Carrageenan Free Classic Nojito
Fresh mint, bright lime, and a quick homemade simple syrup come together in this sparkling mocktail that tastes like summer in a glass. The muddling step is where the magic happens — pressing and twisting the mint leaves releases their essential oils and turns the whole drink a gorgeous pale green before you even add the ice. Because everything here is made from scratch, you sidestep the concern that comes with many store-bought sodas, flavored sparkling waters, and commercial drink mixes, which often sneak in additives you'd rather avoid. The homemade syrup takes only a couple of minutes on the stove, and once it's cool, the rest of the drink comes together in seconds. Chilled sparkling water gives it that satisfying fizz without any mystery ingredients, and a gentle stir keeps the bubbles lively all the way to the bottom of the glass. It's refreshing, elegant, and genuinely crowd-pleasing — whether you're serving it at a backyard gathering or just treating yourself on a warm afternoon.
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Learn more →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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