Christmas Mojito (Non-Alcoholic)

There’s something about December that makes me want to slow down a little — not that I ever really manage to, but I try. Between all the baking, last-minute wrapping, and that inevitable “where did I hide the tape?” moment, I start craving something light and refreshing. Something that feels festive, but doesn’t weigh me down.

That’s how this Christmas Mojito came to life one year. I had no fancy ingredients, no rum, just a handful of mint, a lime that was on its last good day, and a half-empty bottle of cranberry juice left from another recipe. I tossed it all in a glass without thinking too hard, gave it a stir, and took a sip — and, wow. It was like holiday magic in a cup. Sweet, tangy, minty, cold. It felt like winter and summer had decided to meet up and throw a small, sparkly party in my kitchen.

And the best part? No alcohol. Just pure, refreshing, Christmassy joy that even kids (and those of us who are just done with heavy drinks) can sip and smile over.

It’s a little tart from the lime, a little sweet from the cranberry juice, and that mint — oh, that mint — it makes the whole thing feel alive. I like to garnish it with a few cranberries and a sprig of mint so it looks like something straight off a postcard. But even without the frills, it’s the kind of drink that makes you exhale and think, yep, this is the good part of the season.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• ½ lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• Club soda (to top)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Directions

1. Drop your mint leaves and lime wedges into a glass.
2. Sprinkle in the sugar, then gently muddle — just enough to release those oils and juices, not destroy them. You’ll smell it when it’s right.
3. Fill your glass with ice.
4. Pour in the cranberry juice.
5. Top it all with club soda.
6. Give it a slow, lazy stir.
7. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a mint sprig, and take a moment before that first sip. It’s worth it.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1

A Small Note

This drink isn’t about being fancy. It’s about slowing down, even for a few minutes. When you make it, don’t rush. Don’t worry about the “perfect ratio.” Just taste as you go — a little more lime if you’re feeling zesty, a bit more sugar if you want it sweeter. It’s your glass, your moment.

And if you make it for someone else? Hand it to them the way you’d hand over a little piece of calm. That’s really what this drink is — a small, sparkling pause in the middle of all the noise.

Recipe FAQs

1: Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh really makes a difference. Bottled lime juice has that slightly bitter edge that doesn’t play as nicely with the mint.

2: What if I don’t have club soda?
No big deal. Sparkling water or tonic works fine. Even lemon-lime soda in a pinch — just skip the sugar if you go that route.

3: Can I make a big batch for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply everything and mix it in a pitcher right before guests arrive. Keep the club soda separate so it stays fizzy when served.

4: How can I make it feel extra “Christmasy”?
Garnish with a few sugared cranberries or a tiny candy cane as a stir stick. It’s simple, but it adds that magic touch.

5: What should it taste like when it’s right?
Fresh. Bright. Like you could sip it by the fire or under twinkle lights and feel that happy, crisp little spark that says, *yep, it’s Christmas time.

Christmas Mojito (Non-Alcoholic)

Recipe by Salma Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• * 10 fresh mint leaves

• * ½ lime, cut into wedges

• * 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• * 2 oz cranberry juice

• * Club soda (to top)

• * Ice cubes

• * Fresh cranberries (for garnish)

• * Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Directions

• Drop your mint leaves and lime wedges into a glass.
• Sprinkle in the sugar, then gently muddle — just enough to release those oils and juices, not destroy them. You’ll smell it when it’s right.
• Fill your glass with ice.
• Pour in the cranberry juice.
• Top it all with club soda.
• Give it a slow, lazy stir.
• Garnish with fresh cranberries and a mint sprig, and take a moment before that first sip. It’s worth it.