Spice Free Classic Nojito
Fresh mint, bright lime, and a homemade simple syrup come together in this sparkling mocktail that feels genuinely festive without a drop of alcohol or anything remotely spicy. For anyone navigating sensitivity to spices or heat, even beverages can be a minefield of unexpected ingredients — but every element here is clean, familiar, and easy to verify. The quick stovetop syrup takes only a couple of minutes and gives you full control over sweetness, which is a nice bonus over store-bought mixers that sometimes sneak in surprising additives. Muddling the mint directly in the glass is the secret to that gorgeous pale green color and the intensely herbal aroma that makes this drink feel so special. A generous pour of chilled sparkling water keeps things light and effervescent, and the whole thing comes together in just a few easy steps. Garnished with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel, it looks stunning on a table and tastes even better than it looks.
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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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