Skinny Mojito Recipe
As the warm weather approaches I can’t help but dream of backyard BBQs and mojitos in our new home.
While this may not be an authentic Cuban mojito recipe, it’s delicious and best part – guilt free! While the classic recipe calls for the use of sugar or simple syrup, we’ll opt for a healthier, sugar free alternative.
Mildly Sweet.
Fizzy.
Light.
Refreshing.
While healthy habits are important, I believe in living a balanced lifestyle. Sometimes you have to let loose and indulge in a cocktail… or two. No judgment here. But you’ve been warned – these are extremely refreshing on a hot day and the temptation to finish an entire pitcher will be hard to resist.
How many Calories?
You may choose to replace the sugar free sweetener, but understand that this is what makes it ‘skinny’.
Considering the ingredients are virtually calorie free with the exception of the alcohol (7 calories per gram), it’s very low calorie compared to the traditional recipe. One serving contains approximately 98 calories (coming from the 1.5 fluid ounce of rum).
You can reduce the calories to 65 if only 1oz of Rum is used. Make it completely calorie free and kid friendly by omitting the rum altogether.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
2 Tsp Sugar Substitute/ Sweetener of Choice (ie. Stevia, Monk Fruit etc.) * quantity varies based on sweetener & desired sweetness
1/2 Lime (freshly Squeezed or cut into 3 wedges)
5 Mint leaves
1.5 fluid ounce White Rum
1/2 cup Sparkling Water
Ice cubes, as needed
Unlike other cocktails, the list of ingredients is fairly short. Thus, it doesn’t require much time to whip together.
Instructions
1. Place Mint leaves & lime wedge (or alternately, lime juice) into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to gently press and release the oils from the mint leaves. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the back of a wooden spoon or any object resembling one. Get creative, but don’t skip this step as it’s essential to release the delicious flavour and minty aroma.
2. Add remaining lime wedges, sugar substitute and continue to muddle without pulverizing the leaves. Note that not all sweeteners will dissolve like regular sugar. Stevia presents a good alternative and available in most supermarkets.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes, as desired.
4. Pour in Rum and Soda water. Stir, taste and add more sweetener to the mixture, if desired. If you enjoy your beverages on the strong side, feel free to add more Rum. Some people prefer to strain and remove the leaves but I like to keep the contents as it continues to enhances the flavour. Additionally, you can top it up with soda water at any point.
5. Enjoy!
