Mojito syrup is a sweetened lime juice concentrate used to make mojito cocktails. It provides the signature tart and sweet flavors of a mojito in a convenient syrup form.
What are the Origins of Mojito Syrup?
The origins of mojito syrup can be traced back to the origins of the mojito cocktail itself. The mojito originated in Havana, Cuba in the 16th century. It was known as “El Draque” and consisted of aguardiente, sugarcane juice, lime, and mint. Key limes were plentiful in Cuba and lime juice became a defining ingredient in Cuban drinks.
As mojitos grew in popularity over the centuries, bartenders began experimenting with ways to increase efficiency and consistency when making them. Creating a pre-made mojito syrup helped streamline the process so bartenders didn’t have to freshly squeeze limes and muddle mint leaves for each drink. It also ensured each mojito had the ideal sweet-tart flavor profile.
The first commercial mojito syrups appeared on the market in the early 2000s. As mojitos gained mainstream popularity, bartenders and consumers saw the value in having a ready-made mojito mixer. Today, mojito syrup can be readily found online and in liquor and specialty stores around the world.
How is Mojito Syrup Made?
There are two main methods used to make mojito syrup:
Simple Syrup Reduction Method
This method involves making a simple syrup with sugar and water then reducing it with the addition of lime juice and mint:
- Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Once the simple syrup has cooled, add an equal amount of fresh lime juice and 4-6 sprigs of fresh mint. Let steep for 30 minutes to infuse the syrup with lime and mint flavors.
- Strain out the mint and transfer the mojito syrup to an airtight container. It will keep refrigerated for 2-3 weeks.
Cold Press Method
The cold press method yields a fresh, raw syrup:
- Combine raw cane sugar, lime juice, and a handful of mint leaves in a mixing bowl. Muddle together using a wooden spoon to release the mint oils and combine the ingredients.
- Let the mixture infuse for 1-2 hours so the flavors fully develop.
- Fine strain the syrup into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 1 week.
The cold press method produces a syrup with a fresher, more vibrant flavor. The simple syrup reduction yields a more concentrated, sweeter result.
What Ingredients Go into Mojito Syrup?
There are four key ingredients that go into making mojito syrup:
- Sugar – White granulated sugar or raw cane sugar provides sweetness to balance the tart lime flavor.
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice gives mojito syrup its signature zesty, citrusy flavor. Key lime juice is ideal but regular Persian limes work too.
- Mint – A handful of fresh mint like spearmint or yerba buena adds herbal notes.
- Water – Water helps dissolve the sugar and dilute the lime juice to the desired sweet-tart balance.
Optional ingredients can also enhance the flavor:
- Cuban rum
- Fresh ginger
- Lemongrass
- Basil
But lime, sugar, mint, and water are the four core components that define real mojito syrup.
What is the Difference Between Mojito Syrup and Mojito Mix?
While mojito syrup and mojito mix are both designed to flavor mojito cocktails, there are some key differences:
| Mojito Syrup | Mojito Mix |
|---|---|
| Thicker, more concentrated syrup containing lime juice, sugar, mint, and water | Thinner premixed liquid containing lime juice, sugar, mint, rum, soda water |
| Used as a cocktail mixer, added in portions along with rum and soda water | Used as complete mojito base, just add rum and ice |
| Has to be refrigerated after opening | Has longer shelf life due to added preservatives |
| Typically homemade or small batch production | Mass produced commercial mixes |
So in summary, mojito syrup is more of an old fashioned mojito mixer requiring added ingredients, while mojito mix is a ready-to-pour complete mojito base.
What Does Mojito Syrup Taste Like?
When you taste mojito syrup straight, the dominant flavors should be tart lime and cool mint, with a subtle sweetness. High quality mojito syrup made with fresh ingredients will have a bright, vibrant lime taste and aroma. You should get that distinctive mojito scent from the fresh mint.
Less authentic syrups made with flavor extracts instead of real limes and mint will taste flat and one-dimensional. The lime flavor may come across as artificial and candy-like if it’s derived from flavor oils instead of real lime juice. Low grade mojito syrups can have an unpleasant chemical aftertaste.
So real mojito syrup should provide that authentic mojito experience – the sweetness of sugar awakening your tastebuds then giving way to the exhilarating tart lime, all rounded out by the cool, herbaceous notes of real mint leaves.
Tips for Choosing Quality Mojito Syrup
- Read the ingredients – it should contain real lime juice and mint, not “natural flavors.”
- Avoid neon green colors – quality mojito syrup has a pale yellowish-green hue.
- Seek out organic and small batch products for more real ingredients.
- Give it a sniff – it should smell prominently of lime and garden mint.
- Avoid syrups made with high fructose corn syrup.
- Try the syrup plain over ice for the real taste test.
How is Mojito Syrup Used in Cocktails?
Mojito syrup is used to add authentic mojito flavor to cocktails, especially mojitos of course! To make a mojito with syrup:
- Fill a highball glass with ice
- Add 2 oz white rum
- Add 1-2 oz mojito syrup (adjust to taste preference)
- Top with 3-4 oz soda water
- Garnish with lime wedge and mint leaves
The amount of syrup can be adjusted based on how sweet or tart you like your mojito. More syrup makes a sweeter drink.
