Kiwi Mojito with Tequila

And what's not to like about a cocktail that looks pretty, tastes great, and is easy to make at home? This kiwi mojito with tequila ranks right up there with my popular Pineapple Coconut Mojito, Spicy Sparkling Citrus Margarita, and Texas Ranch Water.

What is a Mojito

It is a classic cocktail invented in Havana, Cuba. Originally Cuban rum was not very refined so they added lime juice, mint, and sugar to make it taste better. It became popular in the U.S. in the 1930s when Ernest Hemingway brought it to everyone's attention.

What is the Difference Between a Mojito & a Margarita

A margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur and is a bit more acidic, has less sweetness, and with a strong bite of lime. A mojito is more tropically flavored, is typically made with rum, mint, lime, and sugar, and has a more sweet lime taste and plenty of bubbles.

Why You'll Love This Tequila Mojito

• Refreshing, light cocktail for summer
• Bubbly effervescence
• Delightful minty flavor
• Easy to make

Best Tequila for Mojitos

Definitely opt for a 100% agave tequila like a quality Blanco or, for a bit of smoky flavor, a reposado. Pricewise, I like Espolon Blanco on the low end, Milagro Reposado in the midrange, or Patron Silver or Don Julio Blanco on the upper end.

Ingredients

Tequila - use a quality 100% agave tequila. See above for suggestions. You can also substitute rum for the more classic mojito.

Kiwi - lends a tropical flavor to the mix as well as making the drink visually stunning. Make sure they are ripe so they deliver the most sweetness.

Limes - fresh is always best for the best flavor but you can use a quality lime juice if limes aren't available.

Mint -fresh is absolutely necessary for this kiwi cocktail as it is the star ingredient in a mojito

Sugar - lends the sweetness to balance out the zesty, tart lime flavor. Simple or agave syrup will also work.

Club Soda - lightens the cocktail with its effervescent bubbles and helps to balance the alcohol and tartness. Flavored sparkling water such as Bai or La Croix, Sprite, or even a sparkling wine like Prosecco can be substituted.

How to Make a Mojito with Tequila

1. Place chopped kiwi in mason jar or cocktail shaker.
2. Add mint leaves.
3. Sprinkle in sugar.
4. Take a quarter of a lime and squeeze into the jar.
5. Muddle well.
6. Doesn't that look so bright and pretty? By the way, there will still be pieces of mint leaves but they lend wonderful bits of flavor to the drink.

7. Add tequila along with some ice cubes to chill.
8. Secure cover and shake well.
9. Pour into a highball glass or leave in a mason jar.
10. Top off with club soda.

11. Garnish with mint leaves and a slice of kiwi, lime, and mint.

Note: It's perfectly acceptable to add a salt rim by moistening the rim with lime and dipping it into a plate of coarse salt.

Tips for the Best Kiwi Mojito

Always start with ripe kiwis so they are sweet, not sour. Usually leaving them on the counter for a day or two will ripen them sufficiently.

The best way to peel a kiwi is to cut it in half and scoop out the center then slice.

Bruise the mint to release its fragrant oils but don't pulverize it. A cocktail muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon works the best.

Make the mojito just the way you like them. If you like tart drinks, add more lime, sweeter, add more sugar or if you really love mint - pile it on!

Variations

Alcohols- Try vodka or gin in place of tequila

Fruits - Add pureed fruit like strawberries, blueberries, pineapple or watermelon in place of kiwis

Kiwis - change it up with golden kiwis

Mojito Mocktail - leave out the alcohol

Storage/Freezing

You can make this cocktail with kiwi up to 2 days in advance, adding the club soda right before serving.

To freeze, make a kiwi cocktail and place it in a plastic container leaving enough room for expansion. Freeze for 3 months. Thaw slightly and enjoy a kiwi mojito slushie.

More Tequila Cocktails

Watermelon Margarita - is like summer in a glass. Fresh juicy watermelon, tequila & a touch of lime makes this the perfect thirst quencher.

Strawberry Lemonade Margarita - combines all the flavors of summertime, tart lemons, and sweet, juicy strawberries with the always popular orange liqueur in margaritas.

Tequila Paloma Cocktail from Culinary Ginger - is a twist on the classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda.

Sparkling Tequila Cocktail - is an easy-to-make tropical drink with the flavors of grapefruit juice, tequila, and lemon-lime soda served over crushed ice.

Find more refreshing summer cocktails on 2CM!