The White Christmas Mojito brings holiday magic to your glass with a creamy, minty twist on the beloved Cuban classic. This festive cocktail combines fresh mint, zesty lime, and white rum with a splash of coconut cream and a hint of vanilla, creating a winter wonderland in every sip. The drink gets its snowy appearance from the coconut cream, while crushed candy canes add a delightful peppermint kick and festive sparkle. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter evenings by the fire, this sophisticated cocktail looks as beautiful as it tastes, making it an instant crowd-pleaser that captures the spirit of the season.
Serving Quantity: 2 cocktails
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces white rum
- 2 ounces coconut cream
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 20 fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 6 ounces club soda
- 2 candy canes
- Extra mint sprigs for garnish
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 25mg
1. Prepare the Candy Cane Rim
Place one candy cane in a sealed plastic bag and crush it with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon until you have fine peppermint dust. Pour the crushed candy onto a small plate. Take your serving glasses and run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass to moisten it. Dip the moistened rim into the crushed candy cane, rotating gently to coat evenly. This creates a beautiful, sparkly rim that adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of minty flavor with each sip.
2. Muddle the Mint and Lime
In a sturdy cocktail shaker or a large mixing glass, combine the fresh mint leaves, white sugar, and lime juice. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press and twist the ingredients together for about 30 seconds. You want to release the essential oils from the mint without tearing the leaves into tiny pieces. The sugar will help break down the mint while the lime juice adds that signature citrus brightness. You’ll know you’re done when you can smell the wonderful minty aroma rising from the mixture.
3. Add the Creamy Elements
Pour the white rum, coconut cream, and vanilla extract into the shaker with your muddled mint mixture. The coconut cream is what gives this mojito its distinctive white, Christmas-like appearance. Add half of the crushed ice to the shaker. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. You want everything well combined and chilled. The shaking also helps to slightly froth the coconut cream, giving your cocktail a smooth, luxurious texture.
4. Assemble the Cocktails
Divide the remaining crushed ice between your two prepared glasses. Strain the mojito mixture through a fine mesh strainer into each glass, distributing evenly. This removes the mint leaves and any pulp, giving you a smooth drink. Top each glass with 3 ounces of club soda, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to maintain the fizz. Give each drink a gentle stir with a long spoon to combine the club soda with the creamy mixture.
5. Add Festive Garnishes
Place a fresh sprig of mint in each glass, slapping it gently between your hands first to release its aroma. Add the remaining whole candy cane to each glass as both a stirrer and a decorative element. For an extra festive touch, you can add a thin slice of lime to the rim of the glass. The candy cane will slowly infuse more peppermint flavor into the drink as you enjoy it, making each sip slightly different from the last.
Tips for the Perfect White Christmas Mojito
Always use fresh mint rather than dried for the best flavor and aroma. When muddling, be gentle to avoid making the drink bitter from over-crushed leaves. If you can’t find coconut cream, full-fat coconut milk works as a substitute, though the drink will be slightly less creamy. Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the cocktails for an extra frosty presentation. For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a drop of peppermint extract along with the vanilla, but use it sparingly as it’s very potent. If you’re making these for a party, you can prepare the mint and lime mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 hours. For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the rum with white grape juice or extra club soda and add a splash of coconut water for depth. The crushed candy cane rim can be prepared several hours in advance if you keep the glasses in a cool, dry place.
