Emulsifier Free Classic Citrus Mocktail

Total time25 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(5)

Bright, tangy, and completely refreshing, this citrus mocktail is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting on a sun-drenched patio even on a grey afternoon. Three kinds of fresh-squeezed juice — orange, lemon, and lime — come together with a lemon zest simple syrup that you make yourself in just a few minutes on the stovetop. That homemade syrup is the secret weapon here, because store-bought flavored syrups and bottled juice blends often sneak in additives and emulsifiers you'd rather avoid. Every single ingredient in this recipe is exactly what it says it is: fruit, sugar, water, and bubbles. The sparkling water gives it that satisfying fizz without any of the mystery ingredients found in commercial sodas or mixers. A garnish of fresh mint and an orange slice makes it look genuinely impressive, whether you're serving it at a dinner party or just treating yourself on a weeknight.

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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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