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This white Christmas mojito transforms a classic cocktail into a festive winter treat. The addition of coconut cream gives it a creamy, snow-topped texture that feels like sipping a holiday wonderland. Bright pomegranate seeds add a cheerful pop of color alongside refreshing mint and lime for that perfect balance of sweet and tart. This cocktail is both fun to make and delightful to savor during the holiday season.
I first made this cocktail one chilly December evening and it immediately became a favorite for my winter parties. The creamy texture surprised everyone and the pomegranate garnish made it look like a perfect holiday drink.
Ingredients
- Coconut cream: adds sweetness and creates a thick, creamy texture that evokes a snowy winter vibe. Choose full-fat coconut cream in a can rather than coconut milk for best richness
- White rum: is light and mild, blending seamlessly with the fresh ingredients. Pick your favorite brand or a good quality bottle that you enjoy sipping on its own
- Fresh mint leaves: are essential for aroma and bright flavor. Look for vibrant green leaves free of wilting or browning
- Fresh lime juice: provides tartness that balances the sweetness. Always use fresh limes, not bottled, for the best flavor
- Granulated sugar: helps extract oils and balances the tartness when muddling with mint and lime. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference
- Seltzer water: adds fizz without weighing down the drink or adding sweetness
- Pomegranate seeds: create a bright and festive garnish. Use fresh seeds for the best crunch and color, if unavailable, sugared cranberries can work as a substitute
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Syrupy Blend:
- In a blender or using a handheld mixer, blend the coconut cream and white rum together until the mixture is light, frothy, and smooth. This step creates that luxurious creamy texture reminiscent of freshly fallen snow atop your drink.
- Muddle the Mint and Lime:
- In a tall Collins glass, add fresh mint leaves, fresh lime juice, and granulated sugar. Muddle them together carefully for at least 15 to 20 seconds until the mint releases its fragrant oils and the sugar dissolves slightly. This builds the complex base that defines a great mojito.
- Build the Drink:
- Fill the muddled glass with plenty of ice to chill thoroughly. Pour the creamy rum and coconut blend over the ice, allowing the coolness to start setting in while mixing with the vibrant flavors below.
- Top with Fizz:
- Slowly pour seltzer water on top until the glass is nearly full. This adds the essential effervescent sparkle that livens up the creamy sweetness. Taste and add a little more seltzer if you prefer a lighter drink.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top your cocktail with a fresh mint sprig and scatter pomegranate seeds over the top. The colors and aromas invite you in and make the drink irresistibly festive.
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My favorite ingredient here has to be the coconut cream because it turns the ordinary mojito into something extraordinary and smooth. A memorable family moment was serving these at a holiday brunch and watching everyone’s faces light up with the first sip—they instantly felt transported into a cozy winter wonderland.
Storage Tips
This cocktail is best served fresh to maintain the creamy texture and fizz. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the coconut cream and rum blend refrigerated in an airtight container and freshen the drink by muddling mint and lime and adding seltzer right before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find coconut cream, you can try using full-fat coconut milk thickened with a small amount of cream or condensed milk for sweetness. For the pomegranate seeds, fresh or sugared cranberries both work well for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in tall glasses with extra fresh mint and pomegranate seeds as garnish for a striking presentation. These mojitos pair wonderfully with light appetizers like shrimp cocktail or fresh vegetable platters to balance the creamy sweetness.
Cultural Context
The mojito originates from Cuba and usually features rum, lime, sugar, mint, and soda water. This winter version adapts the tropical classic into a cozy holiday cocktail with coconut cream and seasonal garnishes that give it a festive twist.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to muddle your mint, lime, and sugar well but gently to avoid bitterness from crushed mint stems
- Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor and avoid bottled juice
- Don’t skip blending the coconut cream and rum thoroughly—it really elevates the texture and visual appeal of the drink
Common Recipe Questions
- → What gives the mojito its frothy texture?
Blending coconut cream with white rum creates the frothy, creamy base that distinguishes this drink.
- → How do you extract flavors from the mint?
Muddling fresh mint leaves with lime juice and sugar releases essential oils, enhancing the drink's refreshing taste.
- → Can I substitute pomegranate seeds for another garnish?
Yes, sugared cranberries or fresh berries work well to provide a festive pop of color.
- → Is a blender necessary for this drink?
A blender or handheld mixer is ideal for frothing the coconut cream and rum, but a cocktail shaker or whisk can also be used effectively.
- → What role does seltzer play in this cocktail?
Seltzer water adds a light, fizzy finish that balances the creaminess and brightens the overall flavor.