Tequila Mojito

How to make a Tequila Mojito! The preparation of the classic with this spirit also works without rum.

Can you make a mojito with tequila? Turns out the tequila is a decent substitute for the rum in this classic drink. But remember: rum brings with it a tropical fruitiness that’s at the heart of a classic mojito. If you lose it, you’ve lost some of what makes this drink what it is! We recommend doing the classic if possible. But what if you run out of rum or make a drink for someone who can’t stand it? Yes, tequila works!

What’s in a Tequila Mojito?

The Tequila Mojito is a tropical version of the mojito, a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. The modern version of this drink emerged in America in the 1930s when Ernest Hemingway helped popularize it. Can you make a mojito with tequila? Well you can: but there are tradeoffs. Here’s what you need:

More tequila spins on the classics? Try the Tequila Martini, the Bloody Maria or the Mexican Mule!

A Tequila Mojito: Pros and Cons

Is a Tequila Mojito Recipe Good? Well, it’s better than a mojito vodka! (We think.) The tequila adds a little more flavor and complements the lime and mint nicely. If you plan on using a different alcohol, we recommend gin for a gin mojito. Here is our honest opinion:

• A tequila mojito loses the tropical fruitiness that is the essence of a real mojito. The rum is really the heart and soul of this drink.
• The Tequila Mojito always tastes great! It’s basically a mint margarita. The tequila adds some bite at the end of the sip, which is interesting. But it does make your brain say, “Wow, that tastes like a mojito… but with tequila on it!” There’s no hiding the fact that the rum didn’t come to the party.

Crush the mint, then shake

This tequila mojito is all about mixing the mint and then shaking the drink! When grinding, herbs or fruits are gently crushed to release their juice. Here’s what you need to do:

• Use a cocktail pestle. Here’s a great cocktail muddler, or you can use an unfinished wooden spoon.
• Crush the mint first. Mash the herb gently to extract all the oils. (Smell that delicious fresh mint flavor while you do it!)
• Drink ingredients, add ice and shake! Then strain the drink into the glass. If you don’t have a shaker, use a jar with a lid (poke holes in the lid for straining).

More mojito recipes

We honestly recommend only making this tequila mojito under mitigating circumstances! This works when you’re out of rum or making a drink for someone who can’t handle alcohol. But in all other cases? Prepare the classic mojito! Here are some fun types of mojitos: