Classic Spicy Mojito with Jalapeño

Craving a cocktail with a little kick? This refreshing Spicy Mojito is just like the classic mojito, but with the addition of fresh jalapeño for some spice.

The winning combination of muddled jalapeño and fresh mint in lime juice is only amplified by the crisp white rum. And nothing says refreshing like a bubbly finish!

I love a twist on a mojito, like adding the jalapeno for spice in this one, or making it fruity like in this Strawberry Pineapple Mojito!

Plus, as a time-strapped mom who loves a fun cocktail, one that takes little time and effort but with big payoff is something I truly appreciate!

Spicy Mojito Ingredient Highlights

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Two little spheres of jalapeno bring enough spice for me but add more if you want to really bring the heat! If your spice tolerance is high, you can add up to four slices of jalapeño.

Fresh spearmint is preferred over peppermint.

White rum is best for a more classic mojito, but dark rum will work, too. As for which rum to use, it’s as simple as this: use your favorite! I usually just go for Bacardi Superior White Rum.

I love using simple syrup because it integrates into your drink much more seamlessly, but granulated sugar will work in a pinch. You can easily make your own simple syrup at home!

Just use a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water, add it to a small pot, and heat until the sugar is dissolved.

Make sure to allow the homemade simple syrup to cool before adding it to your Spicy Mojito. You can store it in a jar with a lid or airtight container for about a month before getting cloudy.

The best finish to a Spicy Mojito is bubbles! I prefer using club soda, but tonic water or sparkling water will work in a pinch.

The Best Alcohol for Mojitos

A classic mojito uses White rum as it’s spirit, which mixes beautifully with the fresh lime juice and mint. This spicy mojito is no different!

If you’re not a rum fan, check out this list of tequila margaritas instead!

How to Make a Spicy Mojito

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Consider a Tajin Rim

This just adds some extra flavor, spice, and visual appeal to your cocktail, but it’s completely optional.

Adding a Tajin rim to your cocktail glass is super easy! Just wet the rim of your glass with some water on your finger or by using a lime wedge.

Run your wet finger or the lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the wet rim into Tajin. It’s best to put the Tajin in a shallow bowl or a cocktail rimmer.

Rotate the glass around in the Tajin until it’s fully coated and voila! A perfectly garnished rim.

Remove the Seeds

Believe it or not, the spiciest part of the jalapeño is its seeds. I find that getting a mouthful of them in a sip is way too much (were talking smoke coming out of my ears 😂).

Plus, it completely changes the texture of your sip from fizzy but smooth to grainy and harsh.

To remove the seeds, I usually just slice my jalapeño into little spheres and use my thumb to push them through and out the other side. If there are any extra pesky little seeds lingering, you can rinse them off in the sink.

Muddle & Mix

Add the sliced and seedless jalapeño to a highball glass with the mint and lime juice.

I love using my citrus squeezer to get the most out of the lime, but you can hand-squeeze your limes as well.

Use a wooden spoon or muddler to press down on the mint and jalapeño, crushing the pepper and expressing the juice from the fresh mint.

If you’re using granulated sugar, simply muddle it with your lime juice, jalapeño, and mint. If you’re using simple syrup (preferred), add it after muddling.

Once you’ve muddled your jalapeño and mint in the lime juice, and added your sweetener and rum, add ice to your glass. Then, your next to last step (before adding the garnish) is to top your cocktail with bubbles.

Don’t Skip the Garnish

The garnish not only adds visual appeal to your cocktail but adds a fresh and fragrant aroma to every sip.

Finishing your cocktail by garnishing with lime, mint, and jalapeño spheres is the easiest way to elevate your mojito!