The question of how many Mojitos it takes to become intoxicated is a common one, but the answer is not a single number. The exact point of intoxication is highly dependent on an individual’s unique biological makeup and the circumstances under which the drinks are consumed. Determining the number requires a scientific approach that involves analyzing the drink’s composition, establishing a physiological definition of “drunk,” and accounting for numerous variables that affect how the body processes alcohol. This analysis provides an estimated range based on average physiological metrics and standard serving sizes.
Standard Alcohol Content of a Mojito
The amount of alcohol in a Mojito depends on the bartender’s pour, but a standard recipe provides a basis for calculation. In the United States, a “standard drink” contains 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure ethanol, equivalent to a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) liquor. A classic Mojito is made with white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and soda water.
Most traditional recipes call for 1.5 to 2 ounces of white rum. A Mojito made with a 1.5-ounce pour contains exactly one standard drink, while a cocktail with a generous 2-ounce pour contains about 1.33 standard drinks. For estimation purposes, a single Mojito starts the intoxication process at a rate of at least one standard drink, regardless of the non-alcoholic mixers used.
Defining Intoxication by Blood Alcohol Concentration
Physiologically, intoxication is measured by Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), which represents the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. Even small amounts of alcohol affect the central nervous system, with measurable impairment beginning at very low BAC levels. For example, a BAC of 0.02% may produce mild euphoria but also causes a noticeable reduction in judgment.
The legal definition of intoxication in most of the U.S. is a BAC of 0.08%, the level at which driving is considered illegal and unsafe. At 0.08%, motor coordination is significantly impaired, reaction time is delayed, and reasoning is substantially reduced. As BAC continues to rise above 0.15%, individuals experience gross motor impairment, slurred speech, and an increased risk of nausea and blackouts.
Key Factors That Influence Your Personal Tolerance
The number of Mojitos required to reach a specific BAC is highly individual because of differences in body composition and metabolism. Body weight is a major factor, as alcohol distributes itself in the total water volume of the body. A heavier person generally has more body water, which dilutes the alcohol more, leading to a lower BAC than a lighter person consuming the same amount.
Biological sex also plays a significant role due to differences in physiology and enzyme activity. A woman’s body contains a lower percentage of water (45–55%) compared to a man’s (55–65%), resulting in less dilution of the alcohol. Furthermore, men typically have higher levels of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in the stomach lining, which pre-metabolizes a small amount of alcohol. This combination means women generally achieve a higher BAC than men of the same weight after consuming an equal number of drinks.
The presence of food in the stomach dramatically influences the rate of alcohol absorption. Alcohol is absorbed fastest in the small intestine, but food delays the emptying of the stomach contents into this area. This mechanism prevents a rapid spike in BAC by controlling the speed at which alcohol enters the bloodstream. Drinking on an empty stomach allows the alcohol to move quickly, resulting in a much faster and higher peak BAC.
Genetic variations affect the efficiency of alcohol metabolism, primarily through differences in the speed of the ADH enzyme in the liver. However, the liver can only process alcohol at a relatively constant rate, typically reducing BAC by about 0.015% per hour. This fixed rate of elimination means that drinking faster than the body can metabolize the alcohol causes the BAC to rise quickly.
Estimating the Number of Mojitos Needed for Intoxication
Synthesizing the factors of standard drink size and BAC targets provides a practical estimate for the average adult. For a person of average weight (around 150 lbs) consuming drinks quickly on an empty stomach, it typically takes three to four standard drinks to reach the legal intoxication limit of 0.08% BAC. Given that a Mojito contains between 1.0 and 1.3 standard drinks, the estimated range needed for this person to reach 0.08% BAC is approximately two-and-a-half to four Mojitos.
A woman of the same weight, due to the factors of lower body water and less gastric enzyme activity, may reach 0.08% BAC after consuming only two to three Mojitos. Impairment begins well before this level, with two standard drinks often sufficient to cause lowered inhibitions and impaired judgment (0.05% BAC). Due to the inherent variability of individual responses and the risk of heavy pours, consuming any number of Mojitos should be done with caution. Never attempt to drive or operate machinery after drinking, as a small number of cocktails can lead to impairment.