Honey 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 any occasion feel a little more special — no bar cart required. Many store-bought mocktails and flavored syrups sneak in honey as a sweetener, which can make finding a safe option genuinely frustrating. Here, the sweetness comes entirely from a quick lemon zest simple syrup made with just granulated sugar and water, so you stay in full control of every ingredient. The triple hit of fresh orange, lemon, and lime juice gives it a layered, complex flavor that tastes far more sophisticated than the effort involved. A splash of chilled sparkling water at the end adds that satisfying fizz, and the optional mint and orange garnish make it look like something you'd order at a nice restaurant. It's easy to scale up for a crowd, and since the simple syrup can be made ahead and stashed in a jar, assembly takes just minutes when guests arrive.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

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.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!