After years of experimenting with mocktail recipes, I've finally perfected this strawberry mojito mocktail that my family and friends constantly request. This refreshing drink combines sweet, juicy strawberries with zesty lime and aromatic mint for a mocktail that tastes just as good as the alcoholic version, maybe even better.
I love serving this at summer gatherings, and guests are always surprised when I tell them it's alcohol-free. The beautiful ruby-red color and fresh flavor make this the perfect drink for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to baby showers.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it'll become your go-to mocktail.
Ingredients
I've chosen these ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors in every sip. The sweet, juicy strawberries form the heart of this mocktail, while fresh mint adds that classic mojito coolness. Lime juice provides the essential tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, and just a touch of sweetener enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
The soda water brings everything together with its refreshing fizz, while ice keeps it perfectly chilled. Each ingredient plays an important role, creating a drink that's refreshing, balanced, and absolutely delicious!
- 3 fresh strawberries, sliced - Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color (about ⅓ cup)
- 10 fresh mint leaves - Delivers refreshing aroma and cooling sensation
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (approximately ½ lime) - Adds essential tanginess that balances the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice - Enhances the natural sweetness of strawberries (sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or honey)
- 1 cup soda water - Creates effervescence and lightness
- Ice cubes - Keeps the drink perfectly chilled
- Extra strawberry slices and mint leaves - For an attractive garnish
Equipment
- Highball Glass - The tall, narrow shape showcases the beautiful layers and colors while providing ample room for ice and garnishes
- Muddler - Essential for properly extracting flavors from the strawberries and mint (a wooden spoon handle works in a pinch)
- Measuring Spoons - For precise ingredient measurements to ensure balanced flavor
- Citrus Juicer - Helps extract maximum juice from the lime with minimal effort
- Long Spoon - Perfect for stirring and ensuring ingredients are well-combined throughout the drink
- Pitcher (optional) - For making larger batches to serve a crowd
How To Make
- Place sliced strawberries and your sweetener in the bottom of your glass. Using the back of a wooden spoon or a muddler, gently crush the strawberries until they release their juices.
- Add the fresh lime juice and stir to combine.
- Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma, add them to the glass, and press gently once or twice.
- Fill the glass with ice, then pour in the soda water.
- Add your garnishes, give it a quick stir and enjoy immediately while it's cold and fizzy.
Substitutions
Different Berries
- Berry Medley: Replace strawberries with raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry combination
- Tropical Twist: Substitute strawberries with fresh pineapple chunks and a splash of coconut water
Alternative Sweeteners
- Honey Simple Syrup: Dissolve equal parts honey and warm water for a natural sweetener with floral notes
- Agave Nectar: Lower glycemic option that dissolves easily even in cold drinks
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: Zero-calorie, zero-carb option for keto or low-sugar diets
- Stevia: Natural, zero-calorie option (use sparingly as it can be quite potent)
Liquid Variations
- Flavored Soda: Substitute plain soda water with lime or berry-flavored sparkling water
- Kombucha Base: Replace soda water with plain or fruit-flavored kombucha for probiotic benefits and complex flavor
- Coconut Water: For a subtle tropical note and added electrolytes
- Green Tea: Use chilled, unsweetened green tea with a splash of soda for an antioxidant boost
Herb Alternatives
- Basil: Substitute mint with fresh basil leaves for an Italian-inspired twist
- Lemongrass: Add finely chopped lemongrass for a Southeast Asian flavor profile
- Rosemary: A small sprig adds aromatic depth for a more sophisticated mocktail
Pro Tips
- Strawberry Selection: For maximum flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries at room temperature. They'll release more juice when muddled compared to cold berries.
- Mint Muddling Technique: Be gentle with mint leaves—over-muddling releases bitter compounds. Simply press lightly 2-3 times rather than grinding or tearing.
- Pre-Chill Components: For an extra-cold drink that stays refreshing longer, refrigerate your strawberries, mint, and even the glass beforehand.
- Ice Quality Matters: Use fresh, clear ice cubes—old ice can impart freezer odors. For a special touch, make strawberry-infused ice cubes by freezing small strawberry pieces in water.
- Carbonation Preservation: Add soda water last and pour slowly down the side of the glass to maintain maximum fizz.
- Batch Preparation: Muddle strawberries, mint, lime, and sweetener in advance, but only add ice and soda water right before serving to maintain freshness and carbonation.
- Strawberry Consistency: For a smoother texture with no chunks, briefly pulse strawberries in a blender instead of muddling.
FAQ
Yes! Thaw frozen strawberries until they're soft enough to muddle easily. They actually release juice more readily than fresh strawberries, making them an excellent year-round option. For best results, let them come to room temperature before muddling.
Prepare a concentrated base by multiplying the strawberry, mint, lime, and sweetener portions of the recipe. Muddle these ingredients in a pitcher, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. When guests arrive, simply portion the base into individual glasses, add ice, and top with fresh soda water.
Absolutely! The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries means you can reduce or even eliminate added sweetener. Additionally, cinnamon-based spices like a tiny pinch of Ceylon cinnamon can enhance perceived sweetness without adding sugar or calories.
A wooden spoon handle works well, as does the bottom of a sturdy drinking glass or a pestle from a mortar and pestle set. The key is using gentle pressure with a twisting motion to extract juice without completely pulverizing the fruit.
Add a thin slice of jalapeño (seeds removed) to the muddling step for a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with strawberry and lime. Remove the jalapeño before adding soda water for a milder heat, or leave it in for a more pronounced spicy kick.
This mocktail is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and can be made without added sugar. It's suitable for most dietary preferences, including keto (when using monk fruit sweetener), paleo, and plant-based diets.
If your strawberries lack sweetness, either increase the sweetener slightly or add 1-2 drops of natural strawberry extract (not artificial flavoring) to intensify the berry flavor without adding sugar.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients
- 3 fresh strawberries sliced - Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color (about ⅓ cup)
- 10 fresh mint leaves - Delivers refreshing aroma and cooling sensation
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice approximately ½ lime - Adds essential tanginess that balances the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice - Enhances the natural sweetness of strawberries sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or honey
- 1 cup soda water - Creates effervescence and lightness
- Ice cubes - Keeps the drink perfectly chilled
- Extra strawberry slices and mint leaves - For an attractive garnish
Instructions
- Place sliced strawberries and your sweetener in the bottom of your glass. Using the back of a wooden spoon or a muddler, gently crush the strawberries until they release their juices.
- Add the fresh lime juice and stir to combine.
- Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma, add them to the glass, and press gently once or twice.
- Fill the glass with ice, then pour in the soda water.
- Add your garnishes, give it a quick stir and enjoy immediately while it's cold and fizzy!
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