Nightshade Free Classic Nojito
Fresh, fizzy, and endlessly refreshing, this mocktail is built around muddled mint, bright lime juice, and a quick homemade simple syrup that comes together in just minutes. Nightshade-free drinking can feel surprisingly tricky when store-bought mixers and flavored sodas sneak in unexpected additives, but this one is made entirely from scratch with clean, straightforward ingredients you can trust. The technique of firmly muddling the mint with lime juice and syrup is what makes it sing — that bruising releases the essential oils and turns the liquid a gorgeous pale green before a pour of sparkling water lifts everything into something that feels genuinely celebratory. It's the kind of drink that works just as well at a backyard gathering as it does on a quiet Tuesday evening. Serve it immediately so the bubbles stay lively and the mint stays bright, and don't skip the garnish — a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel make it look like something from a proper cocktail bar.
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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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