Basil Mojitos are made with fresh basil, lime juice, and of course vodka! Such a fun and pretty cocktail just begging to be made this Summer. Basil replaces the traditional mint for one delicious recipe variation!

italian mojitos garnished with limes and straw

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Basil Mojito Recipe

There’s just something about mojitos. The fresh mint, zing of the lime juice, and sweet after notes from the simple syrup. But I happen to be a basil girl.

So why can’t mojito cocktails be made with fresh basil instead of fresh mint? Well, it turns out they can, and its super delicious!

These Italian mojitos still have the fresh and bold flavors of a traditional mojito, but the basil has a peppery sweetness to it that I just can’t resist!

Be sure to try my Strawberry Mojitos, and Pitcher Mojitos too!

Why you will love this recipe!

  • Quick and easy: It takes less than 10 minutes to make 4 of these drinks as you mix everything together in a pitcher.
  • Make ahead: This is a great option if you are entertaining as several elements of this drink can be made ahead of time.
  • So refreshing: This Italian mojito is all kinds of delicious. Fresh and zingy, the basil and lime flavors work so well together.
cocktail on tray
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close up of italian mojito

How to make Vodka Mojitos

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

  • Combine the simple syrup, club soda, lime juice, and vodka in a pitcher.
  • Muddle together lime and basil leaves with ice in each glass.
  • Pour, garnish and enjoy!
two italian mojitos on a black tray
bottle of Pearl Lime Basil vodka behind cocktails

Can you make it ahead if time?

These basil mojitos are best enjoyed as soon as they are poured, but you can certainly prep them ahead of time.

Simple sugar will keep well in the fridge for up to a month, I often have a big batch waiting for use! The pitcher can also be mixed a day or two ahead of time and kept covered in the fridge.

Can you make it with another spirit?

I used a lime basil vodka that works wonderfully with the other flavors in this cocktail. You can just use plain vodka, it will still be delicious. White rum is traditionally used in a mojito, so you can use that instead, or mix it up with some gin if you fancy.

How to garnish

These Italian mojitos are so fresh and vibrant, you don’t need to go overboard with garnishes. A wedge of lime and a fresh basil leaf and you are good to go.

mojitos on a tray with sliced lime wedges in a bowl

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for these Italian basil mojitos. Bottled juice is so much less zingy and can taste quite artificial.
  • Try adding a couple of slices of cucumber to your glass for a real burst of summer flavors.
top view of mojitos with straws, lime wedges, and crushed ice
italian mojitos on a tray with limes

These Italian Mojitos are sure to take away your Monday Blues, perfectly fresh and zingy, every sip is truly delicious!

More Easy Cocktails

Recipe Card

Basil Mojito Recipe

4.89 from 9 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 drinks
Author: Becky Hardin
italian mojitos on a tray
These Basil Mojitos are the most refreshing cocktail, made with the delicious flavors of basil and lime.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cups simple syrup heat 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes
  • 1 cup Pearl Lime Basil Vodka you can use regular good quality vodka, but trust me this is delish!!
  • Juice from 3 limes
  • 1 cup club soda chilled
  • Ice
  • Fresh basil and lime slices for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a pitcher, combine simple syrup, club soda, lime juice, and vodka. Stir to combine.
  • Prepare each glass by placing a lime wedge and a couple leaves fresh basil in the bottom. Cover with ice. (if not using Lime Basil Vodka, muddle the lime wedge and basil leaves to release some of the flavor. this isn’t necessary if using the Lime Basil Vodka)
  • Pour mojitos over ice and serve! Enjoy!
  • Garnish with more basil and lime wedges if desired.

Becky’s Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for these Italian basil mojitos. Bottled juice is so much less zingy and can taste quite artificial.
  • Try adding a couple of slices of cucumber to your glass for a real burst of summer flavors.
Calories: 339kcalCarbohydrates: 92gSodium: 98mgPotassium: 79mgSugar: 92gCalcium: 22mgIron: 4.6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.89 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)
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Sheryl @Lady Behind the Curtain
Sheryl @Lady Behind the Curtain
June 8, 2015 11:08 pm

Ooh! This looks so refreshing and DELICIOUS!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 10, 2015 2:00 pm

Thank you so much Sheryl!

Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner
Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner
June 8, 2015 6:55 pm

Yes – there is definitely something about mojitos! Love them and your pics are beautiful!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:24 pm

Thanks so much Deb!

Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates
June 8, 2015 5:29 pm

OMG these Italian Mojitos are stunning! They look so refreshing for summer!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:24 pm

Thank you so much Mariah!!!!

Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig
June 8, 2015 2:58 pm

The perfect thirst quencher! What a gorgeous version of my favorite cocktail.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:25 pm

Thank you Cathy! Means a lot!

Mary Ann |the beach house kitchen
Mary Ann |the beach house kitchen
June 8, 2015 12:03 pm

Becky these look and sound delightful! A perfect summer drink! On my list!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:26 pm

Thank you MaryAnn!

Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
June 8, 2015 9:39 am

Arg, I have no gardening thumb either, and running to the grocery store for herbs sucks. But these mojitos, they sound amazing! I think the addition of basil is great!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:27 pm

Thanks Kacey!! Im hoping my window herbs live…but I’m not holding my breath :)

Sara @ Bitz & Giggles
Sara @ Bitz & Giggles
June 8, 2015 8:40 am

Yes, I’ll have. . .two. . .or three. This is a beautiful drink – I’m loving all of the gorgeous green in your photos – including your fresh herbs!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:30 pm

Thanks Sara! So sweet of you to stop by!

Judy@ImBoredLetsGo
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo
June 8, 2015 8:04 am

Beautiful photos and this drink sounds fantastic. I’ve made a basil-lime martini before, love that combination. Pinning this to try!!!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:30 pm

Yay!!! Hope you love it Judy!

Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me
June 8, 2015 8:02 am

I love mojitos and this looks like the perfect way to celebrate summer!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:30 pm

Thanks Amy! Cheers!

Kristen
Kristen
June 8, 2015 6:46 am

Mojitos are by fav….i love your Italian twist

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 8, 2015 9:30 pm
Reply to  Kristen

Thanks Kristen! I appreciate you stopping by!