Clementine Mojitos

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A Clementine Mojito is a delicious citrus and mint mojito that’s perfect for citrus season.

In recent years, tiny oranges like Clementines and Mandarins have really grown in popularity, marketed under names like “Cuties”.

So of course, we have to make a Clementine Mojito!

Enjoy some juicy Clementine Mojitos

 

 

Sweet, juicy, and delicious, these precious little citrus fruits are a big hit with adults and kids alike.

That’s why I knew that creating a mojito with some of these citrus fruits (or even better – a Cutie Mojito) was a great idea.

And I’ll tell you straight up, this delicious cocktail tastes just like summertime!

The secret is fresh juice.

Made with freshly squeezed clementines and limes, you mix all that fresh juice with simple syrup, light rum, and club soda.

Garnish with mint to really dress it up and the freshness factor is off the charts.

You’ll be proud to serve clementine mojitos to all the special people in your life.

These refreshing cocktails are a fun addition to backyard barbecues, summer birthday parties, and any other event where you want to share delicious drinks with friends.

You can’t go wrong with clementines!

Fun facts about clementines

 

 

So what exactly is a clementine?

Is a clementine a mandarin orange?

Or is it a Cutie?

Maybe it’s a tangerine?

There’s rightfully some confusion about what exactly a clementine is.

And part of that is because the answer to some of these questions is “maybe” or “sometimes.”

Clear as mud, right?

So let’s start with what a mandarin orange is.

A mandarin orange is a type of orange that’s generally a bit sweeter.

They’re also kind of flat looking. 

A clementine is a type of mandarin orange.

They are the littlest ones in the mandarin family and are quite smooth to the touch.

They are also seedless.

A tangerine is also a type of mandarin orange.

Here’s some further information about the difference between the types of mandarin oranges if you’re curious.

So what is a Cutie?

 

 

But here’s where I think a lot of the confusion lies — Cuties.

Cutie is a brand name rather than a variety.

Same with Halo oranges if you see those where you shop.

Depending on the time of year, a Cutie can be a clementine or a mandarin.

So a Cutie is always a type of mandarin, but it’s sometimes a Clementine rather than a Mandarin Orange.

Huh? 

So it depends on the time of year as to whether a Cutie is a clementine or a mandarin.

In the winter, Cuties are Clementines.

In the spring, Cuties are Mandarins. 

Cuties are grown in California, so it really just depends on what’s being harvested when as to what it’s called.

They are so similar that the brand doesn’t distinguish between them. If you’re really curious, you can learn more on the Cutie FAQ page. 

So what do you call this mojito?

So you can legitimately call this drink all kinds of names.

You can also call it a mandarin orange mojito, a tangerine mojito, a tangerine rum drink, or a cutie mojito.

So long as you’re making it with a variety of mandarin orange, it’s going to be delicious.

It’s always a good time to make up some fun mojito names.

So you may call this drink what you like, and can change it up seasonally.

After all, it’s a delicious twisted mojito that’s perfect for happy hour no matter the time of year. 

Ingredients:

 

 

• Clementines, or other mandarin orange
• Lime
• Light Rum
• Mint Leaves
• Simple Syrup
• Club Soda

You will also need these items to make the drink:  cutting board, knife, cocktail shaker or jar, citrus squeezer, muddling stick, measuring cup or jigger. 

Can I make this drink without alcohol?

 

Yes, you certainly can.

When you leave out the rum, you have a delightful orange mint soda instead of a clementine mojito.

Can I make the drink as an orange cream soda?

This mojito kind or reminds me of an Italian soda, but without the cream.

That said, no one would fault you if you wanted to add a touch of cream to the drink.

Orange creamsicles are out of this world…

Why not do a Clementine creamsicle?

Be sure to use fresh mint in your mojito for the best result

With any mojito recipe, you’ll want to use fresh mint.

Make sure that the mint leaves are not brown.

You want them nice and fresh.

You want to bruise the mint leaves yourself to release their oils and that wonderful, heady fragrance.

If the leaves aren’t fresh, they just don’t taste quite as good.

How to make the drink:

First, you’ll begin by juicing your clementines (or mandarins or tangerines) and limes.

 

 

Then, I like to chill the glasses.

I fill the beverage glasses with ice water and let them sit while I mix the drink.

In a cocktail shaker or jar, add the mint leaves and pour the rum over the top.

 

With your muddling stick, gently muddle the mint in the rum.

The rum will slightly take on the flavor of the mint. Y

ou don’t want to muddle the mint too much.

 

 

Pour the fresh-squeezed clementine and lime juices into the cocktail shaker. 

 

Next, add the simple syrup.

You may use homemade simple syrup or a commercially prepared one.

Close the shaker or jar and shake vigorously.

You really want everything to be thoroughly combined.

Fill your glasses with fresh ice.

If you’ve chilled your glass in advance, you’ll pour out the ice water and use new ice.

Pour the mixture over the ice. 

 

 

Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and enjoy your drink!

Do I need to strain my mojito?

To strain or not to strain… that is the question.

It’s kind of up to you.

This is a recipe that you don’t really have to strain. 

However, some people like to strain their mojitos because they don’t like to have anything floating in their drink.

Particularly something green that may get caught in their teeth.

If that’s your preference, to strain the drink, I like to use a fine mesh strainer. 

Simply pour the drink through the strainer over ice.

That will catch the muddled mint leaves and keep your teeth free of green!

More great citrus drinks and mojitos to enjoy:

Pineapple Mojito

Guava Mint Mojito

Raspberry and Blueberry Tequila Mojito

The Perfect Mojito

Granty Burn Old Fashioned

Tequila Sunrise

Black Eyed Susan Cocktail

Star Fruit and Pineapple Mint Julep

Sunrise Mimosa

try it and share!

Please let us know how you enjoy our Clementine Mojito Cocktail recipe.

If you make it yourself, please let us know on Pinterest that you tried it and tag us with #champagneandcoconuts on your Instagram photo.

If you haven’t had a chance to make it yet, be sure to save the recipe on Pinterest so you’ll remember where you found it.

You may enjoy following our Pinterest Boards, Mojito Recipes and Pineapple Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes.

 

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