Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito Recipe

I love mojitos more than most drinks. Coconut mojito is at the top of my list. The Cheesecake Factory restaurant makes the best one I have ever tasted.

I do not like drinks that are too strong. That is why the Cheesecake Factory’s Coconut Mojito cocktail is one of my all-time favorites.

Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito is a cool, creamy drink with a bright lime kick. The coconut cream makes it smooth and sweet. Fresh mint adds a crisp, clean taste.

White rum gives it just enough strength without being too much. Club soda makes it bubbly and light.

Today, I am sharing a copycat Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito recipe that you can make at home. You need just a few simple things and about five minutes.

Preparing the Coconut Flavor

The coconut flavor is what makes this mojito special. You need cream of coconut, not coconut milk.

Cream of coconut is thick and very sweet. It comes in a can. You will find it in the drink section at most stores.

When you open the can, stir it well. Sometimes the cream sits at the top and the liquid is at the bottom. You want them mixed together. Pour it slowly into your glass.

This ingredient gives the drink its smooth, tropical taste that makes it different from a regular mojito.

Difference Between Cream of Coconut & Coconut Milk

Cream of coconut is very thick and sweet. It is made for drinks and desserts.

Coconut milk is thin and not sweet. You use it for cooking in soups and curries.

They are not the same thing. Do not swap them. The drink will not taste right. Coconut milk will make the drink too thin and not sweet enough.

Always look for a can or bottle that says “Cream of Coconut” on the label. Popular brands are Coco Lopez and Coco Real.

Mixing & Muddling Techniques

Muddling is just a big word for pressing. You press the lime to get the juice out.

You also press the mint leaves to release their oils. But you need to be gentle with the mint. Press it once or twice, then stop. Too much pressing will tear the leaves and make the drink taste bitter.

For the lime, you can press harder. You want all the juice and the oils from the peel. Use a wooden muddler or the back of a strong spoon. This step brings all the flavors out.

Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito Ingredients

Here is what you need. I also included some substitution ideas in case you do not have everything on hand.

• 1/2 Lime: You will use a full half of a lime, with the peel on. The peel gives a little oil that makes the drink smell wonderful. The juice inside adds a sharp, tangy flavor. You can use a lemon if you do not have a lime, but the taste will be a little different.
• 1 oz Cream of Coconut: This is a sweet, thick, syrupy liquid. It is not the same as coconut milk you use for cooking. It gives the drink its sweet coconut flavor and creamy feel. Look for a can labeled “Cream of Coconut” in the drink aisle of your store. If you cannot find it, a thick simple syrup with a drop of coconut extract can work.
• 2 oz White Rum: This is a clear alcohol made from sugarcane. It has a light, slightly sweet taste that goes well with the coconut and lime. It is the base of the drink. For a version without alcohol, you can leave it out. The drink will still be tasty.
• 4-5 Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves are important. They add a cool, garden-fresh smell and taste. You will press them to release their oils. Do not use dried mint from a spice jar. The flavor is not the same.
• 3 oz Club Soda: This is clear, fizzy water. It makes the drink light and bubbly. It lifts all the other flavors. Any brand of plain soda water or seltzer water will do the job.

Recommended Equipment

1. A Tall Glass: To mix and serve your drink.
2. A Muddler: A wooden tool to press the ingredients. The back of a strong spoon can also work.
3. A Jigger or Small Measuring Cup: For measuring the liquid ingredients.
4. A Long Spoon: For stirring everything together at the end.

How To Make Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito

Step 1 | Prepare Your Lime

Take one fresh lime and cut it in half. You will use one half for the drink. Save the other half for another use or for a garnish later. Place the half lime directly into your tall glass.

Step 2 | Add Sweetness and Spirit

Pour the 1 ounce of cream of coconut over the lime in the glass. Then, add the 2 ounces of white rum.

Step 3 | Press and Mix

Take your muddler. Press down on the lime half firmly. Twist it a few times. You want to squeeze the juice out of the lime and mix it with the rum and coconut cream. The oil from the lime peel will come out, which is good.

Step 4 | Add the Mint

Place the 4 or 5 fresh mint leaves into the glass with the other ingredients.

Step 5 | Release the Mint Flavor

Use your muddler again. Gently press down on the mint leaves once or twice. You just want to bruise them to release their smell and taste. Be careful not to shred them, as that can make the drink bitter.

