Orange Citrus Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Citrus Mocktail is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and bubbly, making it the ultimate thirst-quencher. The ginger-mint simple syrup brings an aromatic sweetness and a touch of spice, while the fresh citrus juices provide a bright, tangy kick. The sparkling water adds a refreshing effervescence, making it feel like a celebration in every sip. It’s incredibly easy to make, can be adjusted to suit your taste, and makes for a stunning, non-alcoholic option that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

For The Ginger-Mint Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2″ piece fresh ginger, peel removed and cut in half or sliced (or 2 cubes frozen ginger)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (about 0.5–1 oz. mint leaves)

For The Orange Citrus Mocktail:

• 1–2 Tbsp. ginger mint simple syrup
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or highest quality possible)
• 1/4 cup sparkling water

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Orange or lime slices
• Pomegranate arils
• Fresh rosemary
• Sliced ginger
• Sugared or frozen cranberries

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For The Ginger-Mint Simple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the fresh ginger slices and mint leaves to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup steep for an additional 10 minutes for more intense flavor.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the ginger and mint leaves.
6. Let the syrup cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For The Orange Citrus Mocktail:

1. In a glass, combine 1–2 tablespoons of ginger-mint simple syrup (to taste) with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
2. Add 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and stir the mixture to combine.
3. Top with about 1/4 cup of sparkling water, or adjust based on your preferred level of fizz.
4. Stir gently and taste, adjusting sweetness or citrus as desired.
5. Add ice to the glass if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves, orange or lime slices, pomegranate arils, rosemary, sliced ginger, or sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes one serving of Orange Citrus Mocktail, but it can easily be doubled or tripled for larger batches. The preparation time for the mocktail is about 5 minutes, but if you’re making the ginger-mint simple syrup from scratch, allow about 15-20 minutes of cooking and steeping time. The syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Spicy Citrus Mocktail: Add an extra slice or two of fresh ginger to the mocktail for an added kick of spice.
• Berry Citrus Mocktail: Muddle some fresh berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries) in the glass before adding the liquids for a fruity twist.
• Herbal Citrus Mocktail: Use fresh basil or rosemary in place of mint for a different herbal flavor.
• Citrus Punch: Add additional fruit juices such as pineapple or grapefruit for a tropical, multi-citrus punch.
• Sparkling Citrus Lemonade: Substitute the orange juice with lemon juice for a tangy lemonade version of this mocktail.

Storage/Reheating

The ginger-mint simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to give it a shake before using, as it may separate over time. For the mocktail itself, it is best served fresh, but you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate the mixed juice base (without the sparkling water). When ready to serve, top with sparkling water and ice.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ginger syrup instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought ginger syrup can be used as a substitute. However, homemade syrup allows for more control over the sweetness and flavor, as well as a fresher taste.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the mocktail?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less ginger-mint simple syrup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add an extra tablespoon of syrup.

How can I make this mocktail less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, decrease the amount of ginger-mint syrup or replace it with a sugar-free alternative, such as a stevia-based syrup or simply omitting the syrup altogether for a more tart drink.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

While freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use high-quality bottled orange juice if fresh juice is unavailable.

Can I make a large batch of this mocktail for a party?

Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Prepare the ginger-mint simple syrup in advance and mix the citrus juices and sparkling water in a large pitcher just before serving.

Is this mocktail vegan?

Yes, the Orange Citrus Mocktail is naturally vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients.

Can I make this mocktail ahead of time?

You can prepare the ginger-mint syrup and mix the citrus juices ahead of time, but it’s best to add the sparkling water just before serving to retain its fizz.

How do I make this mocktail more refreshing?

To enhance the refreshment, serve the mocktail over ice and add fresh mint leaves or citrus slices for garnish.

Can I use other herbs besides mint?

Yes, you can substitute fresh basil or thyme for mint to create a different herbal flavor profile that still pairs beautifully with citrus.

Conclusion

The Orange Citrus Mocktail is the perfect non-alcoholic drink for any occasion, offering a wonderful blend of sweet, tangy, and effervescent flavors. The homemade ginger-mint simple syrup adds a delightful layer of warmth and spice, while the fresh citrus juices keep the drink light and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a cool, invigorating beverage, this mocktail will quickly become a favorite.

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