Citric Acid Free Classic Nojito
Fresh mint, real lime juice, and a quick homemade simple syrup come together in a mocktail that feels genuinely festive without a drop of alcohol. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, the tricky part with drinks like this is usually the hidden additives — bottled juices, flavored sparkling waters, and commercial syrups are notorious for sneaking in citric acid as a preservative or flavor enhancer. This recipe sidesteps all of that by keeping every ingredient clean and whole: fresh-squeezed lime, plain sparkling water, and a two-ingredient syrup you make yourself in about two minutes. Muddling the mint directly with the lime juice and syrup releases those bright, herbal oils and gives the drink its signature pale green color and garden-fresh aroma. The result is crisp, cooling, and just sweet enough — the kind of drink that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a backyard party. Serve it immediately so the bubbles stay lively and the mint stays fragrant.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the simple syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For the drinks
- 16 fresh mint leaves, plus 2 sprigs for garnish
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- 2 lime wheels or wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes — the syrup should be clear and slightly thickened.
- 2
Divide the mint leaves evenly between two tall glasses. Add half the lime juice and half the simple syrup to each glass. Muddle firmly with a cocktail muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, pressing and twisting 8–10 times until the mint is bruised and fragrant and the liquid turns pale green.
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