Mojito is a light, fresh, and simple cocktail that you can whip up in less than 5 minutes by combining lime, sugar, mint, club soda, and rum.
The best Mojito calls for the best white rum. But which one should you get? Read on for our expert picks of the best white rum for Mojitos.
Top 10 Best White Rum For Mojitos Cocktail
10. BACARDÍ Superior White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $15.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Bacardi is a solid and affordable option for white rum [1] for Mojitos. Superior is floral, light, and sweet enough to blend in mint and lime.
The cheap price tag of Bacardi does not take away the distinct flavor of white rum. It is fruity, floral, and packed with lavender, light coconut, apricot, orange blossom, and banana notes.
The flavor profile is enjoyable and unchallenging, which suits a classic Mojito’s clean and refreshing nature.
9. The Real McCoy Single Blended 3-Year Aged White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $20.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: The Real McCoy Single Blended 3-Year Aged White Rum is a column distilled light rum that is basic yet balanced.
“When it comes to Mojitos… the goal is to use a delicious rum that lets them [mint and lime] shine”
– Christina Favier, Bar Manager in South Carolina
The white rum has a light body, so it does not overpower other flavors of the Mojito.
We sipped it neat and noticed the bright citrus and hints of caramel, coconut, and marzipan.
8. Appleton Estate White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $25.50 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 37.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Appleton Estate White Rum is a Jamaican rum that can elevate your classic Mojito.
It has a smooth, clear, fresh aroma and palate with excellent brown sugar and vanilla hints.
It may give you a not-so-good sipping experience, but it is an excellent mixing rum for its low price. It is neutral with nice clean molasses and oily mouthfeel.
7. Banks 5 Island Blend Rum
Average Price: Roughly $32.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Banks 5 Island is a blend of rums matured between three and twelve years and filtered to remove the color.
The blended rum came from different distilleries, and its tasting notes sit well in a posh Mojito.
We noticed the intense aromatics of spices and fruit with vanilla, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and habanero.
6. Captain Morgan White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $15.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want a delicious yet on-budget white rum, Captain Morgan White Rum will not disappoint. It mixes well in many go-to-rum cocktails, including Mojito and Daiquiri.
It does not have a unique flavor when we sip it neat, but we appreciate its taste more when we combine it with lime and club soda because it is smooth, clean, sweet, and creamy.
5. El Dorado 3-Year White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $19.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: El Dorado 3-Year White Rum makes a great Mojito because the depth and richness of Guyanese-style rum add a layer of complexity that pairs well with mint.
The filtration only removes the color but not the full-bodied flavor of the aged rum. It has rich citrus, caramel, and vanilla notes after aging in barrels [2].
They also offer a variety of rums, but if you will make Mojito, stick to the white rum.
4. Plantation 3 Stars White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $21.27 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 41.2% ABV
Why We Like It: Plantation 3 Stars White Rum is among the best white rums for Mojitos because the flavor sits well on many cocktail drinks.
We noticed the soft spice, white pepper, and ripe fruit that are pleasant on the nose and palate. Also, it is light-bodied with herbal and grassy notes.
3. Probitas Blended White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $31.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want a white rum with higher alcohol content but sits nicely in cocktails, Probitas Blended white rum is an excellent choice.
It blends column and pot still rums from Foursquare Distillery and Jamaican rum from Hampden Estate.
It is grassy with fruity Jamaican funk, plus we like its bold character in cocktails.
2. Rhum Barbancourt White
Average Price: Roughly $19.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Rhum Barbancourt White is our go-to rum for cocktails because it has rich notes of tropical fruits and a slightly grassy finish.
The white rum is crisp and clean enough that you will not lose the fresh mint of your Mojito. It has the right sweetness that transitions to spiciness at the end.
1. SelvaRey White Rum
Average Price: Roughly $33.99 per 750 ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Aside from its beautiful bottle, we are in awe of the tasting notes of SelvaRey White Rum. It is an excellent base for Mojito because of its bold, rich, and tasty flavor profile.
SelvaRey has a nice blend of 3-5-year-old rums aged in bourbon barrels and filtered to remove the color. It gives a startling yet flavorful surprise to our Mojitos.
FAQs Related to Best White Rum for Mojitos
Do you need white rum for a Mojito?
Yes, you will need white rum for a Mojito. Avoid spiced rum at all costs because it does not blend seamlessly in Mojito and will take away the freshness of lime and mint.
Is white rum the best for making Mojitos?
Yes, white rum is best for making Mojitos. Mojito is meant to be refreshing, crisp, and light, and since white rums are light-bodied, they blend well with other ingredients and do not overpower other ingredients.
What’s the best cheap white rum for Mojitos?
BACARDÍ Superior White Rum is the best cheap white rum for Mojitos. For only roughly $15.99 per 750 ml, it is an excellent choice on a budget because it is clear, clean, and subtly sweet rum.
What Characteristics Should I Look for in a White Rum for Mojitos?
Opt for a white rum that is light, crisp, and slightly sweet, with notes of vanilla, coconut, and citrus. These flavors will complement the mint and lime in your mojito without dominating the drink.
Are There Any Specific Brands Known for Making Great Mojitos?
While there are many excellent white rums on the market suitable for mojitos, some popular choices among bartenders and enthusiasts include Bacardi Superior, Havana Club Blanco, and Flor de Caña 4 Extra Seco.
Should I Choose an Aged or Unaged White Rum for Mojitos?
For mojitos, it’s generally best to opt for an unaged or lightly aged white rum, as these varieties retain a clean and crisp flavor profile that complements the fresh ingredients in the cocktail. Aged rums may impart too much complexity for this particular drink.
Can I Use Any White Rum for Mojitos, or Are Some Better Than Others?
While you can technically use any white rum to make a mojito, selecting a high-quality rum with a smooth and balanced flavor will elevate the overall taste of your cocktail. Avoid overly harsh or heavily spiced rums, as they may overpower the other ingredients.
Are There Any White Rums That Are Particularly Popular Among Mojito Enthusiasts?
Mojito enthusiasts often recommend classic brands like Bacardi Superior for its clean flavor profile and versatility in cocktails. Other favorites include Plantation 3 Stars, which offers a blend of rums from different Caribbean islands, and Denizen Aged White Rum, known for its smoothness and balance.
Final Verdict
Mojito is a classic cocktail drink that can be your solid choice whether you are at a dive bar, on the beach, or in the kitchen. With the best white rum for Mojitos, you’ll have a great drinking experience.
Rhum Barbancourt White, Probitas Blended, and Plantation 3 Stars are great bottles. But if you want the best, you will never go wrong with a bottle of SelvaRey White Rum.
SelvaRey is an excellent rum with excellent tasting notes, impressive mixability, and a reasonable price point.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/rum-liquor
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/effect-of-aging-on-liquor-759921
