Virgin Mojito

Tanya Eisenwasser

Print Recipe

The classic mojito without the rum. Fresh mint and lime over ice with sparkling water. A refreshing choice if you tolerate citrus.

Prep 5 min

Cook 2 min

Serves 1

Gluten-freeDairy-freeVegan

Ingredients

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• 1 tablespoon cane sugar or maple syrup
• 6 ounces sparkling water, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

Muddle the Base

1. Add mint leaves and sugar to a sturdy glass.
2. Muddle gently, pressing down to release the mint oils. About 10-15 presses is enough.
3. Don't pulverize the leaves. You want the oils released, not a green paste.

Add the Lime

1. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the glass.
2. Stir to combine with the muddled mint and dissolve the sugar.

Build the Drink

1. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the sparkling water over the ice.
3. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.

Serve

1. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig.
2. Serve immediately with a straw.

Tips & Substitutions

• Test your citrus tolerance first. Lime and other citrus fruits can act as histamine liberators for some people. If you're new to the low histamine diet or very sensitive, try a small amount of lime first and wait to see how you react before making a full drink.
• Skip the lime if needed. For a lime-free version, use 1-2 tablespoons of fresh apple juice instead. It won't taste like a traditional mojito, but it's still refreshing.
• Use organic lime. The oils in lime zest add flavor, so organic is preferred to avoid pesticide residue.
• Adjust sweetness. Traditional mojitos are fairly sweet. Start with less sugar and add more to taste.
• Cane sugar works best. For the authentic mojito texture, cane sugar dissolves better than some alternatives when muddled.

Why This Works

Fresh mint. Members of the mint family have been studied for potential mast cell stabilizing properties. Fresh mint provides the signature mojito flavor and cooling sensation.

Fresh lime juice. Use freshly squeezed lime for the lowest histamine levels. Bottled lime juice often contains preservatives and has been sitting longer.

A note on citrus. Citrus fruits including lime can act as histamine liberators for some people with histamine intolerance. This drink may not be suitable for everyone. If you've been following a low histamine diet for several months and have good symptom control, you may tolerate small amounts of citrus. Test your individual response.

Storage

Must be enjoyed immediately. The mint will wilt, the carbonation will dissipate, and the lime will become bitter if left to sit. Make fresh each time.