Barley Free Classic Citrus Mocktail
Bright, tangy, and endlessly refreshing, this citrus mocktail layers freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and lime juice into a drink that feels genuinely special without a drop of alcohol. A quick homemade lemon simple syrup ties everything together with a subtle floral sweetness that store-bought mixes simply can't match. The whole thing comes together in minutes — just a little stirring, a splash of chilled sparkling water, and you're done. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from grain-based additives, so there's no label-scanning or second-guessing required. It's the kind of drink that looks stunning with an orange slice and fresh mint perched on the rim, making it perfect for brunches, dinner parties, or just a Tuesday when you want something that feels a little elevated. Serve it immediately over ice while the bubbles are still lively for the best possible sip.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the simple syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For the mocktail
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 2 medium oranges)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 orange slices, for garnish (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar, water, and lemon zest in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool for 10 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl or jar, discarding the zest.
- 2
Combine the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of the cooled lemon simple syrup in a cocktail shaker or pitcher. Taste and add up to 1 additional tablespoon of syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
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