Black Currant Mojito Twist

The humidity hit me like a wall when I walked into my friend Sarahs apartment last July. She was behind the bar counter muddling something that smelled like summer itself. That afternoon was my first encounter with what she called her garden party secret weapon a mojito dressed up in black currants.

I made these for my rooftop gathering last September and watched three people ask for the recipe before they finished their first glass. Something about that deep purple hue against the bright green mint makes people pause.

Ingredients

• Fresh mint leaves: Use 8 to 10 leaves but do not bruise them beforehand they release more oil when muddled fresh
• Lime wedges: Half a lime cut into small pieces creates the right amount of acid without overwhelming the currant
• Black currant jam: One tablespoon is the sweet spot seedless varieties blend more smoothly into the drink
• White rum: Fifty milliliters gives backbone without making the drink feel heavy or boozy
• Soda water: About half a cup provides the fizz and dilution needed to bring everything together
• Crushed ice: Essential for that slushy texture that makes mojitos feel like a proper cocktail
• Garnish: A mint sprig lime wheel and fresh currants if you can find them make it look professional

Instructions

Muddle the base:

Place mint and lime wedges in a sturdy glass then press gently with a muddler just until the mint releases its fragrance

Build the flavor:

Add the black currant jam and muddle again until it dissolves into the lime juice creating a dark purple syrup at the bottom

Add the chill:

Fill the glass completely with crushed ice packing it down slightly so the drink stays cold longer

Pour the rum:

Measure in the white rum and stir thoroughly with a bar spoon to distribute the jam evenly through the ice

Top it off:

Pour in the soda water and give it one gentle stir to combine without losing too much carbonation

Finish it right:

Crowd in a fresh mint sprig a wheel of lime and a few fresh currants if you have them then serve immediately

Save to Pinterest

My neighbor texted me the next day after that rooftop party saying her husband was obsessed. Now I keep a jar of black currant jam in the pantry just in case someone drops by on a hot afternoon.

Making It Yours

I have tried swapping the jam for blackberry and raspberry when the store was out of currant. Both work beautifully but the black currant has this distinctive tart edge that makes the drink feel more sophisticated and less like a fruit punch.

The Mocktail Version

My pregnant sister was feeling left out at our summer BBQ so I skipped the rum and added extra soda water with a splash of lime juice. She said it was just as refreshing and actually appreciated not missing out on the ritual.

Glassware Matters

I used to make these in whatever clean glass I could find until I bought proper highball glasses. Something about seeing the layered purple and green against clear glass makes the drink taste better. A sturdy thick walled glass helps keep everything properly cold.

• Chill your glass in the freezer for ten minutes first
• Crushed ice melts slower than cubes which keeps the flavor intact
• Stir with a bar spoon not a straw to mix properly

Save to Pinterest

Sip this slowly while the ice melts. The flavor evolves as the jam continues to blend with the melting ice getting more complex with every pass.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this without alcohol?

Simply omit the white rum and increase the soda water quantity for a delicious mocktail version. The black currant jam and mint still provide plenty of flavor.

→ What other fruit preserves work well?

Blackberry or raspberry jam make excellent substitutes, offering similar tart profiles while maintaining the beautiful purple hue.

→ Do I need a muddler?

A muddler works best, but you can use the back of a wooden spoon or a pestle to gently crush the mint and lime wedges.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

The muddled base can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 hours. Add ice, rum, and soda water just before serving.

→ How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the black currant jam to half a tablespoon or use a tart variety. The lime juice provides natural brightness to balance sweetness.

→ What type of glass works best?

A highball or Collins glass allows room for plenty of ice and soda water while showing off the beautiful layered colors.