Tangy Blackcurrant Mojito (Printable Version)

A vibrant twist on the classic mojito featuring tart homemade blackcurrant syrup, fresh mint, lime, and rum for a refreshing fruity sophistication.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Blackcurrant Syrup

01 - 1 cup fresh or frozen blackcurrants
02 - 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 5 fluid ounces water
04 - 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

→ Mojito

05 - 12 fresh mint leaves
06 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
07 - 2 teaspoons blackcurrant syrup
08 - 3.4 fluid ounces white rum
09 - 6.8 fluid ounces soda water
10 - Ice cubes as needed

→ Garnish

11 - Fresh mint sprigs
12 - Fresh blackcurrants
13 - Lime slices

# Steps:

01 - Combine blackcurrants, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and sugar dissolves completely, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Gently mash the berries, then strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in lemon juice and allow to cool completely before use.
02 - In each highball glass, muddle 6 mint leaves and half the lime wedges using a muddler or wooden spoon to release essential oils and flavors.
03 - Add 2 teaspoons blackcurrant syrup and 1.7 fluid ounces white rum to each glass. Stir thoroughly to combine all components.
04 - Fill each glass with ice cubes to the top. Pour 3.4 fluid ounces soda water into each glass and stir gently to integrate.
05 - Garnish each cocktail with fresh mint sprigs, blackcurrants, and lime slices. Serve immediately while chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The homemade blackcurrant syrup tastes infinitely better than anything bottled, and you'll notice the difference immediately.
  • It's vegan and gluten-free without feeling like you're missing anything, which honestly feels like a small miracle.
  • You can make the syrup ahead and feel like you have your life together when guests arrive.
02 -
  • Don't skip straining the syrup through a sieve, because berry pulp floating around looks unappetizing and changes the mouthfeel in ways you won't enjoy.
  • Muddling is about coaxing out flavors gently, not pulverizing everything into submission, so show some restraint or you'll end up with bitter mint and torn lime bits.
03 -
  • The secret to a perfectly balanced mojito is tasting your berries before you start cooking, because some blackcurrants are more tart than others and you might need to adjust your sugar accordingly.
  • Chill your glasses in the freezer for at least five minutes before making the drinks, because ice melts faster in room-temperature glass and that matters for something this delicate.
Go Back