Mojitos are arguably the most popular cocktails - and it’s not hard to see why. They are super refreshing, subtly sweet, and wonderfully light. They are the perfect addition to any boozy get-together, especially those held in the summer!
The secret to a top-quality mojito is using a top-quality rum. To up your mojito game, check out the 9 best rums for mojitos below. Whether you like your mojitos traditional or with a bit of an edge, we’ve got something for you.
OUR TOP PICK
We just had to kick this list off with the wonderful Real McCoy 3-Year-Old. This is a single blended, white, unmodified white rum that makes the perfect mojito!
It has undergone charcoal filtration which works to remove the color whilst maintaining a wonderfully complex flavor and aroma.
It has subtle hints of citrus, vanilla, caramel, coconut, and nutmeg. It also boasts a warm, oaky finish that will leave you wanting more!
For the price, this is a truly exceptional rum. It works to complement the classic mojito flavors of lime juice and mint beautifully, whilst also adding an unrivaled depth of flavor.
EDITORS CHOICE
If you’re a fan of a fruity mojito, then you need to give The Street Pumas Rum a try. It is a Panamanian rum that has a super unique bottle.
The fun comic strip displayed on the bottle is a sign of the innovative and uplifting nature of this rum. It has a surprisingly aromatic nature that brings any mojito to life.
However, it works particularly well with fruity mojitos - especially strawberry versions. It has notes of banana, coconut, and walnut on the palate.
Considering its unaged nature, it has a surprisingly complex flavor that boasts a smooth chocolate finish. This flavor profile ensures that fruity mojitos remain well-balanced.
BEST VALUE
If you love a rum that has a super clean and pure taste, it doesn’t get much better than the Bayou Silver Rum.
It has been proofed with triple filtered fresh water which helps to deliver an incredibly pure product.
This is a versatile rum that can be used to make many different cocktails, but it is especially perfect for traditional mojitos.
This rum has an unbeatably smooth and subtle character. It is quite tropical on the palate, with hints of sweet vanilla and a butterscotch finish.
These flavors work perfectly with lime, mint, and soda water. However, we do need to warn you. This rum is incredibly easy to drink - so make sure that you take it slow!
RUNNER UP
If you’re not the biggest fan of punchy rums or spirits, and you would prefer a more subtle cocktail, the Flor de Cana 4 is perfect for you.
It is a light-bodied, aged rum with no added sugar. It is best enjoyed as a part of a refreshing cocktail.
It has the aromas of sweet almonds and vanilla. On the palate, there are notes of white chocolate and orange which add a richness to any cocktail.
This drink is especially great when served in the sunshine thanks to its super subtle and fresh feel!
RUNNER UP
Generally speaking, mojitos are made with light, white rum.
However, if you are a fan of a dark rum, or you simply want to put a twist on your favorite cocktail, we cannot recommend the Plantation Original Dark Rum enough. It truly is a superstar!
This one is made from two different rums: one from Barbados that has been aged from 1 to 3 years, and one from Jamaica that has been aged for around 15 years.
This innovative combination is certain to provide your favorite cocktail with a complexity and depth of flavor that you won’t get using any other rum.
RUNNER UP
If you’re on the hunt for a rum that is sure to add interest to your favorite cocktail, the Rhum Barbancourt White is ideal.
This rum has a global reputation for being the ‘rum of connoisseurs’. It has an unparalleled quality and taste thanks to the centuries-old French methods that have been used to create it.
This rum is light and young. It has a very light aroma and particularly subtle spicing. However, it has complex undertones that work to bring any rum cocktail to life.
In a mojito, this rum will highlight the mint and add a slightly grassy finish that will leave your guests thirsty for more!
RUNNER UP
Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or a total newbie to the spirit, it’s very likely that you’ve heard of Bacardi.
If you’re in need of an affordable bottle that will provide a light, crisp, and floral feel, this one is a great option.
Don’t let the rum snobs put you off - despite the low price, this is still an excellent choice.
It is used by bartenders around the world to create wonderful cocktails - especially mojitos. It blends perfectly with mint and lime. And, it won’t break the bank!
RUNNER UP
Don’t let the light color fool you, this rum has a wonderful, full-bodied flavor.
It is a blend of rums that have been aged from between 1 and 4 years in American oak casks, making it a particularly distinctive option.
It is exceptionally smooth, dry, and clean - making it the perfect match for a classic mojito.
However, this rum is actually smooth and light enough to sip neat, so we recommend giving it a real taste before adding it to your mixers.
RUNNER UP
Finally, we just had to discuss the Goslings Gold Seal Rum. Don’t let any negative experiences with amber rums put you off trying this one - it is truly worlds away from others of this variety.
It manages to be both robust but incredibly soft and smooth. It has an intricate flavor that adds wonderful complexity and interest to any mojito.
If you’re hoping to surprise and impress your guests, this is definitely the one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have still got some burning mojito-related questions, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Check out our answers to the most frequently asked questions below. You’ll be a mojito expert in no time at all.

What Should I Buy For A Mojito?
To make a great mojito, you need to make sure that you have all of the right ingredients. Check them out below so that you can add them to your shopping list!
- Rum (white is traditional, but any of the above rums will be great)
- Fresh lime juice and wedges for garnish
- Fresh mint
- Club soda
- Superfine sugar or honey
- Ice
Remember, to make an excellent mojito, you will need a cocktail shaker to ensure that all of the ingredients have been combined properly.
You can also purchase some berries to muddle into the cocktail if you fancy a fruitier version of this classic drink.
Is Captain Morgan Rum Good For Mojitos?
Generally speaking, a classic mojito recipe uses white rum rather than spiced rum. However, that isn’t to say that you cannot use spiced rum in a mojito.
In fact, using Captain Morgan's Spiced Gold Rum really adds an extra bit of depth to a mojito.
Can I Use Malibu To Make A Mojito?
Malibu is a coconut-flavored liquor. It is made using rum, but it tends to have a much lower ABV than just rum (around 21%). If you’re looking to make a coconut flavored mojito, using Malibu is an excellent option.
To make a Malibu mojito, you simply add the Malibu to some muddled mint leaves and lime juice. Then, simply top up the glass with some soda water, and enjoy! You won’t need much sweetener for this type of mojito - if any!
Why Do Bartenders Hate Mojitos?
If you’re a keen mojito drinker, you’ve likely experienced ‘that face’ when asking a bartender for your favorite tipple.
Unfortunately, many bartenders don’t enjoy making mojitos. The most likely reason for this is that mojitos can be a bit tricky and fussy to make.
As such, if you order a mojito, remember to be super polite and to tip well!
Conclusion
Anyone can make an OK mojito. But, to make a good mojito, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using good quality rum. We hope that our list of the 9 best rums for mojitos has inspired you to up your mojito game.
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