Looking for a cool Japanese spin on a classic mojito? This minty, floral, and citrusy cocktail is adaptable to any spirit you prefer.
This post discusses which spirits make the most authentic Japanese mojito, an easy shiso mojito recipe, and another popular variation.
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Shiso Mojito Base Spirit
The beauty of the shiso mojito is that any spirit will work. I’ve sold thousands of these made with vodka.
But if you ask me, a cane-based spirit is the way to go. It is a mojito after all.
So I suggest trying one of these with either white rum, Okinawan rum, or Amami shochu.
Shop Teeda Japanese Rum
Shop Jougo Amami Shochu
Easy & Delicious Shiso Mojito Recipe
- 2 oz Amami shochu (25% ABV) or 1.5 oz of rum
- 0.25 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 3 shiso leaves
Muddle a pair of shiso leaves in a mixing glass. Add the other ingredients, plus ice, and shake hard.
Double strain into a highball glass that’s half-filled with ice. Carefully top with soda.
Garnish with a shiso leaf and a lime wheel.
I like to add a few dashes of Angostura bitters on top, as well.
I also find a 1:1 ratio of simple syrup and lime juice is more appropriate for most palates. However, you can easily adjust this to your personal taste.
Non-Alcoholic Shiso Mojito
This drink is just as good without the rum. Check out my non-alcoholic shiso mojito tips by clicking the link.
Minami Shiso Mojito
Shiso mojitos are delicious, and I’m always intrigued by the successful variations of this drink.
A recipe that caught my attention recently was from a Vancouver, B.C. restaurant called Minami. They use Tantakatan, which is a red shiso shochu.
Their recipe is on the sweet side, but I’m interested in making one of these supercharged shiso mojitos.