The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.


This recipe builds on the traditional mojito by adding a splash of grapefruit juice
3 fresh mint sprigs
2 teaspoons raw sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 ounce light rum
grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda for a fizzy drink
Place the mint, sugar, and lime juice in a cocktail glass. Using a muddler or spoon, muddle (mash) the mint with the sugar and lime.
Add crushed ice to the glass, filling it about 2/3rds full. Add the rum and stir gently. Add grapefruit juice to fill the glass.
Garnish as desired with grapefruit slices, lime slices, and/or fresh mint sprigs. Serve the grapefruit mojito immediately.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially fresh mint and lime juice.
When muddling the mint, be gentle. Over-muddling can release bitterness from the mint leaves.
Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Start with the recommended amount of sugar and adjust as needed.
If you prefer a fizzy drink, use grapefruit soda instead of grapefruit juice. This adds a pleasant effervescence.
For a stronger citrus flavor, add extra lime or grapefruit slices directly into the glass.
Crushed ice is ideal as it chills the drink quickly and blends well with the ingredients.
Experiment with different rums to find your preferred taste. Light rum is traditional, but dark rum can add a deeper flavor.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum or use a non-alcoholic rum-flavored syrup.
Garnish is key for a visually appealing and aromatic drink. Use fresh mint sprigs, lime wheels, and grapefruit slices.
If you're looking for a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Always taste and adjust. Depending on the tartness of your grapefruit juice and your personal preference, you may want to tweak the amounts of sugar and lime juice.
Yes, granulated sugar or a sugar substitute can be used, but raw sugar adds a unique flavor and texture.
Fresh mint is preferred for its vibrant flavor and aroma. Dried mint doesn't provide the same freshness and may alter the taste.
For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the rum or add a little rum extract for flavor. For an alcoholic alternative, vodka or white tequila can be used.
Yes, you can easily scale up the ingredients and prepare it in a pitcher. Just remember to add the ice to individual glasses rather than the pitcher to prevent dilution.
Gently press and twist the mint with the muddler or spoon against the glass. Avoid shredding the mint, as this can release bitterness.
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
Garnish with a slice of grapefruit, a lime wheel, and a sprig of fresh mint for visual appeal and added aroma.
Fill the glass after adding the rum. The amount depends on the size of your glass and your taste preference.
It's best to make mojitos fresh, but you can prepare the mint, sugar, and lime mixture ahead of time and add the rum, ice, and grapefruit juice or soda when serving.
A highball glass is traditionally used for mojitos, but any tall glass will work.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar, and the tartness by altering the amount of lime juice.
Crushed ice is traditionally used in mojitos as it chills the drink quickly and integrates well with the muddled mint leaves.
The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
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reviews & comments
June 21, 2014
Served these at brunch this morning and everyone loved them. The grapefruit makes these very refreshing and possibly even better than the traditional mojitos.