How many calories are in a skinny mojito?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While a traditional mojito can pack over 200 calories, a homemade skinny mojito can contain as few as 100-120 calories. This significant reduction comes from swapping calorie-dense sugar and syrups for zero-calorie sweeteners and fresh ingredients, making it an excellent option for those mindful of their calorie intake.

Quick Summary

This article examines the calorie content of a skinny mojito, detailing its nutritional advantages over a traditional mojito. It explains how to modify the classic recipe using sugar-free alternatives and provides a comparison of ingredients to achieve a delicious, guilt-free cocktail.

Key Points

Low Calorie Profile: A skinny mojito typically contains 100-120 calories, significantly less than a traditional mojito, which can have over 200 calories.
Sugar Substitution is Key: The main difference is using a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol instead of high-calorie cane sugar or simple syrup.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: The most authentic and low-calorie versions are made with fresh mint and lime juice, avoiding sugary mixes.
Rum Contributes Most Calories: White rum accounts for most of the drink's calories, so using a standard 1.5 oz pour is essential for calorie control.
Customizable to Taste: The recipe can be easily adjusted by controlling the amount of sweetener and adding low-calorie flavored sparkling water for variety.

Demystifying the Calorie Count in a Skinny Mojito

A skinny mojito is a refreshing, minty cocktail that offers a lower-calorie alternative to its traditional counterpart. The primary difference, and the source of the calorie reduction, is the replacement of sugar or simple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener or low-calorie substitute. The exact calorie count will vary depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used, but most homemade versions typically fall within the 100-120 calorie range per serving. A key component is white rum, which contains approximately 97-116 calories per 1.5 oz shot, depending on the proof. The other key ingredients—fresh mint, lime juice, and club soda—add minimal calories, making the choice of sweetener the most significant factor in the drink's total energy content.

The Calorie Culprit: Standard Mojito vs. Skinny Mojito

The most significant source of calories in a traditional mojito is the sugar or sugar-rich simple syrup. A standard recipe often calls for a significant amount of sugar, which can add upwards of 100-200 calories to a single drink, pushing the total calorie count to 200-300 or even higher. By contrast, a skinny mojito utilizes a zero-calorie or low-calorie sweetener to achieve sweetness without the caloric cost. This simple substitution makes the cocktail a far more diet-friendly option.

Building a Better Skinny Mojito: The Ingredients

Creating a delicious skinny mojito is a straightforward process that hinges on selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

White Rum: A standard 1.5-ounce serving of white rum contains about 97 calories. For a lower-calorie option, you can experiment with flavored rums, though it's important to check if they contain added sugars.
Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must. It provides a natural tartness and only adds a negligible amount of calories. Avoid pre-packaged lime juices, which often contain preservatives and added sugars.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Mint leaves provide the iconic, refreshing flavor of a mojito. Muddle them gently to release their aromatic oils. Mint is a zero-calorie ingredient, so you can use as much as you like for flavor.
Zero-Calorie Sweetener: This is the key to the "skinny" version. Popular options include stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of sweetness. Alternatively, some people use diet lemon-lime soda instead of a sweetener and club soda combination.
Club Soda or Sparkling Water: A splash of club soda adds fizz and volume. It contains zero calories and helps balance the drink. Flavored sparkling waters can also be used for an extra layer of flavor without adding sugar.
Garnish: A lime wedge and a fresh mint sprig finish the drink perfectly, adding visual appeal and a pleasant aroma without any calories.

Calorie Comparison: Skinny vs. Regular Mojito


Feature	Traditional Mojito	Skinny Mojito
Calorie Count (approx.)	200–350+ calories	100–150 calories
Sweetener	Refined cane sugar or simple syrup	Zero-calorie sweetener (e.g., stevia, erythritol)
Carbohydrates	High (mostly from sugar)	Low
Sugar Content	High	Very low or zero
Flavor Profile	Sweet and robust	Crisp, minty, and less sweet
Health Impact	Higher sugar intake, higher calorie load	Reduced sugar and calorie intake, diet-friendly
Ingredients	White rum, cane sugar, lime, mint, club soda	White rum, zero-cal sweetener, lime, mint, club soda

Making Your Own Skinny Mojito

Creating a skinny mojito at home is simple and allows for total control over the ingredients. Here's a quick, easy-to-follow recipe:

Prep your glass: In a tall highball glass, add 8-10 fresh mint leaves and a few lime wedges.
Muddle: Gently muddle the mint and lime to release their oils and juice. Do not over-muddle, or the mint can turn bitter.
Sweeten: Add a few drops or a teaspoon of your preferred zero-calorie sweetener to taste.
Add the rum: Pour in 1.5 oz of white rum.
Mix: Add ice to the glass, filling it nearly to the top.
Top it off: Add a generous splash of club soda or sparkling water.
Garnish and serve: Stir gently, then garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge. Enjoy!

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Not the Calories

A skinny mojito offers a refreshing and flavorful alternative for cocktail enthusiasts who want to reduce their sugar and calorie intake. By simply swapping out sugar for a zero-calorie sweetener, you can enjoy the classic taste of mint and lime without the high caloric cost of a traditional mojito. This makes it an ideal choice for a lighter, more diet-conscious option. The ability to customize the sweetness and other flavors with fresh ingredients ensures that a skinny mojito can be a delicious and guilt-free treat.

An excellent resource for exploring different cocktail options and nutrition can be found on the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, which includes detailed calorie counts for various alcoholic beverages and tips for healthier choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the sweetener used. A traditional mojito uses high-calorie sugar or simple syrup, while a skinny mojito substitutes this with a zero-calorie or low-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol.

Yes, a standard 1.5 oz serving of white rum contains around 97 calories. While it's the main caloric component from alcohol, using a light rum can slightly reduce the total, though the type of sweetener is the most impactful factor.

Yes, for a very simple preparation, you can replace the club soda and zero-calorie sweetener with a diet lemon-lime soda like Diet 7UP or Sprite Zero.

Popular and effective zero-calorie sweeteners for a skinny mojito include stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit sweetener. These provide sweetness without adding carbohydrates or calories.

Yes, a skinny mojito is generally a healthier choice compared to many other cocktails, especially those with sugary mixers like margaritas, piña coladas, or long island iced teas. Its low sugar content makes it a better option for weight management.

To enhance flavor without adding calories, you can muddle fresh fruit like strawberries or watermelon into the glass, use flavored sparkling water, or simply add more mint leaves.

While convenient, many store-bought mixes may contain artificial ingredients. Making a skinny mojito from scratch with fresh ingredients and a natural zero-calorie sweetener offers better flavor and control over what goes into your drink.