Tequila Mojito

Here’s how to make a Tequila Mojito! Making the classic drink with this spirit still works if there’s no rum on hand.

Can you make a mojito with tequila? Turns out, tequila works as a decent swap for rum in this classic drink. But keep in mind: the rum brings a tropical fruitiness that’s at the heart of a classic Mojito. Lose it and you’ve lost a bit of what makes this drink tick! We’d recommend making the classic if at all possible. But if you ran out of rum or are mixing a drink for someone who can’t stand it? Yep, tequila works!

What’s in a tequila mojito?

The tequila mojito is a tropical spin on the Mojito, a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. The modern version of this drink took off in America in the 1930’s when Ernest Hemingway helped to popularize it. Can you make a mojito with tequila? Well, you can: but there are some tradeoffs. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh mint
• Lime juice
• Simple syrup
• Tequila
• Soda water

More tequila spins on classics? Try the Tequila Martini, Bloody Maria or Mexican Mule!

A Mojito with tequila: pros and cons

Is a mojito recipe with tequila good? Well, it’s better than a vodka Mojito! (We think.) Tequila brings in a bit more flavor-wise, and makes a good compliment for the lime and mint. If you’re going to use an alternate alcohol, we recommend gin for a Gin Mojito. Here’s our honest opinion:

• A tequila mojito loses the tropical fruitiness that’s the essence of a true Mojito. The rum really is the heart and soul of this drink.
• The tequila mojito still tastes good! It’s essentially a Margarita with mint. The tequila adds a bit of a bite on the finish of the sip, which is interesting. But it makes your brain say, “Wow, this tastes like a Mojito…but with tequila!” You can’t hide the fact that rum didn’t come to the party.

Muddle the mint, then shake

This tequila mojito is just a matter of muddling the mint, then shaking up the drink! Muddling is gently mashing herbs or fruits to release their juices. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Use a cocktail muddler. Here’s a great cocktail muddler, or you can use an unfinished wooden spoon.
• Muddle the mint first. Gently mash the herb to get out all the oils. (Smell that beautiful minty fresh flavor as you do it!)
• Add the drink ingredients, ice and shake! Then strain out the drink into the glass. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a glass jar with a cover (poke holes in the lid to strain it out).

More mojito recipes

Honestly, we recommend to make this Tequila Mojito only in extenuating circumstances! It works if you’ve run out of rum, or if you’re making a drink for someone who can’t handle the spirit. But in all other cases? Make the Classic Mojito! Here are some fun types of Mojitos:

• Grab a fruity Strawberry Mojito, Raspberry Mojito or Peach Mojito
• Opt for a tropical Pineapple Mojito or Coconut Mojito
• Go summery with a Watermelon Mojito or Frozen Mojito
• Drop the alcohol and try a Virgin Mojito Mocktail!
• Love vodka? Try the Vodka Mojito

01

Fresh Strawberry Mojito

02

Coconut Mojito

03

Watermelon Mojito

04

Frozen Mojito

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