A Mojito Mocktail is one of my favorite refreshing drinks to make when I want something light, citrusy, and full of fresh flavor. This lemon and mint mocktail is thirst-quenching, crisp, and the perfect sip for warm summer afternoons or even cozy winter nights when I just want a burst of freshness in a glass.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it uses simple, everyday ingredients but delivers a drink that feels elegant and special. The combination of mint and lemon makes it both cooling and zesty. I enjoy serving it at gatherings since it looks impressive but takes just minutes to make. I also love that I can easily swap the lemon for lime when I want a more traditional mojito taste.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• fresh mint leaves

• superfine sugar

• fresh squeezed lemon juice

• lemon-lime soda

• ice cubes

• lemon slices for garnish

• mint sprigs for garnish

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker or a tall glass, I muddle the mint leaves and sugar together to release the mint flavor.

2. I add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well until the sugar dissolves.

3. I fill two glasses with ice cubes and pour in the lemon-mint mixture evenly.

4. I top each glass with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.

5. Finally, I garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. It only takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, which makes it ideal when I want a quick and refreshing drink.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on my mood:

• For a classic twist, I use lime juice and lime seltzer instead of lemon.

• I sometimes muddle strawberries along with the mint for a fruity strawberry mojito mocktail.

• A tropical variation I enjoy is adding mango pieces while muddling the mint.

• When I want something lighter, I replace soda with sparkling water.

• If I’m in the mood for a slightly different sweetness, I use maple syrup or raw sugar instead of superfine sugar.

storage/reheating

This mocktail tastes best fresh because the soda keeps its fizz and the mint stays vibrant. If I need to make it ahead, I prepare the lemon-mint base and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, I simply add ice and soda for maximum freshness. I don’t recommend reheating since this is a cold drink.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

I can, but I find that fresh lemon juice gives the drink a brighter, fresher flavor.

What if I don’t have superfine sugar?

I use regular granulated sugar, but I stir it longer to help it dissolve. Alternatively, I sometimes use simple syrup.

Can I make this in a large batch for a party?

Yes, I like to multiply the recipe and mix the mint, sugar, and lemon juice in a pitcher. I then add soda and ice just before serving.

Can I make this drink less sweet?

Yes, I reduce the sugar or use soda water instead of lemon-lime soda for a lighter taste.

How do I make it taste more like a traditional mojito?

I replace the lemon with lime and sometimes add a drop of rum extract for a closer flavor to the classic version.

Conclusion

This Easy Mojito Mocktail is a refreshing, simple, and versatile drink I can enjoy any time of year. Whether I make it with lemon for a bright twist or lime for a traditional version, it always feels like a little celebration in a glass. It’s quick to prepare, looks beautiful, and keeps everyone refreshed—making it a go-to for parties, dry January, or simply when I want a special drink at home.