MSG 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 an ordinary Tuesday. Three kinds of fresh-squeezed juice — orange, lemon, and lime — come together with a homemade lemon zest simple syrup that adds just the right touch of sweetness without any store-bought shortcuts. That matters more than you might think, because flavored syrups and pre-made drink mixes are surprisingly common hiding spots for additives you'd rather avoid. Everything here is made from scratch with whole, recognizable ingredients, so you know exactly what's going into your glass. The sparkling water gives it a lively fizz that makes it feel genuinely festive, and the optional mint and orange garnish take it from casual to impressive in seconds. It's easy enough to throw together on a weeknight but polished enough to serve at a gathering where you want everyone — drinkers and non-drinkers alike — to feel like they got something special.

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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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