Nightshade Free Classic Citrus Mocktail
Bright, tangy, and completely refreshing, this citrus mocktail is the kind of drink that feels like a treat without any of the fuss. Three kinds of fresh-squeezed juice — orange, lemon, and lime — come together with a homemade lemon zest simple syrup for a layered, complex flavor that store-bought mixers simply can't match. The whole thing gets topped with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy finish that makes it feel genuinely festive. Since nightshade avoidance is mostly about what's not in your glass, a drink like this is a natural win — every single ingredient here is clean, fruit-forward, and free of any pepper, tomato, or potato derivatives. The lemon zest syrup is a small step that pays off big, adding a floral citrus depth that takes this well beyond basic lemonade. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an orange slice and it looks stunning on a table, whether you're serving it at brunch or just treating yourself on a Tuesday.
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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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