Shiso or perilla leaves add a bright, peppery and refreshing flavour to the classic rum-based cocktail. Here’s how to make Shiso Mojito using the aromatic herb.
Shiso Mojito – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Shiso or perilla is an Asian culinary herb that is part of the mint family Lamiaceae. Its serrated oval shaped leaves are aromatic and lend peppery notes with a hint of basil, coriander and mint to food and drink. The annual herb is easy to grow in an edible garden and seeds can be sown in spring. Refer to the full shiso perilla growing guide here. Once the leaves are mature, they can be used in a variety of drinks such as in shiso syrup or in place of mint in cocktails.
To make the cocktail, shiso leaves are muddled with white rum, lime juice and sugar in a shaker. Ice is added before the drink is shaken and the contents poured into a tumbler or old fashioned glass. The drink is garnished with a large shiso leaf, slapped in the hand to release the aromas.
Shiso Mojito Recipe
The recipe for Shiso Mojito is now available in my 260+ page digital book, GROW YOUR OWN COCKTAIL GARDEN 1 Part Grow Guides, 1 Part Cocktails & a Dash of Flavour Pairing available as a digital download. Get your copy HERE.
Updated 26 June 2023
