Xanthan Gum Free Classic Citrus Mocktail
Bright, tangy, and completely 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 quick lemon zest simple syrup that adds a fragrant, floral sweetness you just can't get from a bottle. The whole thing is naturally free of thickeners and stabilizers, so every sip is clean and light with nothing artificial muddying the flavor. For anyone navigating ingredient sensitivities around gums and additives, this recipe is a genuine breath of fresh air — every component is straightforward and easy to verify. A splash of chilled sparkling water at the end gives it that satisfying fizz, and optional mint and orange garnishes make it look like something you'd order at a rooftop bar. It comes together in minutes and is easy to scale up for a crowd, making it just as at home at a dinner party as it is on a quiet weeknight.
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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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