Gelatin Free Classic Strawberry Mojito
Fresh strawberries, bright lime, and fragrant mint come together in a drink that tastes like summer in a glass. The muddling step is where the magic happens — pressing the berries and mint together releases their natural juices and oils, creating a base that's intensely fruity and aromatic before a single drop of rum even hits the glass. A quick homemade simple syrup ties everything together with just the right touch of sweetness, and the bonus is you'll have extra syrup stashed in the fridge for your next round. Many pre-made cocktail mixes and flavored syrups sneak in gelatin or other animal-derived thickeners as stabilizers, so making this from scratch with sugar, water, and whole fruit keeps things completely clean. Sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz without any hidden additives, and the whole drink comes together with ingredients you can easily verify yourself. It's elegant enough to serve at a dinner party but honestly simple enough to throw together on a Tuesday night.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the simple syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For the mojito
- 8 medium fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 16 fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
- 3 oz fresh lime juice (from about 3 limes)
- 3 oz white rum
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- 2 fresh strawberries, halved, for garnish (optional)
- 2 lime wheels, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes. You will have about 1/3 cup simple syrup; use 2 tbsp for this recipe and refrigerate the rest for up to 2 weeks.
- 2
Divide the hulled strawberries and mint leaves evenly between the two tall glasses. Add 1 tbsp of the simple syrup to each glass, then muddle firmly until the strawberries are fully broken down and the mint is bruised and fragrant, about 10–12 presses.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!