Cuban Mojito: The guilt-free summer cocktail—and it’s quick and easy to make.

The Cuban Mojito, the guilt-free summer cocktail with just 120 calories (perfect even if you’re on a diet)—and it’s quick and easy to make!

The Mojito is one of the world’s most beloved cocktails, and for good reason: fresh, aromatic, and thirst-quenching, it’s perfect for summer evenings or an aperitif with friends. The secret? Simple, yet extremely fresh and high-quality ingredients. No ready-made syrups: just lime, mint, rum, and the right balance of sweetness and acidity.

And the good news? When made well, it’s also relatively light: a classic Mojito provides an average of 120-140 calories. For a cocktail, it’s one of the lightest options—great if you’re following a balanced diet and want to indulge in something refreshing without overdoing it on sugar or alcohol.

Ingredients (for 1 Mojito)

50 ml Cuban white rum (such as Havana Club or Santiago de Cuba)

1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

10-12 fresh mint leaves (spearmint or spearmint is ideal)

2 teaspoons raw cane sugar (or 1 level tablespoon, if you want it sweeter)

Chilled sparkling water, to taste

Crushed ice (or broken ice cubes)

1 sprig fresh mint, for garnish

Optional: 1-2 drops of Angostura bitters or a drizzle of simple syrup for an extra kick

Preparation
1. Prepare the glass:
Choose a tall glass (such as a Collins or highball glass). Place the lime wedges and brown sugar in the bottom.

2. Muddle gently.
Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to squeeze the lime and sugar. The goal is to extract juice and oils from the peel, but don’t overdo it: too much pounding can make the cocktail bitter.

Add the mint
. Stir in the mint leaves. Don’t break them: crush them lightly to release the aroma, without breaking them.

4. Pour the rum.

Add the white rum and stir well with a long teaspoon or a bar spoon to dissolve the sugar.

5. Add the ice.
Fill the glass to the brim with crushed ice. This will keep the cocktail very cold and gradually dilute the flavors.

6. Fill with sparkling water.
Pour cold sparkling water until the glass is full. Stir gently to avoid losing the bubbles.

Garnish and serve:
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and, if desired, a lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Serve with a short straw… and enjoy your perfectly crafted Mojito!