A bright and fruity drink, this Citrus Mocktail is perfect for citrus season - with lemon juice and orange or grapefruit juice, this non-alcoholic drink is a zesty refreshing fav.
I'm first publishing this recipe in the winter because it's citrus season! Meaning your citrus will be at peak ripeness and flavor during the winter months. The perfect time for a tangy mocktail. Plus, load up on some of those citrus vitamins for cold and flu season.
But even in warmer weather, this mocktail is delightful and refreshing.
The drink is incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a last minute drink!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Citrus Mocktail
- No Alcohol - of course! It's a mocktail, so there's no alcohol at all. If you want to add alcohol I give the quantity and type of liquor below
- Simple ingredients - no expensive zero proof liquors or juices
- Dietary needs - besides being alcohol-free this mocktail is plant-based, gluten-free, and easily made refined sugar-free
- Refreshing & light - citrus-forward with a gentle ginger kick
- Alcohol-Free - perfect for any occasion or time of day
- Customizable Fizz - works with sparkling water or soda
- Great for entertaining - easy to scale up for a crowd
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Orange or Grapefruit Juice: I used fresh oranges, but this citrus mocktail would also be great with fresh grapefruit, or even a mix. Since the juice is a main ingredient in the mocktail, I highly recommend using fresh juice instead of bottled. Grab a citrus reamer and juice any size citrus you have!
- Lemon Ginger Simple Syrup: I made a zingy lemon ginger simple syrup that brings more of that bright citrus flavor to this drink. It's so easy to make and versatile for more than just mocktails (think: lemonade or teas). Feel free to also use any other simple syrup.
- Crushed Ice
- Sparkling Water: regular seltzer water or sparkling water is perfect here. For more citrus, go for a lemon, orange, or grapefruit flavored sparkling water like Spindrift
- Garnishes: orange wedge, lemon wedge, fresh mint
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. In a glass or cocktail shaker, whisk or shake together the orange juice and simple syrup. Optionally, you can add some ice at this stage to help chill the liquids.
Step 2. Add the crushed ice to the glass. Strain the orange juice mixture over over crushed ice, then top with sparkling water. Garnish with an orange wedge, lemon wedge, and sprig of mint.
FAQ & Expert Tips
Mix the juice and syrup in advance, then add the seltzer water just before serving.
Grapefruit, blood orange, or pineapple pair nicely with lemon ginger syrup.
Homemade cocktails are flexible! And so easy to alter to the exact flavor you prefer.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more syrup. Or for a more tangy drink, add some extra orange juice. Make it your own!
If you want to add alcohol, add a shot of tequila or vodka. You may use slightly less seltzer water.
If you make several and have leftovers, a large mason jar is perfect for storage. The drink will last in the fridge for up to a week, though it will lose its fizz.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this mocktail. Thank you for simple, alcohol-free drinks that we can enjoy. Amen.
More refreshing mocktails
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📖 Recipe
Citrus Mocktail
Ingredients
- Juice of 1 Orange or Grapefruit or ¼ cup from a bottle
- 1-2 Tablespoons Lemon Ginger Simple Syrup or use any simple syrup and add 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Crushed Ice
- 4-6 Ounces Sparkling Water
- Garnishes: orange wedge, lemon wedge, fresh mint
Instructions
- In a glass or cocktail shaker, whisk or shake together the orange juice and simple syrup. Optionally, you can add some ice at this stage to help chill the liquids.
- Add the crushed ice to the glass. Strain the orange juice mixture over over crushed ice, then top with sparkling water. Garnish with an orange wedge, lemon wedge, and sprig of mint.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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