Virgin Mojito (Mocktail)

A crisp, mint-forward virgin mojito with fresh lime, brown sugar syrup, and lively bubbles — finished with a subtle tart bite from verjus to mimic the structure of a classic rum cocktail. Clean, refreshing, and unmistakably adult.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings: 4

Course: Drinks

Calories: 80

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

BROWN SUGAR SYRUP

100 g brown sugar
120 ml water

MOJITO BASE

120 ml fresh lime juice
60 ml brown sugar syrup adjust to taste
60 ml verjus white or light
1 cup fresh mint leaves packed
0.125 tsp fine sea salt pinch

TO SERVE

600-720 ml ice-cold club soda
item ice
item fresh mint sprigs
item lime wedges

Method

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water. Heat gently, stirring just until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Rinse the mint leaves and gently clap them between your hands to release aroma. Do not chop or muddle aggressively — bitterness is not welcome here.
In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lime juice, brown sugar syrup, verjus, mint leaves, and a small pinch of fine sea salt. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the mint aroma to bloom.
Fill the pitcher generously with ice. Top with ice-cold club soda and give one very gentle stir only — just enough to combine without flattening the drink.
Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges.

Notes

Verjus is essential — it provides the dry, wine-like tartness that replaces alcohol structure.
Brown sugar syrup adds body and depth; white sugar tastes flat in this drink.
Mint should be aromatic, not vegetal — overhandling ruins the balance.
Salt does not make this salty; it sharpens lime, mint, and lengthens the finish.
Serve immediately — mojito-style drinks do not hold carbonation well.