No Booze, All the Flavor: Lemon Mojito Mocktail Recipe

When the weather heats up, I always find myself craving something cold, crisp, and a little bit zesty, and that’s where this Lemon Mojito Mocktail comes in. It’s got all the bright, refreshing flavors of a classic mojito, but without the booze. Perfect for sipping in the sunshine, sharing with the kids, or bringing along to any gathering where you want something fun and fancy without the alcohol.

I first whipped this up on a whim one afternoon when I had a bunch of lemons and fresh mint to use up, and it instantly became a favorite. The lemon gives it that punchy tartness, the mint keeps it super refreshing, and the fizzy soda makes every sip feel a little celebratory. Honestly, it tastes like summer in a glass, and it only takes five minutes to throw together.

Whether you’re skipping the alcohol or just looking for a vibrant, feel-good drink that everyone can enjoy, this mocktail is such a winner. It’s light, it’s bubbly, and it feels like a little treat every time you pour a glass. I’ve been making it on repeat lately, and every time, it just hits the spot!

Ingredients

• 2 lemons – Freshly squeezed lemons give this mocktail its signature zingy kick.
• 10-12 fresh mint leaves – Mint leaves bring that cool, refreshing flavor that makes every sip feel like a breeze.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar – Just enough sugar to balance the tartness and sweeten things up.
• 2 cups of sparkling water or any soda – The bubbles make it feel fancy and fun, go with what you love!
• Ice cubes – Because no mocktail is complete without that chilled, frosty goodness.
• Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish – A simple garnish makes it look like something straight from a café.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Set it aside.

2. In a cocktail shaker or tall glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together to release the mint’s flavor and blend it with the sugar.

3. Add the fresh lemon juice to the shaker or glass. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix the flavors.

4. Fill a serving glass with ice cubes.

5. Pour the mint and lemon mixture over the ice. Top the glass with sparkling water or soda, filling it to the brim. Stir gently to combine.

6. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Lemon Mojito Mocktail! Adjust the sugar to suit your taste.

Top Tips

• Roll your lemons before juicing! It helps release more juice, and it’s kind of satisfying, too.

• Give the mint a good muddle. Don’t be shy! Crushing the leaves really brings out that fresh flavor.

• Adjust the sweetness. Like it more tart or extra sweet? Tweak the sugar to suit your taste.

• Chill everything first. Cold lemons, cold soda, cold glasses, it all adds up to a super refreshing sip.

• Go fancy with the fizz. Try flavored sparkling water (like lemon-lime or mint!) for a fun twist.

• Double it up. Making this for a group? It’s easy to scale up for a pitcher, just keep the ratio the same.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy a Lemon Mojito Mocktail

• Poolside with a good book – Nothing beats sipping this while soaking up the sun and flipping pages.

• At brunch with friends – It feels a little fancy without being fussy, perfect for daytime hangs.

• On the patio after a long day – That first cold sip is such a mood-lifter.

• With a plate of grilled chicken or fish – The bright lemon and mint pair so well with summer meals.

• As a fun drink for the kids – They love having a “grown-up” drink that’s all theirs!

• For baby showers or summer parties – It’s pretty, refreshing, and everyone can enjoy it.

Serving & Storing

• Serve it ice-cold. This mocktail is at its best when it’s super chilled, don’t skimp on the ice!

• Add the soda last. Pour in the sparkling water just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh and fizzy.

• Garnish right before serving. A slice of lemon and a sprig of mint make it look extra special.

• Want to prep ahead? You can muddle the mint, lemon juice, and sugar a few hours in advance, just store it in the fridge and add the soda and ice when you’re ready to serve.

• Skip storing leftovers. Since the soda goes flat quickly, it’s best to enjoy this mocktail fresh. (It’s so tasty, leftovers are rarely a problem!)

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
You can, but fresh-squeezed lemons really make a difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, go for a high-quality bottled option.

What kind of soda works best?
Plain sparkling water is great, but lemon-lime soda or even club soda with a splash of flavored syrup can give it a fun twist!

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes, just prep the lemon juice, sugar, and mint in advance and keep it chilled. Add the soda and ice right before serving so it stays bubbly.

Is there a sugar-free version?
Totally! Swap the sugar for your favorite sweetener, like stevia or monk fruit, and use a no-sugar-added soda or sparkling water.

Can I turn this into a cocktail?
Of course! Just add a splash of rum if you want to go the traditional mojito route. It’s super flexible.