Nitrate & Nitrite Free Classic Citrus Mocktail
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 no matter where you actually are. Three kinds of fresh-squeezed juice — orange, lemon, and lime — come together with a lemon zest simple syrup and sparkling water for a layered, lively sip that's genuinely satisfying. Because every ingredient here is whole and fresh, you never have to second-guess what's in your glass the way you might with bottled mixers or pre-made drink mixes that can sneak in unwanted additives. The homemade simple syrup takes just a few minutes on the stovetop and adds a fragrant citrus depth that store-bought sweeteners simply can't match. Topped off with chilled sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint, it looks as good as it tastes. This is the kind of mocktail that earns a permanent spot in your warm-weather rotation.
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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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