No-Jito Mocktail with Mother Root (A Cuban-Inspired Mojito Twist)

The No-Jito Mocktail takes the mojito, a classic Cuban cocktail, and turns it on its head for a lighter alcohol free version – the NOjito. 

A traditional mojito is the perfect balance of lime, mint and rum. It is at the center of Cuban cocktail culture. We wanted to keep the spirit of that but make it fresh. This mocktail is sour, sweet and refreshing. The fresh mint is muddled with lime and a hint of sugar just like the traditional drink. We designed this recipe using Mother Root, a  non-alcoholic ginger aperitif. The aperitif’s spicy kick perfectly compliments the mint and lime. Every component from the glass to the garnish is used to make this NOjito look and feel like the real deal cocktail. 

We partnered with Mother Root to create this version, using their ginger-based drink to add warmth and spice while keeping the cocktail completely alcohol-free.

How to Prep Your No-Jito:

When prepping the ingredients it’s important to wash the mint well because it’s a fresh herb that tends to carry a lot of dirt in the crevices. You will only use the leaves for the recipe. Toss the stems to eliminate most of the bitterness. 

Sweet and Sour:

We use sugar to balance the sour lime and bitter mint but if you wanted to swap out for an alternative sugar or honey you can. If you are accustomed to drinking cocktails that aren’t sweet,  you can omit it all together. 

Pitcher ready:

If you are making one or two mojitos you can make them individually, but if you are making a large batch for a party, a pitcher is your best bet. Multiply the recipe by 6 or 8 and follow the same process. Instead of highball glasses make the Nojitos in a large glass pitcher. If you are going to make it in a pitcher be sure not to add the club soda or sparkling water until you are ready to serve it. The bubbles will fizzle out and water down the mixture. 

Why Mother Root?

Mother Root brings a natural ginger heat and depth that works beautifully with citrus and mint. It gives this mocktail the kind of bold flavor you expect from a real cocktail, without needing alcohol.

Need to Make a Subsitution?

• The aperitif – if you don’t have Mother Root, the brand we use to make this recipe, you can substitute with ginger beer. It will be more effervescent but still add flavor. 
• If you don’t have a muddler you can use a wooden spoon or small laddle to press the lime wedges. 
• You can use lemons instead of limes but then we wouldn’t call it a mojito! You need a little bitterness to give this mocktail depth and flavor. 

• 1 lime, cut into wedges (each lime will give you about 8 small wedges) 

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