This Blackcurrant Mojito is a fun twist on a classic cocktail recipe. Refreshing, light, pleasantly sweet, tart, and fruity, this luscious cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day.
Hello, folks! How are you doing?
I hope you have had a great week and are now ready for the weekend. I hope that too hot and humid weather does not bother you too much, either.
And to celebrate the approaching weekend, I’ve brought another lovely cocktail to you. While alcoholic drinks generally are not a good solution for you and your heart on a hot summer day, a mojito may be the answer. It’s fresh, relatively light, and fruity.
So, Blackcurrant Mojito anyone?
Blackcurrants – Banned Berries
Well, if you live in the United States – that’s where the majority of my readers come from – you may not be too familiar with blackcurrants (Ribes Nigrum). For years, they had been banned by the Federal government for cultivation and sale. A nationwide ban was lifted a long time ago; however, some mild restrictions remain in several states. Hence, once banned, blackcurrants did not have a chance to become a popular berry.
That’s a shame because blackberries are berries with a unique character and flavour profile. Black currants have a distinctive, strong, tart (due to tannins), and tangy flavour with earthy undertones. Their taste is often described as having notes of grape and cherry.
Blackcurrants are rich in Vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. They are linked to improved blood flow, immune system support, eye health, and potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
And if fresh blackberries may not be easy to find even where they never were banned, I believe you can easily enjoy dried berries, in jams, and liqueurs, e.g., Crème de Cassis.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Blackcurrant Mojito
To make this Blackcurrant Mojito cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
- Rum works as the base spirit in this recipe. You will need light, white rum for this recipe. Dark or spiced rum will not work as it will overpower the violet aroma. If you don’t like or have rum, vodka or gin should work just fine; if going with gin, try picking a more neutral, less juniper-forward flavour.
- Fresh blackcurrants – for adding a sweet, tart, and fruity flavour. If fresh berries are not available, you can use jam instead.
- Limes – juice and wedges for garnishing.
- Fresh mint leaves. Ideally, choose the variety with a delicate, subtle aroma.
- Sugar (or Simple Syrup) – for added sweetness and balanced flavour. Use raw sugar for an optional result. Honey will be a good option, too.
- Ice cubes – for chilling and serving.
- Sparkling water or club soda – optionally, for topping. I normally don’t add it and enjoy a mojito with plenty of ice instead.
- Extra lime wedges, blackcurrant, and mint sprigs – for garnish.
How to Make Blackcurrant Mojito
That’s super easy, really.
Muddle the blackcurrants, lime juice, sugar (or syrup), and mint leaves in a small jug or shaker, crushing the berries and mint with a pestle (muddler). Pour into a glass and add a handful of ice. Pour over the gin, stirring with a long-handled spoon. Top up with soda water (if desired), garnish with blackcurrants, lime wedges, and mint and enjoy!
More Mojito Recipes
Be sure to check more mojito ideas:
- Gooseberry Mojito
- Violet Mojito Cocktail (with Crème de Violette)
- Empress 1908 Gin Mojito
- Limoncello Honey Mojito
- Lavender Mojito Cocktail
- Lychee Mojito Cocktail
- Passion Fruit Mojito Cocktail
- Strawberry Mojito
- Blackberry Mojito
I hope you like this Blackcurrant Mojito coktail, and you will try it. If you try it, please let me know in the comment section of this post below, send me an Instagram message, or share your photos by adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!
I’ll have to see if blackcurrants are available around here. I can’t say that I’ve seen them, but I also haven’t looked. This cocktail sounds fantastic, Ben – and the presentation is beautiful!
You must have the most incredible garden or farmer’s market — tye produce you have is stunning. Like these blackcurrants! This is a gorgeous and refreshing version of a mojito.
Interesting! I’ve always wondered why I couldn’t ever find black currents where I live. Now I know! Anyway, this looks like a lovely drink with a gorgeous color. If I can find black currents I’m definiltely going to give it a try.
Looks super refreshing! Black currants are so tasty!
I had to think for a moment, and indeed I have never had a blackcurrant. We regularly purchase blackberries, but now I will be on the hunt for the blackcurrants. I may this mojito and sub berries for now, it really looks refreshing!!
I did not know blackcurrants were banned in the US. I love them. Time to buy more I think.
A great cocktail for a summer night!