This refreshing virgin strawberry mojito is a twist on the classic mojito recipe. Made with no alcohol and fresh strawberries, it is refreshing and can be enjoyed by anyone. This strawberry mocktail takes under 5 minutes to make and requires only 5 ingredients.
Virgin Mojitos are the perfect mocktail for any occasion, but the addition of fresh strawberries really makes this drink flavorful and energizing. It is perfect for a picnic, party, or just a weekend night in. Plus, it is always nice to have a fun, virgin cocktail option for those who do not drink.
Quick Tips
- Use fresh strawberries rather than frozen.
- Muddled strawberries ahead of time to cut back on time and store in refridgerator.
- Gently "slap" mint leaves to release flavor.
Equipment
- Muddler or wooden spoon.
- Highball (or tall) glasses.
- Knife or pairing knife to slice strawberries.
Ingredient Notes
Fresh Strawberries - Fresh strawberries are essential for this non-alcoholic strawberry mojito, as the juices and oils permeate through the drink the best.
Frozen, thawed strawberries are too watery to work well in this recipe. However, if you only have frozen, blending, instead of muddling, them will work well. Note, it will change the consistency of the drink.
Fresh Mint - Fresh mint is also essential for this recipe. Do not use dried mint, as it will not muddle as well.
Fresh Lime Slices- Fresh lime juice directly from the fruit work best for this recipe, as you will want to muddle the lime wedge with the skin to release the oils within the lime skin for full flavor.
However, you may also use lime juice from a container if you cannot find limes.
Sweetener- I use sugar in the raw. However, you may use maple syrup, honey (for plant-based or non-vegans only), or simple syrup. You may also omit this ingredient, as the strawberries do provide a sweetness to this drink already.
Seltzer or Soda Water - You may use plan seltzer or soda water for this strawberry mocktail. You may also use a flavored seltzer, but I recommend sticking to lime or strawberry flavored.
How to muddle strawberries
Muddling the strawberries for this mocktail is a critical step. Muddling allows the flavors and juices of the fruit to be released into the drink.
First, if you have larger strawberries, slice them in half.
Press the strawberries to the end of the glass.
Using your muddler or the back of a blunt-shaped object, such as the back of a wooden spoon, firmly press and twist the muddler or object into the fruit to allow the juices and oil to be released.
In my opinion, you cannot over-mash the strawberries for this recipe.
How to muddle limes
Muddling the lime is also important for this strawberry mocktail recipe. Muddling the lime wedge allows the oil from the skin to be released, which will elevate your mocktail.
If you have a muddler with teeth (meaning with a grated end), you will want to use this.
First, roll your lime (before you cut it) on a hard surface. This will allow it to be juicier.
Then, cut your lime into fourths.
Add the lime slices, with the skin attached to your glass and push them towards the bottom.
Using a very firm hand, firmly press and twist the muddler into the lime wedges to release the juices and oils.
You will likely need to muddle for 20-30 seconds to fully release the juices.
How to make virgin strawberry mojito
This recipe is very straightforward and takes under 5 minutes to make.
First, if you have larger strawberries, slice them into fourths or halves.
Second, firmly roll your lime on a hard surface to ensure it is juicy. Then, cut it into fourths.
Add your strawberries and sugar into a glass, placing them on the bottom.
Next, slap the mint to release the oils and flavor.
Add the mint and the limes to the glass and firmly muddle all ingredients in the glass together.
Add ice to the glass.
Top off with your choice of seltzer.
Strawberries + Sugar Add Limes Add Mint Muddle Add seltzer and ice
Substitutions and variations
Sparkling Coconut Water - You may use sparkling coconut water instead of seltzer or club soda if you would like to give your cocktail more of a tropical taste.
Simply substitute seltzer with sparkling coconut water at a 1-1 ratio.
Basil- You may add basil to give your strawberry mocktail a more earthy taste. You can also substitute the mint with basil at a 1-1 ratio.
Lemons- While traditional mojitos call for limes, you may switch this recipe up and use lemons. It will definitely change this recipe, however, and it will taste more like a mint strawberry lemonade.
Added Fruit- You may add extra fruit to this virgin mojito, such as cucumbers, blueberries, or raspberries.
Of course, if you do not want to make your mojito virgin, you can also add 3 oz of rum to it. In fact, I love having the option to make both a virgin cocktail, as well as one with alcohol, to ensure I have options for everyone.
FAQs
Using your muddler or the back of a blunt-shaped object, such as the back of a wooden spoon, firmly press and twist the muddler or object into the fruit to allow the juices and oil to be released.
Fresh strawberries are best. However, if you need to use frozen, I recommend blending the frozen strawberries in a blender with simple syrup rather than muddling. Omit ice if you do this option.
Absolutely! This recipe is sweetened naturally from the strawberries and therefore, you can omit the sugar entirely or you can substitute maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar.
Making ahead of time
This Virgin Strawberry Mojito is best made right before serving. If you, however, need to make a portion of it ahead of time, however, I suggest only muddling the strawberries, mint, and lime prior, as the seltzer will go flat if you make it prior to serving.
To store the muddled strawberries, mint, and lime, simply place them in an air-tight container for up to 24 hours.
Other refreshing cocktails
Cucumber Moscow Mule (omit vodka to make it virgin)
Fresh strawberry and jalapeno margarita (omit tequila for a mocktail)
Lemon Raspberry Mojito (omit rum for non-alcoholic version)
Virgin Strawberry Mojito (Strawberry Mocktail)
Equipment
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 3-4 Strawberries
- 1 lime
- 1 tbsp sugar in the raw
- 1 cup seltzer
- 5-6 sprigs fresh mint
- ice
Instructions
- If you are using larger strawberries, slice them into halfs or fourths.
- Add strawberries to your glass and push towards the bottom of the glass.
- Add sugar to the glass.
- Roll your lime on a hard surface to soften it (this will allow it to become juicer). Cut it into fourths.
- Add your lime and mint to the glass. You may use 2-4 lime wedges, depnding on your desired flavor.
- Using your muddler or an object with a blunt end, such as a wooden spoon, firmly muddle the strawberries, lime and mint until the juice escapes from the berries + flesh of the lime, and the oil escapes from the skin of the lime. This will usually take 30 to 60 seconds.
- Fill to the top with ice.
- Pour in seltzer to brim.
- Gently stir. Enjoy!
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