Citrus Orange Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

Orange Citrus Mocktail – This bright, crisp orange juice mocktail is the perfect refreshing drink to add to your next holiday or special occasion. (Don’t miss our ginger-mint simple syrup!)

Michael and I don’t drink and since we have kids at home, we’re always looking for fun non-alcoholic drink recipes to make special occasions feel extra special. Around the holidays with fun parties, dinners, and events (like New Year’s Eve or Christmas Eve), it always feels fun to have a glass of something sweet and sparkly to sip while we celebrate.

This Orange Citrus Mocktail recipe is this year’s signature drink. With bright, crisp citrus flavor, a sunny orange color, and just the right amount of bubbles, it definitely feels like a celebration! The perfect non-alcoholic alternative to a cocktail.

One of my favorite parts is a subtle layer of flavor we add with our infused simple syrup. You’re doing to LOVE IT.

Here’s what you need to get started…

Here’s What You Need To Make Citrus Orange Mocktails:

• Ice. You can’t start a mocktail without ice! I like my drinks nice and cold!
• Our Ginger-Mint Simple Syrup. Made with just water, sugar, fresh mint, and ginger, it’s easy to make, and this infused simple syrup adds a gorgeous layer of flavor to every sip of this citrus mocktail.
• Fresh Lime Juice. Next up is a twist of lime with some fresh lime juice. The citrus flavors are so complementary, so it’s important to use FRESH lime juice here. (The bottled kind will make these taste bitter and acidic.)
• Orange Juice (Best Quality!). Since the star flavor in this orange mocktail recipe is orange juice, I recommend using fresh orange juice (freshly squeezed) or the highest quality orange juice that fits your budget. It’ll make a big difference in flavor!
• Sparkling Water or Club Soda. Then, you’ll fill up the rest of your glass with sparkling water/club soda for a few bubbles.
• Pretty Garnishes. I LOVE making a mocktail look pretty, and it’s easy to do with our favorite garnishes below!

How To Make Orange Juice Mocktails, Step By Step:

1. First, Make Your Ginger Mint Simple Syrup. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 3 minutes). Turn off the heat and add mint leaves. Steep for 15-20 minutes (or until cool for stronger flavor!). Strain the ginger and mint out and store the ginger-mint simple syrup in a jar in the fridge up to 1 month.
2. Add Ginger Mint Simple Syrup. Then, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of your ginger-mint simple syrup to the glass.
3. Add Lime Juice & Orange Juice. Pour in lime juice and orange juice. (I recommend tasting it here. If your juice is more tart, you may want an extra splash of ginger-mint syrup.)
4. Swirl & Top Off With Sparkling Water. Stir to combine with a straw or drink stirrer, then top off the glass with sparkling water.
5. Add Your Favorite Garnishes! Then, you’re ready to add pretty garnishes to finish the drink! Here are some of our favorites…

Pretty Garnishes To Add To Citrus Orange Mocktails:

• Orange Slices. Mimic the flavors of the drink by adding thin slices or wedges of fresh oranges to your glass. Mix it up by adding Cara Cara oranges (coral pink!) or blood oranges (reds & pinks!) for even more color!
• Lime Slices. Add some color with a wedge, twist, or slice of lime. I love how the greens and oranges look together!
• Fresh Orange Zest. You can use a vegetable peeler or one of these handy citrus zester tools to make big curls of orange zest. They look so elegant.
• Slices of Fresh Ginger. Play up the flavors of the ginger mint simple syrup by adding a slice or two of fresh ginger to your citrus mocktail–so good. So fresh!
• Fresh Mint or Rosemary. I love the freshness some more mint can add to these orange mocktails. Or, you can add a different twist by adding a sprig of rosemary. (This looks so festive around the holidays!)
• Pomegranate Arils. When they’re in season, pomegranate arils can look so gorgeous in an orange mocktail. I love the pop of color–like festive little gems!
• Sugared Cranberries. Similarly, some fresh, frozen, or sugared cranberries can give these orange mocktails a holiday feel! (Try dipping the cranberries in our ginger-mint simple syrup, then rolling in sugar for an extra dose of flavor!)
• Pretty Ice Cubes. Try freezing cranberries, pomegranate, citrus, mint, or edible flowers in your ice cubes for a pretty touch.

FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Citrus Orange Mocktails:

How To Make Pretty Ice Cubes. Add a fun touch to your drink by making pretty ice cubes, filled with fruit, edible flowers, fresh herbs, and more!

How To Make Clear Ice Cubes. For a super impressive presentation, try making clear ice cubes! They level up any drink.

How Long Does Ginger Simple Syrup Stay Fresh? Infused simple syrup, like this ginger-mint simple syrup will stay fresh about 1 month in the refrigerator. You’ll know it’s not fresh anymore when it takes on a cloudy appearance, smells off, or hisses when you open the container. (Simple syrup is clear when fresh.)

Can You Freeze Simple Syrup? Yes! Sort Of! Because of the high sugar content, sometimes simple syrup doesn’t freeze completely solid. But you *can* freeze it in a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray and transfer the cubes to an airtight bag. It’ll stay fresh 2-3 months in the freezer.

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