Every year on July 11, the world raises a glass to one of the most beloved cocktails ever made — the Mojito. World Mojito Day is the annual celebration of the classic Cuban drink. This year, we’re marking it with a twist.

Same fresh mint. Same zesty lime. Same soda water. Just Absolut Lime stepping in where rum once stood. Here it is, people – the Vodka Mojito.

What is World Mojito Day?

World Mojito Day is a day dedicated to one of the most recognized cocktails in the world. The Mojito has a rich history – a Cuban staple that has made its way into cocktail culture the world over. It’s a drink that really needs no introduction. World Mojito Day makes sure it never goes unrecognized..

Why Make a Vodka Mojito on World Mojito Day?

Because the best way to celebrate a classic is to understand it well enough to make it your own.

The Vodka Mojito keeps every one of the original’s ingredients intact – fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup and soda water with one deliberate change. Absolut Lime, our lime-flavored vodka, steps in for the rum. The result is a cleaner, crisper drink and with a zesty, citrus edge.

Is it a Mojito? Almost. Is it worth making? Definitely.

What’s in a Vodka Mojito?

Fresh mint, zesty lime juice, simple syrup and soda water — the classic Mojito formula, with Absolut Lime bringing a clean, lime-forward twist in place of rum. Here’s what’s in a Vodka Mojito:

• Absolut Lime
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Simple Syrup
• Crushed Ice
• Soda Water
• Fresh Mint
• Lime Wedge

Ready to make a Vodka Mojito? Check out our recipe for an Absolut Lime Mojito or watch Rico show how to make one:

Tips When Making a Vodka Mojito

• “Shmuddle” – don’t muddle 
  Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need to muddle the mint in a Vodka Mojito. As Rico explains, over-muddling releases bitter compounds that throw the whole drink off balance.

  Instead, place the fresh mint directly into the crushed ice and use a bar spoon to gently move the ice up and down – what Rico calls a “shmuddle.”

• Place the mint sprig next to the straw
  Continuing on from the above, as Rico explains, the flavor of mint actually comes from the aroma, and aroma is 80% of flavor. Without that sprig next to the straw, you won’t get the full mint experience.
• Use fresh lime juice
  Bottled lime juice won’t give you the brightness and acidity that makes this drink as good as it is. Grab a couple of limes and a citrus press or citrus elbow.
• Find your flavor
  Absolut Lime is our vodka of choice for this recipe – its zesty citrus character amplifies the lime juice and gives the drink a clean, zesty edge.

  But the truth is any Absolut flavored vodka works in a Vodka Mojito. Try Absolut Raspberri for a berry twist, Absolut Passionfruit for a tropical take or Absolut Watermelon for a summery spin.

  Same recipe, very different drink and all of them worth trying.

How to make a Big Batch of Mojitos for several guests:

Happy World Mojito Day

Whether you’re a purist who’ll be reaching for rum or a rebel who loves to do things differently, today is a day worth celebrating.

Make one and raise a glass to one of the world’s great cocktails.

Here’s to the Mojito in all its forms.

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For more drink-spiration, check out these cocktail recipes.