Black Currant Mojito

The first time I made this, it was a humid July afternoon and I was craving something that felt like a vacation in a glass. I grabbed a bottle of black currant juice I'd bought on impulse, rum from the back of the cabinet, and handfuls of mint from my windowsill. That deep purple color swirling with the ice made me feel like I was at a beach bar somewhere far from my tiny kitchen.

Last summer I served these at a rooftop gathering and watched peoples eyes light up when I passed the glasses around. Someone asked for the recipe three times that evening, and now it's become my go to when I want to serve something impressive but effortless.

Ingredients

• White rum: The clean backbone that lets the currant shine without overpowering it
• Black currant juice: Store bought works perfectly here, look for one with deep color and tangy sweetness
• Fresh lime juice: Essential for cutting through the sweetness and brightening everything
• Sugar: Helps release those mint oils and balances the tartness
• Fresh mint leaves: Dont skip the muddling step, that's where all the aromatic magic happens
• Crushed ice: Creates that slushy, perfectly diluted texture as it melts
• Club soda: The bubbly finish that makes it feel light and endlessly sippable

Instructions

Muddle the mint and sugar:

Place mint leaves and sugar in a sturdy glass and press gently with a muddler or spoon until fragrant, being careful not to tear the leaves

Build the base:

Pour in the fresh lime juice and white rum, letting them mingle with the muddled mint

Add the star ingredient:

Pour in the black currant juice and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined

Chill it down:

Fill the glass completely with crushed ice, watching it rise to the rim

Add the fizz:

Top with club soda until it reaches your preferred strength, then stir gently just once or twice

Finish with flair:

Garnish with a lime wedge, extra mint sprig, and fresh black currants or berries if you have them

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This drink has become my signature at summer dinner parties, especially when paired with something grilled and fresh from the farmers market. There's something about that combination of tangy fruit and cool mint that makes conversation flow easier.

Making It Your Own

I've started experimenting with different ratios based on who's drinking. My sister prefers less rum and more soda, while I lean into the full strength version after a long week.

The Non Alcoholic Version

When I'm hosting a mixed crowd, I make a big batch without rum and let people add their own if they choose. The mocktail version is just as satisfying with its bold color and refreshing fizz.

Serving Suggestions

I've learned that the right glass makes all the difference with a drink this beautiful. Highball glasses show off those gorgeous layers perfectly.

• Chill your glasses beforehand for extra frost appeal
• Batch the base ingredients ahead and just add ice and soda when serving
• Keep extra mint stems in water on the counter for impromptu mojito moments

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Here's to lazy afternoons and drinks that make everything feel a little more celebratory.

Recipe FAQ

→ What makes this black currant mojito different?

Store-bought black currant juice replaces the traditional muddled berries, delivering vibrant color and bold, tangy flavor in minutes. The juice provides consistent sweetness and eliminates prep time while maintaining that signature deep berry taste.

→ Can I make this without alcohol?

Absolutely. Simply omit the white rum and increase the black currant juice or add extra club soda. The combination of tart lime, sweet currant juice, and aromatic mint creates a delicious mocktail perfect for any occasion.

→ How do I prevent the mint from becoming bitter?

Gently muddle the mint leaves with sugar just enough to release the aromatic oils—avoid shredding or over-crushing the leaves. This technique infuses the drink with fresh mint flavor without extracting bitter compounds from the plant material.

→ What type of glass works best?

A sturdy highball glass or traditional mojito glass provides enough room for crushed ice and club soda while allowing easy muddling. The glass should be heavy enough to withstand gentle muddling without risk of breakage.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

The mixture of rum, lime juice, black currant juice, and muddled mint can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Add crushed ice and club soda just before serving to maintain the refreshing, effervescent quality.