Step 6 | Fill with Ice

Take your glass and fill it all the way to the top with ice cubes. The ice will make your drink cold and help mix the flavors.

Step 7 | Top with Fizz

Slowly pour the 3 ounces of club soda over the ice. It will bubble up and mix with the other ingredients.

Step 8 | Stir It Up

Use your long spoon to give the drink a good stir. Stir from the bottom to the top to make sure the cream of coconut is fully mixed in.

Step 9 | Garnish and Enjoy

For a nice finish, cut a thin slice from your leftover lime. Place it on the rim of the glass. You can also add a small sprig of mint on top. Your Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito is ready to drink!

Tips for the Perfect Coconut Mojito

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always pick fresh limes and mint. Old limes have less juice. Old mint leaves turn brown and do not smell as good. Fresh ingredients make a better drink every time.
• Chill Your Glass: Put your glass in the freezer for ten minutes before you start. A cold glass keeps your drink colder for a longer time. This small step makes a big difference.
• Do Not Skip the Ice: Fill your glass all the way with ice. The ice does more than just cool the drink. It helps mix all the flavors together as it melts a little bit.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: Some people like their drinks sweeter. Others want less sugar. Start with the amount of cream of coconut in the recipe. Taste it after you stir. Add a little more cream of coconut to make it sweeter. Add more lime juice to make it more tart.
• Shake Instead of Stir: Some people like to put all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker before they pour it into a glass. This method works well too. Just shake it hard for about ten seconds. Then pour everything into your glass with ice.
• Pick Good Quality Rum: The rum you choose changes the taste of your mojito. A smooth, clean white rum works best. You do not need the most expensive bottle, but avoid the very cheap ones. They can have a harsh taste.

What Goes Well With Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito

This drink pairs well with light foods. Think about grilled fish, shrimp tacos, or chicken skewers. The coconut and lime flavors go great with seafood.

The cool, minty taste also works well with spicy foods. Try it with hot wings or spicy nachos. The creamy coconut helps calm the heat.

You can also serve it with fresh fruit. Pineapple, mango, and papaya are all good choices. For snacks, try salted chips or pretzels. The salt brings out the sweetness of the coconut.

Storing and Shelf Life

You probably will not have any of this drink left over. But if you do, it is best to drink it within a few hours. The club soda will lose its fizz if you keep it too long.

I do not suggest freezing the finished mojito. Freezing will make it watery and the texture will not be good. It is always best made fresh.

You can keep your extra fresh ingredients for later. The cream of coconut can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for a week or two.

Fresh mint can be stored like a small bouquet of flowers. Place the stems in a glass with a little water and put it in the fridge.

Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito FAQs

1. Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, you can. Just leave out the white rum. The drink will still taste good. You will have a sweet, coconut lime soda with mint. Some people call this a “mocktail” or a “virgin mojito.”

You can also add a splash of coconut water for more coconut flavor. It will not be as strong, but it will still be cool and refreshing.

2. How strong is this cocktail?

This drink is not very strong. It has 2 ounces of rum in one serving. That is a normal amount for a cocktail.

The coconut cream and club soda make the drink bigger. This spreads out the rum flavor.

You can taste the rum, but it does not overpower the other flavors. That is why I love this drink. It is balanced.

If you want it stronger, add another half ounce of rum. If you want it lighter, use only 1.5 ounces of rum.

3. Why is my drink bitter?

The drink turns bitter when you press the mint too much. When mint leaves get torn or crushed, they release bitter oils.

You only need to press them gently one or two times. Just bruise the leaves. Do not grind them up.

If your drink is already bitter, there is not much you can do. Try adding a little more cream of coconut to balance it out. Next time, be gentler with the mint.

4. My cream of coconut is too thick to pour. What should I do?

Cream of coconut can get very thick, especially if you keep it in the fridge. An easy fix is to place the closed can in a bowl of warm water for five to ten minutes.

Then, open the can and stir the contents well. It should be much easier to pour and measure.

5. How can I make this drink look like the Cheesecake Factory version?

Serve it in a tall, clear glass filled with crushed ice. Add a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel on the rim. Use a straw to stir before sipping. The color and layers will look just like the one they serve.

The Cheesecake Factory Coconut Mojito Recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a fresh, classic cocktail at home.

The recipe shows how coconut and mint come together perfectly with lime and rum for a smooth sip.

Try this recipe at home for a creamy, fizzy treat. Share your experience, comment with your tips, or tag photos of your homemade Coconut Mojito.