Dirty Mojito

A Dirty Mojito is a classic cocktail that everyone should know how to make, especially when the weather starts getting warmer. The addition of spiced rum to the classic recipe, in lieu of the white rum that is standard in a mojito, really brings out extra depth and flavor in every sip.

I am rebelling against the snow we keep getting this month by transporting myself mentally to a beach in Mexico every chance I get.

All I can think about this week is warm weather, beautiful blue waters, and the white sand between my toes. It’s almost enough to make me feel like it’s not snowing outside as we speak.

Since it is almost May, I have been forced to bring some cocktails with me on this mental journey to warmer weather. Let me introduce you to my little friend….

The Dirty Mojito.

You are probably wondering what exactly a “dirty” mojito entails, aren’t you?

Well it’s nothing too shocking so get your minds out of the gutter. It’s all about the spiced rum, my friends.

I decided to go with my favorite spiced rum (Sailor Jerry’s in case you were wondering 😉 ) for my mini Mexican drink vacation this time.

Note: this post is updated from the original version posted on April 16, 2013.

While I love mojitos made with white rum, I like the extra flavor spiced rum brings to the party. However you can also use a straight up dark spiced rum or dark rum, depending on your preference. For me, it’s all about using the rum that you enjoy the flavor of because that flavor will come through in this fun twist on the cocktail.

Is anyone else still experiencing the Spring snow we have been getting in Denver? It is really starting to give me weather-whiplash. Especially when we get sunshine, rain, and snow all in the span on 24hrs.

I can’t keep up with it! And neither can my allergies…

Without my allergy medicine, everyone would be calling me Sniffles right about now.

Rum is the solution to most allergies, isn’t it?

I am going with “yes” on this one and making myself another cocktail. Feel free to join me on the beach! It might only be in our minds, but it’s a pretty fantastic place to be. All you need are some simple ingredients to make this cocktail come to life.

ingredients

rum. Use your favorite spiced rum or dark spiced rum as the liquor for this traditional recipe! We recommend a mid-range option like Sailor Jerry’s or Kraken. While you can use gold rum, dark spiced rum has the best flavor!

sugar. Raw sugar like demerara sugar is ideal in this recipe! You can also use granulated sugar, if you prefer. You could even use molasses for a richer flavor.

mint. Fresh mint leaves are a must for the taste of this mojito. Be sure not to muddle the mint too much or it will turn bitter. Save a mint sprig for garnish too!

lime juice. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor!

club soda. Also called soda water, this is what gives the mojito its bubbly finish.

how to make a dirty mojito

muddle

In the bottom of a tall glass, muddle together lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves. Do not over muddle the mixture or the mint will turn bitter.

stir

Add rum and filled the glass with ice. Stir together to combine.

top off

Top off with soda water to fill the remainder of the glass. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.

This Recipe’s Must Haves

I love using a classic set of highball glasses or mason jars to get the look you see here for this refreshing cocktail! I use them all the time, from cocktails to filling them with water for dinner parties.

I really love this one for a wooden muddler because it’s metal and rubber, making it a lot easier to use and clean. With the lighter wood ones, you tend to not be able to get the stains of berries and the like out. This one makes it not a problem!

Want to get extra creative?! Try out this insanely awesome make your own spiced rum kit! This is on my current Christmas wishlist and I realllllly hope I get it this year… I feel like getting this means Mojito Monday has to be a weekly tradition, right?

Finally, if you make this dirty mojito recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!