What’s the secret to a great tasting mojito? The perfect balance of lime, mint, sparkling soda, and of course, the rum. This take on the classic cocktail uses a magic ratio but boosts flavor by using dark rum to make what many refer to as a “dirty mojito.”
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Dark Rum Mojito anyone? Yes Please!
When it comes to creating go-to cocktail recipes with my preferred gluten-free alcohol list, the possibilities are somewhat endless. Unfortunately, my tolerance is not. Therefore, what I do enjoy has to be spot on and, let me tell you, this mojito made with dark rum absolutely nails it.
Why use a dark, gold or spiced rum instead of a traditional recipe made with white rum? Well, if you are going to pour in the booze, it should elevate the cocktail’s flavor. And white rum can be, well, like a forgettable wall flower never noticed.
When you add dark rum to the ideal lime, mint effervescence, now you have a drink to take notice of. Although it uses simple ingredients – fresh lime juice, mint, seltzer, and bit of sweetness – paired with liquor’s richer flavor and spices adds an unique twist.
But don’t think just swapping out dark rum with any classic mojito recipe will get you there, my friend. When making a dirty mojito you have to start with perfected ingredient ratios and execution. I’ll show you how. Image may be NSFW.
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Recommended dark rums to use
Let’s start with the most important aspect – the booze. When making dark rum drinks, my preferred brands have varying price points. With any mixed cocktail, I like to go with a mid-priced option. Save the pricier stuff for sipping straight up.
Since the mission of making a dirty mojito is to boost taste, a spiced rum may also be swapped out. Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry, or The Kraken make excellent spiced rum mojitos.
If you prefer gold rum, that works too! Mount Gay Eclipse, Bacardi Gold, or Stade’s Rum will add a hint of deeper flavor.
Dark rums are having a shining moment right now. As we lean into craft cocktails with curated ingredients, using rich dark rum fits the bill. It is aged longer than white rums, in wooden oak barrels to enhance the taste.
The longer it is aged, the darker it will be. Some distillers also add ingredients to elevate the taste, kind of like a next level spiced rum. There’s subtle hints of caramel, vanilla, molasses, and cinnamon.
A lot of the options listed below have varying price points. The longer it is aged, the more expensive it will be. When making a dark rum mojito, I recommend using something around $20-$30 a bottle.
- Appleton Estate
- Cruzan
- Diplomatico
- Don Q
- Flor de Cana
- Myer’s
- Barcelo
- Gosling’s
Let’s Make This Together!
(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)
Must muddle!
The secret to a great tasting mojito is the muddle! Instead of squeezing lime juice in, cut wedges and place at the bottom of a highball glass with fresh mint leaves. Mudding not only releasing the juices, but incorporates the lime rind, which has more concentrated flavor.
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Pour and stir
Now add the rum, simple syrup, club soda with ice, stir and enjoy. I prefer to use simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated together) because it incorporates better than granulated sugar stirred in, which has a tendency to just settle at the bottom of the glass. Below I do share some simple syrup alternatives for mojitos as well, though.
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Subs for simple syrup
If you don’t have simple syrup, or would prefer to use something else, the options below can be swapped out in a 1-to-1 ratio. If you need simple syrup fast, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup water in microwave-safe container and heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Homemade ginger simple syrup
- Honey
- Demerara syrup
- Agave nectar
- Pure maple syrup (also adds great flave to this blueberry mule)
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Perfected Mojito Recipe with Dark Rum
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lime cut in wedges
- 16 mint leaves
- 1 ½ ounces simple syrup
- 4 ounces dark or spiced rum
- 1 cup soda water
- optional additional lime and mint for garnish
Instructions
- In two highball glasses divide the cut limes and mint leaves. Use a muddler to gently press and release juices.1 lime, 16 mint leaves
- Divide rum and simple syrup between the glasses, add ice, and then divide the soda water. Stir drinks.1 ½ ounces simple syrup, 4 ounces dark or spiced rum, 1 cup soda water
- Squeeze in more lime wedges, to taste, and garnish glasses with mint and lime slice.
Nutrition
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