Introduction

This Blood Orange Ginger Cranberry Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito, featuring vibrant blood orange soda and a warming ginger simple syrup. Perfect for summer gatherings or a festive occasion, it combines bright citrus, fresh mint, and a hint of spice for a unique cocktail experience.

Three tall clear glasses filled with a layered red and pink drink standing on a white marbled surface scattered with cranberries and mint leaves. Each glass has a light brown sugar rim and is filled with ice cubes that catch the light. The top layer of the drink is a deep red color, blending down into a lighter pink near the bottom. Each glass is garnished with bright red cranberries and a sprig of fresh green mint, with one glass also having a pale yellow zest strip sticking out. The background is softly blurred with warm brown tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup fresh lightly packed mint leaves
2 limes, sliced into wedges
8 ounces white rum
Blood Orange Soda (San Pellegrino recommended)
1 cup unsweetened pure cranberry juice
Ice cubes
Mint leaves, lime wedges, and fresh blueberries for garnish
Ginger Simple Syrup:

1 knob of peeled raw ginger, about 2” long
½ cup water
½ cup sugar

Sugar rim:

Lime wedge
Brown sugar

Garnish: fresh mint, cranberries, and slivers of candied ginger

Instructions

Step 1: Make the ginger simple syrup by combining the peeled ginger, sugar, and water in a small pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it chill. This can be made ahead of time.
Step 2: Prepare the sugar rims by rubbing lime wedges around the rims of four highball glasses, then gently coating them with brown sugar. Allow to dry while assembling the drinks.
Step 3: Divide the mint leaves and lime wedges evenly among the glasses. Add 2 tablespoons of the ginger simple syrup to each glass, then muddle gently to release the mint oils and lime juice.
Step 4: Fill each glass with ice cubes, pour in 2 ounces of white rum, and top with blood orange soda, filling most of the glass.
Step 5: Float a couple of tablespoons of cranberry juice on top of each drink for a layered effect, or stir gently if preferred.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, cranberries, slivers of candied ginger, lime wedges, and fresh blueberries as desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and increase the blood orange soda and cranberry juice for a fruity mocktail.
Make the ginger simple syrup ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks for quick cocktail prep.
Try using sparkling water instead of blood orange soda for a less sweet, more traditional mojito feel.
Add a splash of club soda to lighten the drink and add extra fizz.

Storage

If you have leftover ginger simple syrup, keep it refrigerated in a sealed container for up to two weeks. Prepare mojitos fresh for best flavor and fizz; however, you can mix the base ingredients (mint, lime, rum, and syrup) ahead and store in the fridge for a few hours. Add soda and garnishes just before serving to maintain the bubbles and freshness.

How to Serve

Three clear glasses filled with bright red liquid and ice cubes are shown from above, each glass rimmed with a crumbly light brown crust. On top of the red liquid, there are fresh green mint leaves, several small red berries, and thin pale orange peel strips as garnish. The background is a white marbled texture with scattered red berries and mint leaves around the glasses. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the ginger simple syrup without fresh ginger?

While fresh ginger provides the best flavor, you can substitute ground ginger by using about 1 teaspoon. Simmer it with the sugar and water, but the flavor will be less vibrant and fresh.

What if I can’t find blood orange soda?

You can substitute with regular orange soda or a mix of sparkling water and fresh blood orange juice for a similar effect. San Pellegrino’s blood orange soda is recommended for its balance of sweetness and citrus tang.