Nutmeg Free Classic Nojito
Fresh mint, bright lime, and a quick homemade simple syrup come together in this sparkling mocktail that tastes like a proper bar drink without a drop of alcohol. The muddling step is where the magic happens — pressing and twisting the mint releases its essential oils and turns the whole glass fragrant and pale green before you even add the ice. Because every ingredient here is straightforward and whole, there's zero guesswork about what's actually in your glass, which is a genuine relief when you're navigating spice sensitivities. Nutmeg has a sneaky way of showing up in pre-made syrups, bottled mixers, and even some cocktail garnishes, so making your own simple syrup from scratch with just sugar and water completely sidesteps that concern. The result is crisp, cooling, and just sweet enough, with that satisfying fizz from chilled sparkling water poured gently over the top. It's the kind of drink that looks impressive on a table but comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a casual afternoon or a crowd-pleasing mocktail round at a dinner party.
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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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