All Recipes
Beverages
Breakfast
Appetizers
Dinner
Sides
Dessert
Videos
Get ready to sip on some serious style with this Black Mojito! This isn’t your average cocktail – I’ve added activated charcoal for a bold and dramatic black color, plus dark rum for a flavor that packs a punch. It’s like a regular mojito, but with an edgy twist that’ll make you feel like a total trendsetter.
What is a black mojito?
A black mojito is a unique variation of the classic mojito cocktail with activated charcoal, which gives the drink a striking black color. Along with the charcoal, a black mojito typically includes the traditional ingredients of fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, but with the addition of dark rum for a richer flavor.
The activated charcoal adds a unique aesthetic element to the drink like it does to this Black Margarita and may also have potential detoxifying properties. Overall, a black mojito is a fun and trendy twist on a beloved classic cocktail that is sure to impress your taste buds and your friends.
Ingredients Needed
- Black Spiced Rum – The black spiced rum used in a black mojito contributes to the drink’s flavor profile by adding a complex, rich taste that pairs well with the other ingredients. The spiced rum typically includes a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which can add warmth and depth to the drink.
- Lime Wedges – Fresh lime is a crucial ingredient as it provides the necessary balance of tartness and acidity to the drink. The oils and zest of the lime rind can also add a subtle depth of flavor and aroma to the drink as it’s crushed with mint leaves and sugar.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – The mint leaves are typically muddled with sugar and lime juice, which releases the oils and flavors of the mint, infusing the cocktail with a fresh and herbaceous taste. This minty flavor is what sets the mojito apart from other cocktails, which is why you’ll want to use fresh mint leaves.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar is essential as it balances the tartness of lime juice and the bitterness of activated charcoal. It’s muddled with fresh mint to release oils and flavors, creating a sweet base that balances the rum’s alcohol content.
- Soda Water – Soda water adds a refreshing, bubbly texture to a black mojito. It’s added last to create a slightly fizzy drink and dilute the cocktail for a more palatable experience.
- Activated Charcoal – Activated Charcoal gives a black mojito its distinct color and may have potential detoxifying properties. Its main purpose is aesthetic, but some people enjoy its potential health benefits.
How to Make a Black Mojito
- Mix. Gently pour the soda water into your desired glass and add the activated charcoal. Slowly stir the activated charcoal into the soda water until it’s completely dissolved.
- Pour it into the glass. Fill the glass with ice and pour the mixture into the bottom of the glass. You can also use this to top off your drink for a more traditional mojito.
- Muddle. In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the 2 lime wedges, 4 mint leaves, and 1 tablespoon of sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mint is fragrant.
- Shake. Add the black spiced rum to the cocktail shaker along with some ice. Shake vigorously for about 5 to 10 seconds. Strain the mixture over the ice into your glass. This creates an ombre appearance that can also be stirred together.
FAQS
Can you taste the activated charcoal in a Black Mojito?
Activated charcoal typically doesn’t have a distinct taste, so in small amounts, it should not affect the overall taste of a Black Mojito. However, adding too much activated charcoal could potentially give the drink a slightly gritty or chalky texture, which may impact the overall drinking experience. It’s best to use activated charcoal sparingly and to mix it well with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cocktail.
Yes, you can substitute regular sugar with other sweeteners in a Black Mojito. Some popular alternatives to granulated sugar include honey, agave nectar, and simple syrup. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each sweetener will have a slightly different flavor profile and sweetness level, which may impact the overall taste of the cocktail.
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of a Black Mojito. One way to do this is to simply omit the black spiced rum and increase the amount of soda water to fill the glass. You can still use the same ingredients, including lime wedges, mint leaves, sugar, and activated charcoal, to create a flavorful and refreshing mocktail.
Another option is to use a non-alcoholic alternative to black spiced rum, such as a dark and spicy soda or syrup, to mimic the flavor profile of the original cocktail.
Tips and Tricks
- Use activated charcoal sparingly: While activated charcoal is a fun and trendy ingredient to use in cocktails, too much of it can make the drink gritty. Use it sparingly, starting with a small amount and adding more if needed.
- Use fresh ingredients: To get the best flavor and aroma, use fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, and high-quality black spiced rum. Avoid using bottled lime juice, which may have a sour or artificial taste.
- Layer the drink. To get the beautiful ombre look to the mojito you’ll need to layer the ingredients. I prefer to place the soda water and charcoal mixture on bottom and the top it off with the rum mixture. These can be reversed though for a more traditional mojito.
More Black Cocktails
Black Mojito Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Black Spiced Rum or spiced rum
- 2 Lime Wedges plus more for garnish
- 4 large Mint Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 4 ounces Soda Water
- 1 teaspoon Activated Charcoal
Instructions
- Mix. Gently pour the soda water into your desired glass and add the activated charcoal. Slowly stir the activated charcoal into the soda water until it's completely dissolved.
- Pour it into the glass. Fill the glass with ice and pour the mixture into the bottom of the glass. You can also use this to top off your drink for a more traditional mojito.
- Muddle. In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the 2 lime wedges, 4 mint leaves, and 1 tablespoon of sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mint is fragrant.
- Shake. Add the black spiced rum to the cocktail shaker along with some ice. Shake vigorously for about 5 to 10 seconds. Strain the mixture over the ice into your glass. This creates an ombre appearance that can also be stirred together.
Notes
- Use activated charcoal sparingly: While activated charcoal is a fun and trendy ingredient to use in cocktails, too much of it can make the drink gritty. Use it sparingly, starting with a small amount and adding more if needed.
- Use fresh ingredients: To get the best flavor and aroma, use fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, and high-quality black spiced rum. Avoid using bottled lime juice, which may have a sour or artificial taste.
- Layer the drink. To get the beautiful ombre look to the mojito you’ll need to layer the ingredients. I prefer to place the soda water and charcoal mixture on bottom and the top it off with the rum mixture. These can be reversed though for a more traditional mojito.
