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    Home » Drinks

    Orange Mocktail

    Published: May 5, 2014 · Modified: Jan 4, 2023 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Orange Mocktail! This citrusy and refreshing zero alcohol drink is a perfect beverage to enjoy with brunch or poolside.

    An orange mocktail in a glass garnished with rosemary and orange with a green bottle of sparkling water in the background.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click a link and purchase an item I’ve recommended. Thanks for your support in running this blog!

    I love a good cocktail, but sometimes it's nice to take a little break and reset.

    My Orange Mocktail is a citrusy, refreshing sipper that won't make you feel deprived of the flavors and complexity that you might find in a typical cocktail.

    A combination of fresh orange juice, blood orange juice, and lemon juice add a tart and tangy kick while rosemary-infused simple syrup adds a layer of herbal notes that will keep you coming back for another taste.

    Whether you're doing a Dry January, expecting or leaning into the "sober curious" movement, there's no doubt that there are tons of fun alcohol-free options that are simply delicious!

    Looking for more refreshing mocktail recipes? Try my Miami Vice Mocktail, Mojito Mocktail or Coconut Key Lime Pie Coolers!

    This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Orange Mocktail

    Ingredients

    • Fresh orange juice
    • Blood orange juice. Blood oranges have a beautiful deep red color and sweeter, juicier taste than naval oranges. If you can't find blood oranges, you may use regular naval oranges.
    • Fresh lemon juice
    • Fresh rosemary
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Club soda or sparkling mineral water

    Instructions

    Make Simple Syrup

    In a small pot over medium-high heat, stir together water and sugar. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes or until the sugar crystals are dissolved.

    Remove from heat.

    Toss in rosemary sprigs. Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes; this will infuse the simple syrup with the flavor of rosemary.

    Discard the rosemary sprigs. Cool completely.

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Tip: Use rosemary simple syrup for lemonade or even infused into compotes or jams like in this Blueberry Toast.

    Make Mocktail

    Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add orange juice, blood orange juice, lemon juice and rosemary simple syrup.

    Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until chilled. 

    Pour into a glass and finish off with club soda or sparkling water.

    Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and an orange slice if desired.

    An orange mocktail in a glass with a slice of orange and sprig of rosemary.

    Recipe FAQ's

    What is a mocktail?

    A mocktail is a drink make cocktail-style using non-alcoholic ingredients. It is typically made with a combination of juices and sodas or sparkling water, or with zero-proof alcohol alternatives.

    Can this mocktail be made ahead?

    Yes. This mocktail recipe may be multiplied and made as a pitcher drink. Simply combine the juices and the simple syrup in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Then shake each cocktail individually and top with club soda just before serving.

    Variations & Substitutions

    Try these variations!

    • Add a splash of ginger beer (also non-alcoholic) to your mocktail for a spicy kick.
    • Give your mocktail a pretty rim by dipping the glass in a shallow puddle of simple syrup, then in sparkling sugar.
    • Add a shot of your favorite zero-proof spirit for a more realistic cocktail flavor.
    An orange mocktail in a glass garnished with rosemary and orange with a green bottle of sparkling water in the background.

    Orange Mocktail

    The Kitchen Prep
    Orange Mocktail! This citrusy and refreshing zero alcohol drink is a perfect beverage to enjoy with brunch or poolside.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 mocktail

    Ingredients
      

    For Simple Syrup

    • ½ cup water
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 rosemary sprigs

    For Mocktail

    • 2 ounces fresh orange juice
    • 2 ounces blood orange juice
    • ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
    • ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup
    • 2 ounces club soda or sparkling water

    Instructions
     

    Make Simple Syrup

    • In a small pot over medium-high heat, stir together water and sugar. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes or until the sugar crystals are dissolved. Remove from heat.
    • Toss in rosemary sprigs. Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes; this will infuse the simple syrup with the flavor of rosemary.
    • Discard the rosemary sprigs. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Make Mocktail

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add orange juice, blood orange juice, lemon juice and rosemary simple syrup.
    • Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until chilled. 
    • Pour into a glass and finish off with club soda or sparkling water.
    • Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and an orange slice if desired.

