This Lemongrass and Thai Basil Mojito is sweet, fizzy, and just a little bit exotic.
I received a couple of bunches of Thai basil from a friend, but initially wasn't quite sure what to do with it. You can thank the good folks of Reddit for this cocktail recipe. I posted in the cocktails subreddit asking for help, and this is what was suggested!
Looking for more mojito recipes? Try my Watermelon Mojito or Strawberry Mojito recipes on for size!
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🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe
It tastes great. It's crisp, sweet, bubbly, and refreshing.
It uses fresh ingredients. Fresh Thai basil and lemongrass, anyone?
It looks fancy but is easy to make. Break it down into steps and you can easily make this impressive-looking drink.
💭 What is a Lemongrass and Thai Basil Mojito?
A classic mojito is a cocktail that's typically made up of sugar (or simple syrup), lime juice, mint, rum, and club soda. It's a Cuban drink that can be riffed on and customized in nearly endless wasy.
This version uses lemongrass simple syrup and Thai basil, instead of plain simple syrup and mint.
📝 Ingredients
- Sugar: Use white granulated sugar.
- Water: Plain tap water is fine!
- Lemongrass: You'll use a few stalks of fresh lemongrass for this recipe. I found mine at an Asian market.
- Lime: Fresh lime, please.
- Thai basil: Thai basil has a slightly spicy, licorice-y flavor. It's delicious.
- Rum: Use your favorite light/white/silver rum here.
- Fizzy water: You can use club soda or a sparkling water.
👩🏻🍳 How to make this mojito
You'll start out by making the lemongrass simple syrup. Make a plain simple syrup with the sugar and water, simmering until the sugar has totally dissolved into the water. Add the lemongrass and steep it for about 2 hours. After that, strain it out and put the syrup in an airtight container.
When you're ready to make your cocktail, add the lime and Thai basil to the bottom of your glass and muddle them gently. Add the rum, simple syrup, and some ice. Top everything off with fizzy water and garnish with some more Thai basil!
🔗 More mojito recipes
Need more mojitos? Click any of the photos to go straight to the recipes.
❓ FAQs
You might be able to find some at a higher end grocery store. But you can and should always try your local Asian market.
Use your favorite light rum (sometimes called white rum or silver rum).
It is a slightly spicy, anise-y version of basil.
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This recipe is slightly modified from the one from The Kitchn.
✨ Recipe
Lemongrass and Thai Basil Mojito
Equipment
Ingredients
For the lemongrass simple syrup (makes 1 cup)
- 3 stalks lemongrass
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the cocktail
- 1 thin slice of lime
- 4 leaves fresh Thai basil
- 2 oz white rum
- 2 oz lemongrass simple syrup
- ice
- Coconut LaCroix or club soda
Instructions
To make the lemongrass simple syrup
- Start by cutting your stalks of lemongrass into 1-inch sections. Bruise them with a meat mallet/rolling pin/mortar and pestle. Set them aside for a moment.
- Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is entirely dissolved. Allow it to come to a boil, then turn off the heat. Add the lemongrass and allow it to steep for 2 hours.
- Strain the syrup, pressing down on the lemongrass to extract all of the flavor. This simple syrup will keep in the fridge for about 4 weeks.
To make the cocktail
- Add the slice of lime and basil leaves to the bottom of a glass. Muddle them together.
- Add the rum, simple syrup, and ice. Top off with some Coconut Lacroix or club soda.
Notes
- Use your favorite light rum (sometimes called white rum or silver rum).
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
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Matt
Love a good mojito, never had one with lemon grass though. Thanks for sharing!