The perfect summer cocktail: a refreshing blend of freshly brewed iced green tea and a classic mojito. Light, icy, and bursting with bright lime and mint, this Iced Green Tea Mojito doubles as a low-calorie cocktail and a flavorful way to enjoy antioxidant-rich green tea. It’s easy to make by the glass or scaled up into a pitcher for gatherings, and it adapts well to sugar-free sweeteners or a mocktail version without rum.
Iced Green Tea Mojito — Refreshing Low-Calorie Summer Cocktail
This simple cocktail combines just a few fresh ingredients you likely have on hand: chilled green tea, fresh lime juice, spearmint leaves, a touch of sugar (or your preferred sweetener), a few baby arugula leaves for an unexpected peppery note, and white rum. The arugula is optional but adds a subtle green depth that complements the mint and tea. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and enjoy a cooling mocktail.
Why this recipe works
Green tea brings a delicate vegetal flavor and antioxidants, while mint and lime give the drink a classic mojito brightness. The arugula adds a faint peppery edge that keeps the flavor profile interesting without overpowering the drink. With about 110 calories per cocktail, this Iced Green Tea Mojito is a lighter alternative to many mixed drinks and makes a great choice for summer sipping or outdoor entertaining.
More low-calorie cocktail ideas
- Classic Cuban Mojito
- Watermelon Martini
- Celery Cilantro Cocktail
- Citrus Margarita Spritzer
- Mango Bellini
Recipe: Iced Green Tea Mojito
Yield: 1 serving · Prep time: 10 mins · Total time: 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 4 large spearmint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 4 baby arugula leaves (optional)
- 2 tsp sugar (raw sugar used here; swap agave or stevia to reduce sugar)
- 1/2 cup brewed green tea, chilled
- 1 oz white rum (omit for a mocktail)
- Ice
Instructions
- In a tall Collins glass, combine the lime juice, spearmint leaves, arugula leaves (if using), and sugar. Gently muddle until the leaves are lightly bruised and the aromas are released. Muddle just enough to release oils—avoid pulverizing the mint into bits.
- Fill the glass about three-quarters full with ice.
- Pour in the white rum and chilled green tea.
- Stir well to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime as desired.
- Garnish with additional mint sprigs and a lime wedge or wheel. Serve immediately.
Notes and tips
- To keep this drink sugar-free, substitute 1–2 tsp agave nectar, a liquid sweetener, or an appropriate amount of stevia. Start with less and adjust to taste.
- Use high-quality brewed green tea and chill it thoroughly before mixing so the drink stays crisp and avoids dilution from warming the ice too quickly.
- For a brighter mint flavor, gently slap the mint sprig between your palms before using it as a garnish to release the oils.
- If serving a crowd, multiply the ingredients and make a pitcher: muddle mint, arugula, lime, and sweetener in a large pitcher, add chilled green tea and rum, then stir and add ice to each glass when serving to prevent watering down the batch.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with an equal amount of additional chilled green tea or sparkling water for effervescence.
Nutrition (per mojito)
Calories: 110 kcal · Carbohydrates: 11 g · Protein: 0.5 g · Fat: 0.5 g · Fiber: 0.5 g · Sugar: 9 g · Sodium: 4 mg
Serving suggestions
This cocktail pairs well with light summer appetizers such as grilled shrimp skewers, citrusy salads, or a simple plate of fresh fruit. Its refreshing nature also makes it ideal for poolside sipping, weekend brunches, backyard barbecues, and casual gatherings.
Variations
- Herbal twist: Swap arugula for basil or cucumber slices for a different herbal profile.
- Sparkling version: Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water for some bubbles.
- Tea variations: Try jasmine green tea or sencha for a slightly different aroma and flavor.
If you try this Iced Green Tea Mojito, leave a rating or comment to share how you customized it—your feedback helps refine the recipe and inspires new variations for others to enjoy.

Iced Green Tea Mojito — Refreshing Low-Calorie Summer Cocktail