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The White Christmas Mojito is a creamy, festive twist on the classic mojito, perfect for bringing tropical brightness to your winter holidays. Combining coconut milk with fresh mint and zesty lime makes it a refreshing yet indulgent treat that stands out at any celebration. The hint of pomegranate or sugared cranberries adds a festive sparkle that makes this cocktail feel special.
I first made this during a holiday gathering when I wanted something fresh but flavorful. It quickly became a crowd favorite that everyone asks for at every winter party.
Ingredients
- Lime juice: allowing bright citrus notes that balance the creaminess
- Fresh mint leaves: release a refreshing aroma and flavor when muddled
- Canned unsweetened coconut milk: for a smooth, rich base that adds tropical flair look for full fat varieties for the best texture
- Light rum: the cocktail’s alcoholic backbone with a subtle sweetness
- Coconut rum: enhancing the coconut character and adding nuanced sweetness
- Simple syrup: to gently sweeten the drink and help release mint oils
- Crushed ice: for chilling the cocktail without diluting too quickly
- Club soda: to lighten the drink with effervescence and a crisp finish
- Granulated sugar: for rimming the glass adding a touch of sweetness and a festive look
- Sugared cranberries or extra mint leaves: as garnish contributing bright color and a holiday vibe
Instructions
- Savor the Rim:
- Dip the rims of two lowball glasses first in lime juice then immediately into granulated sugar. This adds a sweet tart edge with every sip and makes the drink feel extra festive. Set the glasses aside to allow the sugar to set slightly.
- Release the Mint Flavors:
- In your cocktail shaker, muddle half a cup of fresh mint leaves together with one and a half ounces of simple syrup. Press gently to bruise the leaves and release their oils without shredding them into bits. This fragrant step forms the foundation of your drink’s fresh herbal flavor.
- Build the Cocktail:
- Into the shaker, add a quarter cup of canned unsweetened coconut milk, one tablespoon of lime juice for brightness, one ounce each of light rum and coconut rum for the boozy warmth, and a generous handful of crushed ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. The shaking chills the mixture well and blends the coconut milk evenly.
- Prepare the Glasses:
- Fill each rimmed glass generously with crushed ice. This keeps the cocktail cold and slows dilution, preserving flavor for longer.
- Finish and Serve:
- Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glasses over the crushed ice. Top off each glass with club soda to add a lively sparkle. Garnish with sugared cranberries or extra mint leaves to add a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of creamy, tart, and bubbly sensations.
Mint is my favorite ingredient here because muddling it just right releases that bright, cool aroma that makes this cocktail so inviting on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I served this at a winter party and how the room instantly brightened with each sip and the cheerful red cranberries on top. It feels like a little tropical holiday in a glass with every serving.
Storage tips
Serve this cocktail fresh for the best experience as the coconut milk and soda lose texture when left standing. You can prepare the mint syrup mixture ahead and keep it chilled, but add soda and crushed ice just before serving.
Ingredient substitutions
If you can’t find coconut rum try using a shot of regular light rum with a splash of coconut extract for a similar flavor. Use a homemade simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water steeped with mint for a more intense herbal note.
Serving suggestions
Pair the White Christmas Mojito with light appetizers like shrimp cocktail, fresh vegetable platters, or coconut shrimp to complement the tropical flavors without overpowering them.
Enjoy this White Christmas Mojito responsibly and serve immediately for the best texture. It makes a festive, refreshing addition to winter gatherings.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What ingredients give the White Christmas Mojito its creamy texture?
Unsweetened coconut milk is the key ingredient that adds a creamy and tropical dimension to the mojito.
- → How is the mint flavor released in this drink?
Fresh mint leaves are muddled with simple syrup to release their aromatic oils and fresh herbal taste.
- → What garnish complements the White Christmas Mojito?
Sugared cranberries and fresh mint leaves provide festive and flavorful garnishes that enhance the cocktail's holiday vibe.
- → Can this cocktail be made without alcohol?
Omitting the light and coconut rum and adjusting simple syrup and club soda quantities can create a refreshing non-alcoholic version.
- → What glassware is best suited for serving this drink?
Low ball glasses are ideal for this cocktail, allowing room for crushed ice and garnishes.