How many calories are in a nojito?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

A classic non-alcoholic mojito, or nojito, often contains around 120 calories per serving. This popular mocktail, which excludes the high-calorie rum of its alcoholic counterpart, can be a much lighter option, though the final calorie count depends heavily on the recipe and ingredients used. A homemade nojito can be customized for an even healthier, lower-sugar option.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a nojito, a non-alcoholic mojito, varies significantly depending on the amount and type of sugar or sweetener used. A standard recipe might contain around 120 calories, while a sugar-free version could have as few as 14. Customizing ingredients, like using seltzer and a sugar alternative, provides a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to the traditional cocktail.

Key Points

Sugar is the primary calorie source: The vast majority of calories in a nojito come from the sweetener, not the other base ingredients.
Standard vs. Low-Calorie: A standard nojito with sugar has about 120 calories, while a version with a sugar substitute can have as little as 14 calories.
Alcohol-Free Advantage: Removing the rum from a traditional mojito (often 96 calories) is the first major step in reducing the drink's calorie count.
Smart Swaps: Using plain seltzer water instead of sugary soda and choosing zero-calorie sweeteners are the easiest ways to create a lighter nojito.
Homemade Control: Making a nojito at home gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing for a fully customized and health-conscious beverage.

Understanding the Calories in a Nojito

A nojito, or non-alcoholic mojito, offers a refreshing blend of mint, lime, and soda water without the high-calorie rum of a traditional mojito. However, simply removing the alcohol doesn't automatically make it a zero-calorie drink. The sugar or syrup is the primary source of calories. The specific calorie count can range dramatically, from a negligible amount to over 100 calories per serving, based on preparation methods and sweetener choices.

The Caloric Impact of Your Nojito Ingredients

To truly understand how many calories are in a nojito, you must look at its components. The mint leaves, lime juice, and club soda or seltzer water contribute very few calories. It is the sweetener—often granulated sugar or simple syrup—that significantly impacts the final count.

Granulated Sugar: Two tablespoons of sugar can add nearly 100 calories alone. Using a lot of sugar or a pre-made sugary mix will increase the calorie count significantly.
Simple Syrup: This mixture of sugar and water is a common way to sweeten mojitos and can be just as calorie-dense as granulated sugar.
Fruit Juices: Some recipes swap or supplement traditional lime with other fruit juices, such as pineapple or cranberry. While this adds flavor, it also increases the sugar and calorie content.
Sugar Substitutes: Using natural or artificial sweeteners, like stevia or erythritol, can drastically reduce or eliminate the added calories from sugar.
Flavored Sodas: Using a sugary lemon-lime soda instead of club soda will boost the calorie count compared to a simple, sugar-free seltzer.

Comparison Table: Nojito vs. Mojito vs. Low-Calorie Nojito


Beverage	Sweetener Used	Estimated Calories (per serving)	Key Calorie Source(s)
Traditional Mojito	Sugar or simple syrup	~170 to 245 calories	Rum, sugar/syrup
Standard Nojito	Sugar or simple syrup	~120 calories	Sugar/syrup
Low-Calorie Nojito	Sugar substitute (e.g., stevia)	~14 calories	Lime, minimal sweetener
Mojito Mocktail (commercial)	Depends on brand; pre-sweetened	~130 calories per 250ml cup	Pre-mixed sugars

Tips for Creating a Low-Calorie Nojito

For those watching their calorie intake, a delicious and refreshing nojito is still easily within reach. Here’s how you can make a guilt-free version:

Swap Sugar for Substitutes: Replace traditional sugar or syrup with zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. This change alone can reduce the calorie count by a significant margin.
Use Sugar-Free Mixers: Instead of sugary lemon-lime sodas, opt for plain club soda, sparkling water, or a diet lemon-lime alternative. Unflavored seltzer water is the best choice for zero-calorie fizz.
Embrace the Mint: Don't be shy with the mint leaves! They provide a huge burst of refreshing flavor with virtually no calories. Muddle them well to release their aromatic oils.
Boost with Natural Flavors: Experiment with adding other low-calorie fruits and herbs. Muddle a few raspberries or blueberries for a hint of sweetness, or add basil for an interesting herbal twist.
Control Your Portions: Be mindful of your glass size. While a tall, refreshing mocktail is a great treat, using a smaller glass can help you control your intake.

A Simple Low-Calorie Nojito Recipe

Here is a simple recipe to create a low-calorie nojito at home:

Ingredients:
- 10-12 fresh mint leaves
- Juice of half a lime (about 1 tbsp)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon zero-calorie sugar substitute (or to taste)
- 6-8 ounces club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a sturdy glass. Add the lime juice and sugar substitute.
- Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press the mint to release its oils and combine with the lime and sweetener.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Stir gently to combine, garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig, and enjoy!

Conclusion

In short, the number of calories in a nojito is not fixed, but rather a flexible figure that you can control. By removing the high-calorie rum and, most importantly, managing the sugar content, a nojito can be an extremely low-calorie and refreshing beverage option. Opt for sugar substitutes and plain seltzer to significantly reduce calories and create a guilt-free drink that still packs all the flavor of the classic mojito. It's the perfect choice for a healthy, delicious, and hydrating mocktail.

Authoritative Resource

For more information on healthy drink options and the nutritional content of common beverages, the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia provides useful data on calorie counts in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of calories in a nojito is the added sugar or simple syrup used for sweetness. Mint, lime, and club soda contain very few calories.

Yes, a nojito is generally healthier than a regular mojito because it contains no rum, which contributes a significant number of calories. The removal of alcohol makes it a lower-calorie and non-intoxicating option.

To make a nearly zero-calorie nojito, use a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar, and use plain club soda or sparkling water. The natural flavors from the mint and lime are virtually calorie-free.

No, store-bought nojitos can vary widely in calorie count depending on the brand. Some pre-mixed versions can contain a significant amount of added sugar, while others are marketed as low-calorie options. Always check the nutritional label.

Yes, adding fruit or fruit juices like pineapple or cranberry will increase the calorie and sugar content of a nojito. For the lowest calorie option, stick to mint and lime.

Yes, you can use diet soda, such as diet lemon-lime, in a nojito. This will provide flavor and sweetness with fewer calories than regular soda. However, plain club soda or seltzer water is a calorie-free option that allows the mint and lime flavors to shine.

A nojito can be made suitable for a low-sugar diet by using a sugar alternative instead of traditional sugar or simple syrup. This allows you to control the sugar content completely while still enjoying the refreshing flavors.