What Type of Mint Is Used for Mojitos
The hero of your mojito is spearmint. Specifically, a variety called Mentha spicata. Yes, it has a fancy Latin name, but just call it the “good stuff.”
Spearmint is mild and sweet. It doesn’t punch you in the face with menthol. It whispers, gently, “I’m here to party.” That’s exactly what you want in a refreshing summer cocktail.
Peppermint is the bad boy. Too strong, too icy. It’ll make your mojito taste like toothpaste. Nobody wants a dental-flavored happy hour.
The “Mojito Mint” Myth
You might hear people talk about “mojito mint.” It sounds cool, right? Like a secret celebrity ingredient. But it’s usually just a fancy name for a specific type of spearmint.
Some growers call it ‘Kentucky Colonel’ spearmint. It has bigger, softer leaves. Perfect for muddling without turning into a sad, mushy mess. It’s the gold standard for bartenders.
If you can’t find that, any fresh, sweet spearmint will do. Just avoid the stuff that smells like cough drops.