Paraben Free Classic Nojito
Fresh mint, bright lime, and a quick homemade simple syrup come together in this sparkling mocktail that feels genuinely festive without a drop of alcohol. The muddling step is where the magic happens — pressing and twisting the mint leaves releases their essential oils, turning the liquid a gorgeous pale green and filling your kitchen with that unmistakable herbal fragrance. Because every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, you sidestep the synthetic preservatives and additives that sneak into so many bottled drinks and commercial mixers. Making your own simple syrup takes barely two minutes on the stove, and it means you know exactly what's going into your glass. A gentle stir at the end keeps the sparkling water lively, so every sip has that satisfying effervescence. Serve it immediately over ice with a mint sprig and a lime wheel, and it looks every bit as polished as something you'd order at a 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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