Orange Citrus Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (for mocktail) + 15-20 minutes (for syrup)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for syrup)
- Total Time: 25 minutes (with syrup)
- Yield: 1 serving (easily doubled or tripled)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stirring, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
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 (to taste)
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
Instructions
For the Ginger-Mint Simple Syrup:
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In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely.
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Add fresh ginger slices and mint leaves, and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5-10 minutes.
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Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes for more intense flavor.
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Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve and let cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For the Orange Citrus Mocktail:
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In a glass, combine 1–2 tablespoons of ginger-mint simple syrup with fresh lime juice.
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Add freshly squeezed orange juice and stir to combine.
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Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
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Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus to your preference.
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Add ice to the glass and garnish with fresh mint, orange or lime slices, pomegranate arils, rosemary, or sugared cranberries.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less ginger-mint syrup.
Make the syrup in advance and store it in the fridge.
Garnish options add a festive touch and extra flavor.
