedges
  • 2 ounces 60 ml white rum, preferably light or silver rum
  • 0.5 ounce 15 ml simple syrup or 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup ice cubes crushed or cubed
  • 3 to 4 ounces 90-120 ml sparkling water or club soda
  • pinch of salt for rimming optional

Equipment

  • Tall glass or mojito glass (10-12 ounces)
  • Cocktail muddler or back of a wooden spoon
  • Bar spoon or long-handled spoon for stirring
  • Jigger or shot glass for measuring
  • Knife for cutting limes
  • Cutting board
  • Cocktail strainer (optional)
  • Citrus juicer or hand juicer

Method
 

  1. Fill your tall glass with ice cubes and set it aside to chill while you prepare the drink. Cut a lime wedge for the squeeze and reserve a fresh mint sprig for the top of the finished mojito.
  2. Pour 2 ounces of white rum into a jigger, then measure out your simple syrup. Having everything measured before you start prevents confusion and keeps the preparation smooth.
  3. Place 8 to 10 fresh blackberries in the bottom of a clean glass or the base of a cocktail shaker.
  4. Add 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves on top of the blackberries, then gently press and twist with your muddler for about 10 to 15 seconds to release the berry juice and mint oils without crushing the mint leaves too aggressively.
  5. Squeeze 2 to 3 lime wedges into the glass with the muddled berries and mint. Pour in the simple syrup and stir everything together for a few seconds to combine.
  6. Pour the blackberry and mint mixture into your ice-filled glass, straining out any large berry pieces or mint leaf bits if you prefer a smoother drink.
  7. Pour the measured 2 ounces of white rum over the ice and mixture. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the rum with the berry juice and lime.
  8. Fill the glass most of the way with sparkling water or club soda, leaving about a half inch at the top. Stir gently one more time to blend everything without losing too much carbonation.
  9. Drop a fresh mint sprig into the glass and set a lime wheel on the rim for a polished presentation. Serve immediately with a short straw.

Notes

Muddle gently and briefly to release flavor without bruising the mint leaves or making them turn brown and bitter. Use slightly overripe blackberries whenever possible because they're softer, juicier, and release more flavor when muddled. Make simple syrup ahead of time by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then cool completely before storing in the fridge.