Is a Mojito Low in Calories? Classic vs. Skinny Version

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

A classic mojito can contain anywhere from 170 to over 240 calories, largely due to its simple syrup or added sugar content. This might come as a surprise to those who perceive its minty, fresh profile as inherently light, but the sweetening agent is often the primary source of hidden calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a mojito is highly variable, depending heavily on the amount of sugar and rum added. While the classic recipe is not low-calorie, a modified 'skinny' version can be made to significantly reduce the total calories.

Key Points

Classic vs. Skinny: A traditional mojito is not low in calories due to its sugar, while a skinny version swaps sugar for zero-calorie sweeteners, significantly lowering the calorie count.
Sugar is the Culprit: The main source of calories in a classic mojito comes from the sugar or simple syrup, which can add nearly 100 calories per serving.
Healthy Alternative: Opting for a skinny mojito made with fresh mint, lime, rum, and club soda with a zero-calorie sweetener can bring the calories down to 90-110.
Smart Ordering: At a bar, specify 'no simple syrup' and ask for a zero-calorie sweetener to ensure your mojito is low-cal.
Home Preparation is Best: Making your own mojito at home allows full control over ingredients and caloric content, avoiding the hidden sugars in many pre-made mixers.

The Calorie Culprit in a Classic Mojito

At first glance, a mojito seems like a diet-friendly drink. It’s made with simple, fresh ingredients: rum, mint, lime, sugar, and club soda. The assumption that it’s light often overlooks the most significant caloric contributor: the sweetener. The standard recipe calls for several teaspoons of sugar or a generous pour of simple syrup, which is a concentrated solution of sugar and water. For context, two tablespoons of sugar add nearly 100 calories, and many bar recipes might use even more. Add the calories from the rum, and the numbers quickly climb. Standard white rum (80 proof) contains about 97 calories per 1.5 oz. When these ingredients are combined, a single 6 oz mojito can easily exceed 200 calories.

Calorie Breakdown of a Standard Mojito

To understand where the calories come from, consider a typical recipe:

1.5 oz White Rum: ~97 calories
2 tbsp Simple Syrup (or sugar): ~97 calories
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice: ~8 calories
Mint Leaves: ~1 calorie
Club Soda: 0 calories

This basic calculation brings the total to just over 200 calories, but this can fluctuate based on how heavy-handed the bartender is with the syrup or rum. For those watching their intake, these hidden sugars are a major concern, especially since cocktails can be consumed in multiples during an outing.

The Low-Calorie 'Skinny' Mojito: A Healthier Alternative

The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a mojito. A 'skinny' mojito is a popular, low-calorie alternative that simply swaps out the high-sugar ingredients for a healthier option. Instead of using traditional simple syrup, a skinny mojito uses a zero-calorie sweetener (like stevia or monk fruit) and is topped with zero-calorie club soda. This dramatically reduces the calorie count, often to around 90-110 calories per serving, depending on the amount of rum used.

How to Make a Skinny Mojito at Home

Creating a delicious, low-calorie mojito is simple. Here’s a basic recipe:

6-10 fresh mint leaves
Juice of 1 fresh lime
1.5 oz white rum
2-3 drops of zero-calorie sweetener (or to taste)
Club soda or sparkling water

Instructions:

Add the mint leaves and lime juice to a highball glass.
Muddle gently to release the oils from the mint without shredding the leaves.
Add the rum and sweetener.
Fill the glass with crushed ice.
Top with club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge and a fresh mint sprig.

Comparison: Mojito Calories vs. Other Popular Drinks

Here's a quick comparison of the calorie content of various cocktails, using standard recipe estimates:


Beverage	Serving Size	Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Source
Classic Mojito	6 fl oz	170-240	Rum & Sugar Syrup
Skinny Mojito	6 fl oz	90-110	Rum
Piña Colada	7 fl oz	~380	Cream of coconut & rum
Margarita	4 fl oz	~170	Tequila & Sweet Mix
Vodka Soda	8 fl oz	~100	Vodka
Glass of Wine	5 fl oz	~125	Wine

As you can see, a traditional mojito sits in the middle of the cocktail calorie range. However, a skinny mojito is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks available, comparable to a vodka soda or a glass of wine.

Tips for Ordering and Making a Low-Calorie Mojito

If you’re ordering at a bar, make sure to be specific. Ask for a 'skinny mojito' or 'mojito with no simple syrup.' Specify your preferred sweetener, if any, and ask for it to be topped with club soda or sparkling water instead of a sugary mix. If you’re making it at home, always use fresh ingredients, as pre-made mixes are often loaded with high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. For more tips on low-calorie options, see resources like MedlinePlus's guide to lower-calorie choices for alcoholic drinks.

Conclusion: A Mojito Can Be Low-Calorie, If You Make It That Way

The question of whether a mojito is low in calories has a nuanced answer. The traditional recipe, with its generous sugar content, is not considered a low-calorie beverage. However, by making a few simple substitutions, you can easily transform it into a light, refreshing, and guilt-free treat. The key is controlling the amount and type of sweetener used. For those seeking a healthier cocktail option without compromising on flavor, the skinny mojito proves to be an excellent choice, allowing you to enjoy this classic Cuban drink while staying mindful of your caloric intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count of a standard mojito can range from approximately 170 to over 240 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and rum included in the recipe.

The primary source of calories in a mojito is the simple syrup or sugar, which is a concentrated source of carbohydrates and adds a significant number of calories to the drink.

Yes, you can have a mojito on a diet by opting for a low-calorie 'skinny' version. This involves using a zero-calorie sweetener instead of simple syrup, which dramatically reduces the calorie content.

A skinny mojito typically contains fresh mint leaves, lime juice, white rum, a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or agave, and is topped with club soda or sparkling water.

To order a low-calorie mojito at a bar, ask for a 'skinny mojito' or specifically request for no simple syrup, and instead, a zero-calorie sweetener and club soda.

No, most pre-made mojito mixes are not a good low-calorie option as they are often loaded with high levels of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors.

Compared to very high-calorie cocktails like a piña colada, a mojito can be a healthier choice. However, it's the skinny version that truly makes it a low-calorie contender, rivaling beverages like a vodka soda.