White Wine Mojito Recipe

If you like the flavor combination of a classic mojito—white rum, lime juice, sparkling water, sugar, and mint—try this variation that swaps your favorite white wine for the rum, and uses Italian sparkling lemonade to add fizz and sweetness. Italian sparkling lemonade called Limonata in Italian is made with Italian lemons; it is sold in bottles and cans.

As for the white wine, virtually any white wine will work well, however, the serious citrus of sauvignon blanc, the outstanding aromatics of riesling or the flexible flavor profiles of pinot grigio deserve special consideration.

A whole cup of mint might sound like a lot, but mint is a signature ingredient in this cocktail. The mint needs to be fresh and fragrant. Of course you can make it any time but it’s ideal in the summer when it is usually the easiest to get your hands on a bunch of really fresh mint. Maybe you even grow mint yourself in a window box or in a container, or you have an abundance of mint in your garden and look for ways to use it.

Caribbean mojito with white wine is a great drink for a party, July 4^th or Labor Day gatherings because it’s so easy to make. It delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. 

Because even the freshest mint leaves turn brown quickly after chopping and adding them to the drink, hold off on the mint until the very last minute before serving the mojito. What you certainly can do ahead of time is wash and dry the mint sprigs and pluck off the leaves so they are ready to be chopped. If you prep them several hours ahead, keep them in the fridge so they stay fresh longer. 

The only other thing to do ahead of time is to chill the white wine and the sparkling lemonade well so you start off with them ice-cold.