Beef Free Classic Nojito

Total time10 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time5 min

4.8

(10)

Fresh mint, bright lime, and a touch of homemade simple syrup come together in a drink that feels genuinely festive without a drop of alcohol. The real secret here is muddling the mint properly — pressing and twisting it against the lime juice and syrup until the leaves bruise and release their oils, turning the liquid a gorgeous pale green. That step alone makes this taste far more vibrant than anything you'd pour from a bottle. Chilled sparkling water goes in last so the bubbles stay lively all the way to the first sip. It's the kind of refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink that works just as well at a backyard cookout as it does at a dinner party, and since every ingredient is naturally plant-based, anyone at the table can enjoy it without a second thought. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel and it looks almost too pretty to drink — almost.

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Ingredients

2 servings

For the simple syrup

¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water

For the drinks

16 fresh mint leaves, plus 2 sprigs for garnish
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
2 cups sparkling water, chilled
2 cups ice cubes

For serving

2 lime wheels or wedges (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes — the syrup should be clear and slightly thickened.
2
Divide the mint leaves evenly between two tall glasses. Add half the lime juice and half the simple syrup to each glass. Muddle firmly with a cocktail muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, pressing and twisting 8–10 times until the mint is bruised and fragrant and the liquid turns pale green.

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