Key Lime Mojito

When it comes to summertime sippers, a classic mojito cocktail is a particularly refreshing choice on a hot day. White rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water and mint are the typical ingredients for the traditional recipe. But there are many different ways to tweak the drink to make it your own.

Our latest variation is a Key lime mojito recipe, which tastes like a slice of Key lime pie in a glass. First, tangy and fragrant Key limes replace regular limes. Second, the addition of heavy cream gives the drink a creaminess that mimics custard. And finally, a graham cracker crumb rim is the direct translation of a graham cracker crust on a slice of pie. Here’s how to make a Key lime pie mojito when you’re craving a warm-weather rum drink that’s different from your usual.

Key Limes vs. Regular Limes

Key limes are small, round citrus fruits that are typically grown in subtropical and tropical regions. They have a tart flavor and very floral fragrance. When ripe, they are more yellow in color than green. These thin-skinned citrus fruits are best stored on the counter rather than in the fridge. Use them within a few days of purchase.

In the United States, these tiny fruits are grown in parts of Florida and California. They’re in season from June through September. They are also grown year-round in Mexico, though their thin skins can make them difficult to transport. If you can’t find fresh Key limes in your grocery store, you should be able to find packaged Key lime juice. It is commonly sold alongside other fruit juices.

While you can substitute the juice of regular limes (which are also known as Persian or Tahiti limes), the cocktail won’t be quite as tart or floral in flavor. You will likely need to adjust the amount of simple syrup in the recipe to account for the less tart flavor of the lime juice.

Key Lime Mojito Ingredients

• Simple syrup: Simple syrup is a sweetener you’ll find in many cocktail recipes. It is typically made using a 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar and water. You can easily make it at home, or you can buy premade simple syrup from your local grocery store.
• Mint leaves: Mint is a signature flavor in any mojito recipe. The leaves are used as a flavor component in the drink and as a garnish.
• Key limes: Using Key limes in place of regular limes ensures this recipe truly mimics the flavor of tart Key lime pie.
• White rum: White or light-colored rum is a clear distilled spirit made from sugarcane. White rum typically has a lighter body and a milder flavor than dark or spiced rum. You can use your favorite white rum in this Key lime mojito recipe. Then use leftovers in another white rum drink recipe.
• Heavy cream: Heavy cream gives this cocktail its creamy texture, mimicking the custard in a slice of Key lime pie. Because dairy products can curdle when combined with acidic citrus juice, this recipe is not the place to substitute a lower-fat dairy product like half-and-half cream or milk. The higher fat content of heavy cream will ensure it doesn’t curdle.
• Garnishes: Crushed graham crackers are used to rim the cocktail glass as a nod to a Key lime pie’s graham cracker crust. A sprig of fresh mint leaves is also used to garnish the drink.

Directions

Step 1: Rim the glass

Crush the graham crackers and place the crumbs on a small flat plate. Brush the rim of a cocktail glass with fresh lime juice or simple syrup. Then, roll the edge in the graham cracker crumbs to coat. Set aside.

Step 2: Muddle the mint

Add the fresh mint leaves and simple syrup to the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients and shake

Add the Key lime juice, white rum and heavy cream to the cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice, top it with the lid and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds.

Step 4: Strain, garnish and serve

Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately.

TASTE OF HOME

Key Lime Mojito Variations

• Make with froth: To mimic the meringue topping on a Key lime pie, add a pasteurized egg white to the cocktail shaker before shaking. This will add a frothy top layer to the drink. For a thicker texture, dry shake (which means shaking without ice) the cocktail ingredients with the egg white for 15 seconds. After adding the ice, shake again until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled.
• Top with soda: To lighten the texture of the drink, add some bubbles by topping it off with club soda.
• Play with the garnishes: In addition to a mint sprig, you could also garnish the drink with a Key lime wheel.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream: For a truly decadent Key lime pie mojito, top it with mojito whipped cream.

Can you make Key lime mojitos ahead of time?

Because the cream is more likely to separate the longer the cocktail sits, it’s best to make Key lime mojitos right before serving. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance so that making a large batch is a breeze. Juicing the limes is the most time-consuming part of this Key lime mojito recipe, so build that into your schedule. You can juice the Key limes and store the juice in an airtight container for three or four days ahead of time. Although, if you’re planning to make a large batch of cocktails, you may want to use store-bought Key lime juice instead.

Key Lime Mojito Tips

TASTE OF HOME

How do you make simple syrup for cocktails?

Simple syrup is a liquid sugar that easily incorporates into hot and cold liquids. It is a common ingredient used as a sweetener in cocktail recipes. As its name suggests, it’s typically made from a simple 1:1 combination of granulated sugar and water. To make simple syrup at home, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for three to five minutes or until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the mixture from the heat and cool to room temperature. Store any unused simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

What’s the best way to juice Key limes?

The small size of Key limes makes them a little challenging to juice compared to larger citrus fruits like lemons. If your Key limes are small enough, you can halve the limes and use a garlic press to squeeze out the juice. Alternate methods include halving the limes, then using a fork to remove the juice, followed by a citrus reamer to squeeze out any remaining liquid. Regardless of the method you use, be sure to strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or other solids.

When should you serve Key lime mojitos?

The sweet and tart flavor of Key lime mojitos makes them an excellent choice to pair alongside spicy foods like Cuban ropa vieja, Baja pork tacos or chicken enchiladas. They also would be great served at a summer barbecue or cookout. Or, stick to a Key lime theme and serve these refreshing mojitos alongside other Key lime favorites, such as Key lime blondies, Key lime pie balls or coconut Key lime thumbprint cookies. Make a mojito for everyone by whipping up a few other variations at the same time, such as a watermelon mojito, a maple blackberry mojito or a strawberry mojito.