Coconut Mojito Recipe

Coconut Mojito Recipe

Updated | By BarNeeds Team

The classic Mojito is already one of the most refreshing drinks around — white rum, lime, mint, and soda water, a go-to for countless people every summer. The Coconut Mojito takes that familiar base and gives it a full tropical makeover, adding coconut richness and a creamy mouthfeel that make it feel like an entirely different drink.

The traditional recipe is built directly in the glass with a muddler, but with cream of coconut in the mix, shaking is the better move. It emulsifies the ingredients more thoroughly and delivers that even, creamy texture.

Prep Time: 5 min | Servings: 1

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Ingredients

  • White Rum (2 oz / 60 ml): The base spirit. It complements the coconut, mint, and lime without overpowering the mix.
  • Cream of Coconut (1 oz / 30 ml): Richer and sweeter than coconut milk, it gives this cocktail its signature white appearance.
  • Fresh Lime Juice (1 oz / 30 ml): Provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the cream of coconut and keeps the drink from feeling thick.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves (8–10): The cooling flavor and aroma that define any Mojito. Non-negotiable.
  • Simple Syrup (0.5 oz / 15 ml): Adds a touch of sweetness. Adjust to taste.
  • Soda Water (to top): Add last to give the drink its bubbles and lighten the overall texture.

Tools Needed

  • Shaker: Cream of coconut has a thick consistency that needs to be fully emulsified into the drink through shaking — it can't simply be built in the glass like a classic mojito.
  • Jigger: Precisely measures each ingredient to maintain consistent proportions.
  • Muddler: Used to muddle the mint leaves and release their essential oils and aroma.
  • Strainer: Strains out leaf pieces and ice to keep the final cocktail smooth.

Steps

  1. Add the mint leaves to the shaker and muddle gently 3 to 4 times.
  2. Measure all liquid ingredients with a jigger and add them to the shaker.
  3. Add ice to fill the shaker about 2/3 full.
  4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until fully combined, chilled, and evenly creamy white in color.
  5. Strain into a highball glass.
  6. Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir. Don't over-stir or you'll lose the bubbles.
two coconut mojitos on a home bar counter with straws

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coconut rum instead of cream of coconut?

Yes. If you don't have cream of coconut on hand, swapping in coconut rum is a convenient alternative. The result will taste different, though. Cream of coconut produces a richer, smoother flavor, while coconut rum is lighter. Neither approach is wrong — it comes down to personal preference.

Should I muddle the mint gently or press hard?

Gently, 3 to 4 times. The goal is to release the mint's essential oils and aroma. Muddling too hard breaks down the leaves and causes the chlorophyll to bleed out, which adds a grassy, bitter edge that works against the freshness of the drink.

How much soda water should I add?

There's no fixed amount — it depends on the texture you're going for. Less soda water keeps the flavors more concentrated; more makes the drink lighter and easier to drink in larger sips. Start with a little, take a sip, and adjust from there.

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