Vegetarian Classic Citrus Mocktail

Total time25 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(5)

Bright, tangy, and genuinely refreshing, this citrus mocktail is the kind of drink that makes any occasion feel a little more special — no alcohol required. Three kinds of fresh-squeezed juice come together with a lemon-zested simple syrup that adds just the right touch of sweetness without tipping into sugary territory. The syrup takes only a few minutes on the stovetop, and you can dial the sweetness up or down to suit your taste before everything hits the ice. Topped off with chilled sparkling water, the result is effervescent and lively, with layers of citrus flavor that bottled mixers simply can't replicate. A sprig of fresh mint and an orange slice on the rim make it look like something you'd pay good money for at a restaurant. Everything here is naturally plant-based, so it fits effortlessly into a vegetarian lifestyle without any substitutions or label-reading required. Make a double batch for a crowd and watch it disappear fast.

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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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