Tangy Blackcurrant Mojito | What Steve Eats

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Enjoy the refreshing taste of a homemade blackcurrant mojito, a tangy variation on the classic summer cocktail. The vibrant flavor of blackcurrant syrup beautifully complements zesty lime juice and herby punch of fresh mint.

glass with blackcurrant mojito with lime and mint

Overwhelmed with blackcurrants in the early days of July from one remarkably productive plant, I found myself once again seeking fresh inspiration for enjoying these tiny tart berries.

After picking the blackcurrants, I pruned a nearby patch of mint. Armed with blackcurrants and mint as I headed to the kitchen, the idea of creating a refreshing blackcurrant mojito hit me. So here we are.

However, you can make this cocktail with or without fresh blackcurrants.

If you have them, use the berries to make homemade blackcurrant syrup (also known as blackcurrant cordial to my UK friends). You'll end up with plenty of syrup that's great for other uses, from flavoring your seltzer to a bowl of morning oatmeal.

But if you don't have fresh blackcurrants or the time to make syrup, buy either blackcurrant concentrate or juice. The popular Ribena concentrate may be hard to find in the US. In that case, check out the refrigerated juice options near the produce department for possible blackcurrant options. Or, if you have to, order some online. It's worth it!

🤩Reasons to love this cocktail

Have you ever had a way too sweet mojito at a restaurant? Or worse, one that tasted like toothpaste because the restaurant used fake mint flavoring? Memories of bad mojitos had me avoiding them for a long time. This version is neither too sweet nor artificially tasting.
The fruity and earthy flavor of blackcurrants pairs beautifully with the mint and lime.
Part of the fun of a good cocktail is the presentation. This mojito's red and green color combination makes it even more fun and appealing.

You can't beat a good beverage made with fresh ingredients. That's why you'll also like my recipes for Lemon Balm Lemonade, Ginger Rhubarb Gin Cocktail, Strawberry Cream Soda, and a Watermelon Basil Cocktail.

Jump to:

🤩Reasons to love this cocktail
🍇 Ingredients
📖 Substitutions & Variations
🥄 Instructions
🌿 Top Tip
🍳 Equipment
🧊 How to Store Blackcurrant Syrup
💭FAQ
🥗Pairing
📖 Recipe
🍹Related Recipes
💬 Comments

🍇 Ingredients

Here's everything you need to make your own blackcurrant mojitos.

Blackcurrants - (or black currants) are a small berry related to the gooseberry. There are red and white currants, but black currants are the most tart, which makes them good for use in combination with a sweetener to make juices, syrups, jams, liqueurs, and sauces. For more blackcurrant ideas, check out my Blackcurrant Smoothie, Blackcurrant Ice Cream, and Sour Cherry Blackcurrant Granita recipes.
Sugar - Used to make the blackcurrant syrup that will sweeten and flavor the mojito.
Fresh Mint Leaves - Because you can't have a mojito without mint. Fresh mint is easy to find at the supermarket, but if you always want to be ready to whip up a batch of mojitos, it's easier to get a mint plant once, plant it in a back corner of your yard, and have it come back every year.
Limes - Limes are another classic component of the mojito.
White rum - The common type of liquor used in a classic mojito. My default white rum of choice is Bacardi. But if you have other recommendations, please leave them in the comments!
Seltzer - To add some bubbles to the cocktail. Club soda or sparkling water also work. Use whatever is convenient.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

📖 Substitutions & Variations

Blackcurrant juice, if you can find it, may be used in place of using fresh blackcurrants and sugar to make the blackcurrant syrup. Add it to the cocktail as you would the syrup, using more or less, as you prefer.
Make it a virgin blackcurrant mojito by leaving out the rum and using more seltzer.
Try other fruits in place of the blackcurrants, such as raspberries or blackberries.
If you're short on time but still want to try the blackcurrant flavor, try making the syrup with a tablespoon or two of blackcurrant jam instead. I can almost always find blackcurrant jam at my local T.J. Maxx.

🥄 Instructions

How to make a black currant mojito.

Step 1: Add blackcurrants and water to a pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and simmer until the fruit is soft, about 5-10 minutes.

blackcurrant juice being strained in a sieve

Step 2: Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the liquid from the solids. Compost the solids or save them for another use.

sugar being poured into a pot of blackcurrant juice

Step 3: Add the sugar and return to a gentle simmer on the stove until dissolved and slightly thickened, about 5-10 more minutes.

blackcurrant syrup being poured into a jar

Step 4: Pour the blackcurrant syrup into a jar and cool. Store in the fridge for up to a month until ready to use.

Step 5: To make the blackcurrant mojito, add several mint leaves to a glass with the lime juice.

mint and lime juice being muddled in a glass

Step 6: Gently muddle to release the flavor of the mint.

muddling the mint, lime juice, and blackccurrant syrup

Step 7: Add the blackcurrant syrup and muddle again.

Step 8: Fill your glass with ice, then pour the white rum.

Step 9: Top off with seltzer or sparkling water.

mint being added to the blackcurrant mojito

Step 10: Garnish with a lime wedge and sprig of fresh mint.

🌿 Top Tip

You only need to gently muddle the mint leaves to release their flavor into the drink. There's no need to pulverize them into oblivion.

🍳 Equipment

Muddler - I love my wooden muddler, which is really a large pestle that's part of a mortar and pestle set. It makes muddling the mint and lime juice easy and doesn't risk breaking the glass. But in a pinch, you can also use the bottom of a large wooden spoon.

Strainer: If you're making the blackcurrant syrup, a fine mesh strainer is essential to remove the blackcurrant solids.

🧊 How to Store Blackcurrant Syrup

Fridge: The blackcurrant syrup used to make the mojito can be stored in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to a month.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and then transfer it to a bag or container once frozen solid.

💭FAQ

What alcohol goes well with blackcurrants?

Blackcurrants go well with several types of alcohol, including gin, vodka, tequila, brandy, champagne, and sparkling white wine.

Does blackcurrant go well with lime?

Blackcurrant and lime pair together very well. The deep, rich flavor of blackcurrants and the bright citrus notes of lime balance and enhance each other rather well.

What fruit is closest to blackcurrant?

There really isn't an exact substitute for black currants. Red and white currants are similar but are sweeter. Some say gooseberries are close. Sour cherries, blueberries, and blackberries each have some similarities.

How do you make a virgin mojito?

Simply leave out the white rum and use additional seltzer or sparkling water.