Carrageenan Free Sparkling Orange Cinnamon Mocktail Spritz
Bright, citrusy, and lightly spiced, this sparkling mocktail is the kind of drink that makes any occasion feel a little more special — no alcohol required. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is the star, balanced by a homemade maple-cinnamon syrup that you simmer right on the stovetop in just a few minutes. Because everything here is made from scratch, you sidestep the thickeners and stabilizers that sneak into so many store-bought mixers and flavored sparkling beverages. Carrageenan is a common additive in commercial drink products, but when you're working with whole oranges, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and plain sparkling water, there's simply nothing to worry about. The syrup steeps long enough to pick up a deep, warming spice note that plays beautifully against the bright acidity of the juice. Topped with chilled sparkling water and served over ice, it's refreshing and elegant all at once — and the optional orange slice and cinnamon stick garnish make it genuinely gorgeous in the glass.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cinnamon syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
For the spritz
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 4 medium oranges)
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- 4 thin orange slices, for garnish (optional)
- 4 cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, maple syrup, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the maple syrup dissolves, then bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes, until the syrup is fragrant and lightly coats the back of a spoon.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cinnamon syrup steep for 20 minutes, until deeply fragrant. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl or jar and discard the cinnamon sticks. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
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