What the heck is this?
Imagine your classic mojito got a lemony upgrade and suddenly became the life of the summer party. That’s the Zesty Limoncello Mojito — a fresh, citrus-packed cocktail that’s cool, crisp, and unapologetically refreshing. It’s the best of two worlds: the sweet-herbal bite of mint and rum from a traditional mojito, plus the sunny, syrupy zing of limoncello. If a Mediterranean vacation could be poured into a glass, this would be it. Whether you’re brunching in the backyard, lounging by the pool, or just pretending your Tuesday is a holiday, this drink will absolutely deliver those breezy vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a mojito, but make it lemony.
Perfectly balanced — sweet, citrusy, and herbal.
Easy to batch for parties.
Fancy enough for guests, chill enough for weeknights.
You don’t need a shaker or any bar gear beyond a spoon and glass.

The Good Stuff You’ll Need

10 fresh mint leaves
1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
2 oz limoncello (chilled is best)
1 oz white rum (optional but recommended)
1 tsp sugar or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Sparkling water or club soda (to top)
Ice
Lemon slices and extra mint, for garnish

Let’s Do This
Step 1: Muddle the Mint
In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with sugar and lemon juice until fragrant. Don’t pulverize it — just enough to release the oils.

Step 2: Add the Booze
Pour in the chilled limoncello and white rum. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Ice It and Top It
Fill the glass with ice, then top it off with sparkling water. Give it a gentle stir to mix, then garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice.

Step 4: Sip Like It’s Summer
That’s it. No stress. Just sunshine in a glass.

Serving Suggestions
Serve it in a tall highball or Collins glass with a reusable straw for max chill.
Pair it with grilled seafood, a caprese salad, or anything vaguely Mediterranean.
Make a pitcher, park it on your patio table, and bask in your own brilliance.

Switch It Up

No Rum? Skip it and go 100% limoncello.
Want it Stronger? Add an extra ounce of rum or even a splash of vodka.
Fancy Ice Cubes? Freeze mint leaves or lemon zest into your cubes for extra flair.
Make It Spicy: Add a thin slice of jalapeño while muddling for a kick.

Make-Ahead Tips
Mix the mint, lemon juice, sugar, rum, and limoncello in a pitcher ahead of time (without the sparkling water). Store in the fridge, then add ice and sparkling water just before serving.

Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I make it without alcohol?
A: Yup! Sub lemon soda or lemonade for the limoncello and skip the rum. Still totally refreshing.

Q: What’s the best limoncello to use?
A: Any high-quality Italian limoncello works. Look for something not too syrupy and with a good balance of tart and sweet.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Technically yes, but fresh lemon juice gives this drink its zing. Use fresh if you can.

Q: Is this super sweet?
A: Not at all! Limoncello adds sweetness, but the lemon juice and mint keep it balanced. Add more sugar if you like it sweeter.

Zesty Limoncello Mojito: A Sunny Sip with a Minty Twist

Author: Tyla
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 large or 2 small cocktail 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Imagine your classic mojito got a lemony upgrade and suddenly became the life of the summer party. That’s the Zesty Limoncello Mojito — a fresh, citrus-packed cocktail that’s cool, crisp, and unapologetically refreshing. It’s the best of two worlds: the sweet-herbal bite of mint and rum from a traditional mojito, plus the sunny, syrupy zing of limoncello. If a Mediterranean vacation could be poured into a glass, this would be it. Whether you’re brunching in the backyard, lounging by the pool, or just pretending your Tuesday is a holiday, this drink will absolutely deliver those breezy vibes.

Ingredients

Scale

10 fresh mint leaves
1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
2 oz limoncello (chilled is best)
1 oz white rum (optional but recommended)
1 tsp sugar or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Sparkling water or club soda (to top)
Ice
Lemon slices and extra mint, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Muddle the Mint
In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with sugar and lemon juice until fragrant. Don’t pulverize it — just enough to release the oils.