Mojito syrup can also be used to make mojito-flavored:
- Daiquiris – blend syrup with rum and lime juice
- Margaritas – mix with tequila, orange liqueur and lime
- Martinis – combine syrup with gin or vodka and shake over ice
- Lemonade or iced tea
- Mojito granita – blend syrup with lime juice and mint, freeze into granita
Any cocktail that would benefit from a little mojito refreshment can be enhanced with a splash or two of mojito syrup.
What are the Best Brands of Mojito Syrup?
Some of the top brands of mojito syrup include:
Bradley’s Tropical Drink Syrups
This small batch brand uses natural ingredients like real cane sugar, key lime juice and mint extract. Their mojito syrup has a smooth, balanced flavor.
Liber & Co.
Liber & Co. is a respected premium syrup brand. Their mojito syrup contains only cane sugar, lime juice, mint leaf extract and water for an authentic flavor.
BG Reynolds
BG Reynolds is known for their cocktail syrups and mixers made from natural ingredients. Their mojito syrup has an invigorating fresh lime taste.
Jack Rudy
The Jack Rudy mojito syrup uses key lime juice sourced from Mexico and a generous amount of garden mint for an intense mojito flavor.
Small Hand Foods
This artisan brand cold presses their syrups fresh in small batches. Their mojito syrup pops with real lime and mint flavors.
Can You Make Your Own Mojito Syrup at Home?
Absolutely! Making your own mojito syrup at home is simple. You control the ingredients so you can craft the perfect mojito flavoring for cocktails. Here is an easy DIY mojito syrup recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8-10 limes)
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until sugar fully dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the lime juice, mint leaves, and salt. Let stand for 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Strain out the mint leaves by pouring through a fine mesh strainer.
- Transfer mojito syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Will keep for 2-3 weeks chilled.
For a pure, raw syrup, skip boiling the sugar and just muddle it together with the lime juice and mint leaves. Let the flavors infuse then strain. This yields a lighter, fresher syrup but it won’t last as long.
When making your own, play around with the lime juice and sugar ratios to suit your tastes. Add extra mint for more herbal flavor or a splash of rum to fortify it.
Where Can You Buy Mojito Syrup?
There are several options for purchasing mojito syrup:
- Liquor stores – Many liquor stores stock cocktail mixers and syrups like mojito syrup. This is a good option for finding niche artisan brands.
- Grocery stores – Some grocery stores carry cocktail syrups near the bar mixers, often mass-market brands. Selection is limited.
- Online – A wide variety of mojito syrup brands can be found online at retailers like Amazon. Online offers the most options.
- Specialty stores – Italian and Latin markets sometimes stock mojito syrup along with other ethnic food products.
- Bar supply stores – Retail stores focused on bar and cocktail supplies sell commercial mojito syrup for bartenders.
For the largest selection of mojito syrup brands, online retailers are your best source. But also check your local liquor store for some unique artisan syrups.
How Long Does Mojito Syrup Last?
When properly stored, mojito syrup can last:
- Refrigerated: 2-4 weeks
- Frozen: 4-6 months
The main factors affecting shelf life are method of preparation and ingredients:
- Simple syrup method – Lasts longer refrigerated since the sugar acts as a preservative.
- Cold press method – Shorter shelf life about 1 week refrigerated due to fresh ingredients.
- Preservatives added – Commercial brands with preservatives can last 4-6 months refrigerated.
- Alcohol content – Syrups fortified with rum or vodka last longer.
For maximum freshness and flavor, try to use up homemade mojito syrup within 2 weeks and commercial brands within 1 month.
Properly stored mojito syrup lasts for months but will eventually lose its fresh lime taste and aroma over time. If your syrup ever smells or tastes off, it’s best to throw it out and make a new batch.
How Should You Store Mojito Syrup?
To extend its shelf life, mojito syrup should be stored:
- In an airtight glass jar or bottle
- In the refrigerator
- Can also be frozen for longer term storage up to 6 months
Exposure to air, light, and heat will accelerate deterioration of the flavors. An airtight container prevents oxygen exposure. Refrigeration maintains optimal cool conditions. Freezing essentially pauses the syrup in time for several months.
Take care not to contaminate syrup by double dipping measuring spoons. Always use a clean spoon each time. A pump style dispenser bottle helps avoid contamination.
Prior to use, check for any mold or fermentation. Discard if syrup smells odd, changes color, or shows any cloudiness or debris.
Conclusion
Mojito syrup brings the classic Cuban mojito experience to cocktails with an easy-to-use lime and mint concentrate. Made from a simple infusion of sugar, lime juice and mint, it provides that signature sweet-tart mojito flavor profile. A splash of mojito syrup is all it takes to liven up drinks with a taste of the tropics. Its versatility also makes it useful for creating all kinds of mojito-inspired beverages beyond the classic cocktail. With the convenience of mojito syrup, anyone can easily bring mojito flavor home.