What’s the best way to muddle mint?

Use a gentle touch! Press the mint leaves with a muddler just enough to release their oils—over-muddling can make the drink taste bitter and fragments the leaves too much.

How do I make it less sweet?

For a less sweet version, try using club soda in place of part or all of the soda, or reduce the amount of grenadine. Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also balance the sweetness.

Can I use prosecco or cava instead of Champagne?

Absolutely! Any dry sparkling wine will work beautifully. Prosecco is fruitier and slightly sweeter, while cava is drier—choose based on your taste and budget.

Can I make a Mojito Royale without rum?

You can, but it becomes more of a Mint Champagne Cocktail. The rum is what gives the Mojito its classic flavor, but for a lighter drink you could skip it or use a non-alcoholic spirit.

Mojito Royale

Name: Mojito Royale
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 8 leaves Fresh mint leaves; 1 oz Lime juice; 0.75 oz Simple syrup; 1.5 oz White rum; 2 oz Champagne or dry sparkling wine; 1 oz Club soda; 1 slice Lime wheel

The Mojito Royale is a dazzling twist on the classic Mojito, merging the refreshing brightness of mint and lime with the celebratory sparkle of Champagne. It’s a cocktail that turns any moment into a special occasion—vivid, crisp, and delightfully effervescent. Perfect for summer evenings, brunches, or anytime you want to add a bit of luxury to your glass.

5 minutesEasy1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Fresh mint leaves
8 leaves
Plus extra for garnish
Lime juice
30 ml (1 oz)
Freshly squeezed
Simple syrup
25 ml (0.75 oz)
1:1 sugar to water ratio
White rum
45 ml (1.5 oz)
A light Cuban-style rum is ideal
Champagne or dry sparkling wine
60 ml (2 oz)
Chilled; cava or prosecco also work
Club soda
30 ml (1 oz)
Optional for extra fizz
Lime wheel
1 slice
For garnish

Tools Needed

Highball or Collins glass
Muddler
Bar spoon
Jigger
Citrus juicer (optional)

Instructions

Add fresh mint leaves and simple syrup to the glass. Gently muddle to release the mint’s oils—don’t shred the leaves!
Pour in the lime juice and white rum. Fill the glass with ice (preferably crushed for extra chill).
Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Top with Champagne (or sparkling wine) and a splash of club soda if desired.
Stir gently just once to blend, preserving the bubbles.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel on the rim.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Bright, refreshing flavors perfect for warm weather
The celebratory fizz of sparkling wine
Visually stunning with fresh mint and bubbles
Balanced sweetness, tartness, and herbal notes
Easy to make yet impressively elegant

History & Origin

The Mojito Royale is an elegant riff on the beloved Cuban Mojito. While the original dates back to the 16th century, with roots tied to the island’s sugar cane fields and local rum, the Royale version is a much more recent invention. Bartenders in France and other Champagne-loving countries began topping Mojitos with sparkling wine in the late 20th century, giving the drink a festive twist. The result is a cocktail that honors its Cuban heritage while embracing a touch of European sophistication.

Garnish

A fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel. The mint adds a fragrant aroma with every sip, while the lime wheel gives the drink a burst of color and a visual cue to its zesty flavor.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 160 calories per serving. Contains about 10g sugar, <1g fat, and 1g protein. Alcohol content varies by rum and sparkling wine used.

Frequently Asked Questions

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