Keto Mojito – A Fresh, Low-Carb Twist on a Classic

A mojito without the sugar? Yes, it’s possible—and it’s delicious. This Keto Mojito gives you that bright lime-and-mint sparkle without knocking you out of ketosis.

It’s crisp, refreshing, and easy to make, whether you’re mixing a single drink or a small batch for friends. You’ll get the same vibrant flavor as the classic, just smarter on carbs. If you love a clean, zesty cocktail that still feels like a treat, this one’s for you.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe keeps things classic where it matters: fresh lime juice, fragrant mint, and bubbly fizz.

The only swap is the sweetener, using a keto-friendly option that blends smoothly and doesn’t spike blood sugar. We skip sugary syrups and use a simple method that ensures every sip tastes balanced and bright. The result is a light, refreshing drink with the right sweetness and zero guilt.

Ingredients

• 10–12 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 lime (cut into wedges; you’ll use both juice and wedges)
• 2 ounces white rum (optional for a classic version; see Alternatives for mocktail)
• 1–2 tablespoons powdered erythritol, allulose, or a liquid monk fruit blend (to taste)
• 4–6 ounces club soda or sparkling water
• Ice (crushed or cubes)
• Optional: a few drops of stevia if you prefer extra sweetness without bulk

How to Make It

1. Prep your glass. Choose a highball glass.
   

   Add the mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of your keto sweetener to the bottom.

2. Release the mint oils. Gently muddle the mint with the sweetener using a muddler or the back of a spoon. Aim for a light press-and-twist. You want to bruise the leaves, not shred them.
3. Add the lime. Squeeze in the juice from half to a full lime (about 1–1.5 ounces).
   

   Drop in one or two lime wedges for aroma and flavor.

4. Stir to dissolve. Give the mixture a brief stir to help the sweetener dissolve into the lime juice and mint oils.
5. Add rum (optional). Pour in the white rum if you’re making the classic version. If you prefer a mocktail, skip this step and move on.
6. Ice it up. Fill the glass with ice. Crushed ice chills it faster and gives a more traditional mojito feel, but cubes work too.
7. Top with fizz. Add club soda or sparkling water until the glass is almost full.
   

   Stir gently to lift the mint and lime through the drink without killing the bubbles.

8. Taste and adjust. Add more sweetener if needed. If using a liquid sweetener, add drop by drop so you don’t overdo it.
9. Garnish and serve. Slap a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma, then tuck it in. Add a lime wheel on the rim if you like.
   

   Serve immediately while it’s crisp and bubbly.

Keeping It Fresh

Freshness matters in a mojito. Use fresh lime juice, not bottled, for clean, bright flavor. Keep mint leaves dry and chilled until you’re ready to muddle. If you’re making a small batch, prep the mint-lime-sweetener base in advance, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours, and add ice and soda just before serving.

For the best fizz, add club soda last and avoid over-stirring.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Low-carb and keto-friendly: No added sugar or syrups, so it fits your macros and keeps blood sugar steady.
• Light and refreshing: Great for warm weather or when you want a cocktail that feels crisp instead of heavy.
• Customizable sweetness: Adjust to your taste without adding carbs. Erythritol, allulose, and monk fruit all work well.
• Simple ingredients: Everything is easy to find and doesn’t require special equipment.
• Easy to make mocktail: Skip the rum and you still get a bright, satisfying drink.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-muddling the mint: Shredding the leaves can make the drink bitter and messy. Light pressure is enough.
• Using bottled lime juice: It tastes dull and flat.
  

  Fresh lime makes all the difference.

• Adding soda too early: If you add fizz before mixing the base, you’ll lose bubbles and flavor won’t blend well.
• Too much sweetener: Some keto sweeteners can leave a cooling or bitter aftertaste. Start small, then adjust.
• Skipping the stir: A quick stir after adding ice and soda helps spread flavors evenly without killing carbonation.

Alternatives

• Mocktail Mojito: Leave out the rum and add extra club soda. For a more complex flavor, a dash of non-alcoholic rum essence works well.
• Berry Mint Mojito: Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries with the mint, then sweeten to taste.
  

  Berries add minimal carbs in small amounts.

• Coconut Mojito: Add 0.5–1 ounce unsweetened coconut water or a few drops of coconut extract for a tropical twist. Adjust sweetness as needed.
• Spicy Mojito: Add two thin slices of jalapeño to the muddle for a gentle kick without carbs.
• Lemon-Lime Mojito: Use half lemon, half lime for a rounder citrus profile.
• Sweetener swaps: Erythritol is crisp but can have a cooling effect; allulose dissolves easily with a softer sweetness; liquid monk fruit blends well without grit.

FAQ

Is rum keto-friendly?

Yes. Most unflavored distilled spirits, including white rum, have zero carbs.

The carbs in typical mojitos come from sugar, not the alcohol. Pairing rum with a keto sweetener keeps the drink low-carb.

Which sweetener tastes most like sugar?

Allulose and monk fruit blends tend to taste the most natural and dissolve well. Erythritol works too, but it can have a cooling sensation.

If you’re sensitive to aftertaste, start with allulose or a monk fruit/erythritol blend.

Can I make a pitcher for a group?

Absolutely. Multiply everything by 4–6 for a small pitcher. Mix mint, sweetener, and lime juice in the bottom, let it sit for 10 minutes, then add rum and ice.

Top with club soda right before serving and give a gentle stir.

How many net carbs are in this Keto Mojito?

With zero-carb spirits and sugar-free sweetener, the main carbs come from lime. One drink typically lands around 1–3 net carbs, depending on how much lime juice you use.

What if my sweetener doesn’t dissolve?

Use a powdered version or stir it with the lime juice before adding ice. Liquid sweeteners dissolve instantly, so they’re a foolproof option.

Can I use diet lemon-lime soda instead of club soda?

You can, but it changes the flavor and may add artificial ingredients.

Club soda or sparkling water keeps the mojito clean and bright. If you use diet soda, reduce your added sweetener.

What’s the best mint for mojitos?

Spearmint is classic and easy to find. If you have access to Mojito mint (Yerba Buena), it’s slightly milder and very aromatic, but spearmint does the job perfectly.

Can I use dark rum?

You can, but it brings caramel notes that shift the flavor away from a traditional mojito.

White rum keeps it fresh and crisp. If you like richer flavors, dark rum is fine—just expect a different profile.

In Conclusion

A Keto Mojito keeps the spirit of the original—bright lime, cool mint, lively bubbles—without the sugar overload. With a good sweetener, gentle muddling, and fresh ingredients, you’ll get a clean, balanced drink that fits your low-carb goals. Make it classic with rum or keep it alcohol-free for a refreshing mocktail. Either way, it’s a simple, feel-good sipper you’ll want to make again and again. Cheers to smart, tasty cocktails.