Nothing kicks off a hangout like a big, icy pitcher of mojitos. This easy Mojito Pitcher Cocktail recipe gives you bright lime, cool mint, and a bubbly finish that tastes like sunshine. It’s a simple, make-ahead crowd-pleaser that looks gorgeous on the table and keeps everyone refreshed without you playing bartender all night.

I’ll show you the exact ratios for a balanced pitcher, the best way to muddle mint without bitterness, and how to scale it for any group. We’ll keep it light, crisp, and not overly sweet—just classic mojito vibes with zero fuss.

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Why This Mojito Pitcher Recipe Works

Balanced flavor: The right ratio of lime, sugar, and rum keeps it bright and refreshing, not syrupy.
No bitter mint: Gentle muddling releases mint oils without chewing up the leaves.
Pitcher-friendly method: Build the base first, then add sparkling water at the end so it stays fizzy.
Easy to batch: Clear measurements scale up for 4, 8, or 12 servings.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep the mint-lime syrup base and chill it; finish with ice and bubbles when guests arrive.

Ingredients

For a 6–8 drink pitcher (about 48–64 ounces total)

1 1/2 cups white rum (Bacardi, Cruzan, or any clean, light rum)
1 cup fresh lime juice (from about 8–10 limes)
3/4 cup simple syrup (see notes; adjust to taste)
2 packed cups fresh mint leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
3–4 cups chilled club soda or sparkling water
Ice (enough to fill the pitcher halfway)
Lime wheels or wedges for serving

Simple Syrup Options

Classic: 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water, simmer until dissolved, cool.
Mint syrup: Steep a handful of mint in hot simple syrup for 10 minutes, strain, and cool.
Quick swap: Use superfine sugar if you must, but syrup blends cleaner in a pitcher.

Tools You’ll Need

Large pitcher (2 quarts)
Muddler or wooden spoon
Citrus juicer
Measuring cups

How to Make a Mojito Pitcher

Muddle the mint gently: Add mint leaves to the empty pitcher. Pour in the simple syrup. Press the leaves with a muddler 6–8 times until fragrant. Do not shred the mint.
Add lime and rum: Pour in fresh lime juice and white rum. Stir to combine so the mint oils blend into the base.
Chill the base: Cover and refrigerate 30–60 minutes to marry flavors. You can chill up to 24 hours.
Add ice and bubbles: Right before serving, fill the pitcher halfway with ice. Top with chilled club soda. Stir gently from the bottom to lift the mint without knocking out the fizz.
Garnish and serve: Add lime wheels and fresh mint sprigs. Pour into ice-filled glasses and top off with a splash more soda if you like extra sparkle.

Taste and Adjust

Too tart? Add 1–2 tablespoons more simple syrup.
Too sweet? Add a squeeze of lime and a splash of club soda.
Too strong? Add more ice and club soda; stir and taste again.

How to Store Your Mojito Pitcher

Base only: Store the mint-lime-rum-syrup mixture (no ice, no soda) covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
With soda: Enjoy within 2 hours for the best fizz. Stir gently before pouring.
Leftovers: Strain out mint and lime, cap tightly, and refrigerate up to 1 day. Re-top with fresh soda when serving again.
Ice management: If you expect leftovers, keep the pitcher mostly ice-free and load individual glasses with ice instead.

Benefits of Making Mojitos by the Pitcher

Saves time: One batch serves the group, so you can relax and enjoy the party.
Consistent flavor: Pitcher mixing keeps every glass balanced.
Super refreshing: Fresh lime and mint taste clean and bright, never heavy.
Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients stretch far and look impressive.
Customizable: Easy to tweak sweetness, tartness, and strength on the fly.

What to Avoid When Making a Mojito Pitcher

Don’t pulverize the mint: Over-muddling makes the drink bitter and leafy.
Don’t add soda early: The fizz will go flat in the fridge. Add right before serving.
Don’t skip fresh lime: Bottled juice dulls the flavor. Fresh juice makes it pop.
Don’t over-ice the pitcher: Too much ice waters it down. Ice the glasses instead if needed.
Don’t use dark or spiced rum: Those flavors overwhelm the mint and lime. Stick to white rum.

Variations You Can Try

Strawberry Mojito: Muddle 1 cup sliced strawberries with the mint for juicy sweetness.
Pineapple Mojito: Replace 1/2 cup club soda with 1/2 cup pineapple juice; garnish with pineapple spears.
Coconut Mojito: Swap 1/2 cup of the rum for coconut rum; add toasted coconut rim for fun.
Grapefruit Mojito: Use half lime juice, half ruby grapefruit juice; top with grapefruit soda.
Spicy Mojito: Add 3–4 thin jalapeño slices to the muddle; strain before adding soda if you want gentle heat.
Herb twist: Add a few basil leaves with the mint for a garden-fresh note.
Zero-proof version: Skip rum; add extra club soda and a splash of ginger ale or seedlip-style spirit.

FAQ

What rum works best?

Use a clean, light white rum with smooth edges and citrus-friendly notes. Avoid dark or spiced rum for classic mojito flavor.

How many servings does this make?

This pitcher makes 6 to 8 drinks depending on glass size and how much ice you use.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes. Start with 1/2 cup simple syrup, taste after adding soda, and add more only if needed.

Can I prep it ahead?

Absolutely. Mix the mint, syrup, lime, and rum up to a day ahead and chill. Add ice and club soda right before serving.

Do I need superfine sugar?

No. Simple syrup dissolves perfectly and blends evenly across the pitcher, so you avoid grainy drinks.

How do I keep the mint pretty?

Muddle gently and tuck a fresh sprig into each glass right before serving for that bright green pop.

Conclusion

With a handful of fresh ingredients and a few easy steps, this Mojito Pitcher Cocktail turns any get-together into a laid-back celebration. Mix the base ahead, add the bubbles when friends walk in, and pour out crisp, minty drinks that taste like vacation in a glass. Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and let the pitcher do the work.