I’ve been a huge mojito fan for years. Is there a more refreshing and versatile drink? OK…maybe you can name a few…but come on, mojitos are pretty delicious! The citrusy lime with the bit of mint creates a nice base to play with. I’ve changed my basic recipe up with lots of different summer fruits, but this cherry one is probably one of my favorites. The cherries add a nice sweetness to the mojito, but not overly so. They also add great color…and who doesn’t like a pretty drink?
To strain or not to strain? That is the question. I say, “No way!” I love the bits of crushed mint and fruit at the bottom of my drink! My husband does not agree. He prefers his mojito muddled and prepared in a shaker and strained into a glass. Either way…you’ll love it! Make one this weekend while the freshest cherries are in season!
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| Cherry Mojito muddled in a shaker and strained. |
Cherry Mojito
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
6 to 8 fresh cherries, pitted
1 tablespoon sugar
juice of half a lime
1 1/2 to 2 ounces white rum
4 ice cubes
sparkling water
In a sturdy glass or a cocktail shaker, combine the mint leaves, cherries and sugar. Using a muddler, crush the ingredients to release their flavors and dissolve the sugar a bit. Add the lime juice and rum.
If using the shaker, add a few ice cubes, cover the shaker and give it a good long shake. Then, pour the mixture through the strainer into a glass with more ice and top with some sparkling water.
If you’re preparing the drink in the glass, just give it a stir and add the ice cubes. Top with some sparkling water.
Garnish with some additional mint leaves, fresh cherries or lime slices.
Makes one mojito.
Notes:
- Most mojito recipes call for topping the drink off with club soda. I use that at times, but I’ve found I love this drink even more with sparkling water. You can certainly use either.
- I use an OXO Cherry and Olive Pitter to easily pit my cherries. It’s fabulous. Check out my Oscar-worthy video on how to use one here!
Do you use sweet – Bing – cherries or tart cherries? I have ripe tart cherries on my tree, but I am not sure they would be good in this recipe.
How neat to have your own cherry tree, Shelly! I use Bing cherries in this recipe, but you can certainly use your own cherries! You may want to increase the amount of sugar, if needed, but I’m sure it’ll still be delicious! Cheers!
Never had a Mojito but this one sounds good. I’m curious about the mint. I have peppermint growing in my garden but I wonder if that would be too strong. Do I need something more like spearmint?
Wendy, I’m so happy you’ll be trying this Mojito! I hope you love it! Both peppermint and spearmint can be used interchangeably, but, that said, fresh peppermint actually has a more sweet and mild taste compared to fresh spearmint, which is a bit more bold. I’d love to hear how you liked it! Cheers!
Oh my goodness, you are right, peppermint is perfect! And the lime juice is an unexpected surprise that really hits the spot! This will be absolutely lovely this Summer. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m thrilled to hear it, Wendy! I know exactly what you mean…this is my favorite summer drink! Thanks so much for taking the time to write! :)
Mojitos are definitely my favorite summer cocktail!! And with cherries added into the mix?! Sign me up for a pitcher!
They are my favorite too, Joanne! Funny…I actually started creating this recipe “pitcher” sized…then thought I’d better pair this baby down, or people may start wondering about me! ;)
Nice! Looks like we both made mojitos for the cherry challenge. :) And I completely agree with you about leaving the fruit in the cocktail…love eating it with a spoon after the drink is done!
Hey Diana…we need to have a mojito party! I do the same thing with the spoon! It’s the best part!
I’m normally not a huge fan of rum, but this drink is definitely an exception! Perfect way to cheers the last weeks of summer!
Thanks so much Kelli! I never drank rum until I had a mojito! It’s my new favorite! Cheers!
I love the idea of a cherry mojito. It is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh seasonal cherries before they are gone.
Thank you, Ashley! I couldn’t agree more! Cheers! ;)
I’m loving your cherry recipes! This sounds wonderful, I think I need to get a mint plant so I can make fresh mojitos :)
Thank you so much Lily! Definitely get some mint! I put it in a pot on my deck. If you put it in the ground it will take over your yard! It really does grow like a weed and will come back year after year.