    Notes

    Variations
    • Add a splash of ginger beer (also non-alcoholic) to your mocktail for a spicy kick.
    • Give your mocktail a pretty rim by dipping the glass in a shallow puddle of simple syrup, then in sparkling sugar.
    • Add a shot of your favorite zero-proof spirit for a more realistic cocktail flavor.
    Adapted from Food & Wine
    « Bistro Ten Zero One | West Palm Beach, Florida
    Bacon, Cheddar, Zucchini Quiche »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says

      May 05, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      I absolutely love oranges and fresh rosemary together. . big woot woot!! and love this mocktail . . the perfect beverage for a nice Brunch meal, love it!!!

      Reply
    2. Liz Berg says

      May 05, 2014 at 12:47 pm

      What a gorgeous mocktail! The combo of orange and rosemary is amazing!

      Reply
    3. BecHeflin says

      May 05, 2014 at 1:15 pm

      You just made my brunch dreams come true! I can't have alcohol, but I was craving something refreshing to go with all of these amazing brunch dishes. THANK YOU <3

      Reply
    4. Terri Truscello Miller says

      May 05, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      Haha, brunch is an indecisive meal - so true. That Oprah comment had me cracking up! Thanks for participating again this year!

      Reply
    5. Erin says

      May 05, 2014 at 1:40 pm

      Rosemary in a cocktail (or mocktail) sound very good.

      Reply
    6. Camilla Mann says

      May 05, 2014 at 3:16 pm

      Oh, my kids will LOVE a fancy mocktail for Mothers' Day Brunch. Thanks for sharing with #BrunchWeek.

      Reply
    7. The Little Ferraro Kitchen says

      May 05, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      I LOVE that you added a savory herb to your drink!!

      Reply
    8. Veronica Gantley says

      May 05, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      My daugher adores her mocktails. Makes her feel like a grown up.

      Reply
    9. Shaina Wizov says

      May 05, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      I love these flavors, Dianna! Sounds delicious...I'm going to crush your mocktail dreams though and tell you I would definitely add a little vodka to this 😉

      Reply
    10. Lanie Smith from The Vintage Cook says

      May 05, 2014 at 9:17 pm

      This looks so so so so , did I say SO PRETTY and refreshing. I LOVE it! Great recipe.

      Reply
    11. Stephie says

      May 06, 2014 at 12:37 am

      Love that you made a drink that everybody can sip. I'll add a splash of vodka to mine when nobody is watching 😉

      Reply
    12. Julie E says

      May 06, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      What a fabulous flavor combination. I can't wait to give this a try!

      Reply
    13. Courtney @ Neighborfood says

      May 06, 2014 at 7:04 pm

      I love that you added rosemary to a cocktail! I really want to experiment more with adding herbs to drinks. This seems like a great place to start!

      Reply
    14. thekitchenprep says

      May 06, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      @Alice - Thanks! I love the flavor combo, too! In fact, I made some Orange Rosemary muffins a while back that were killer!
      @Liz - Thanks so much! I love it, too!
      @BecHeflin - Aw, yay! These are definitely refreshing and fun, hope you love it!
      @Terri - Haha! Thanks! Maybe next year we'll have a car to give away... the Brunch-Mobile! 😉
      @Erin - It is! Sounds a little strange at first but the herbal taste is delicious!
      @Camilla - I love that! Kids should get fancy drinks, too! Serve it in pretty glasses & they'll really feel grown up!
      @The Little Ferraro Kitchen - Isn't it a fun addition? I love adding basil to drinks, too!
      @Veronica - So sweet! I hope she loves this one!
      @Shaina - Haha! I say go for it! It'll be like a Rosemary Mimosa!
      @Lanie - Thanks so much, Lanie!
      @Stephie - I won't tell. 😉 Enjoy!
      @Julie E - Thanks, Julie! Hope you like it!
      @Courtney - It is a such a nice combo! The rosemary adds a little something without being overwhelming, and you can adjust how potent it is by steeping it for more or less time (kind of like tea). I hope it inspires you to try some other herbal cocktails! 🙂

      Reply
    15. Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says

      May 07, 2014 at 4:43 am

      My mom's not much of a drinker, either. Sometimes, I wonder if she really gave birth to me 😉 But seriously, my mom would love this mocktail, and I would add...a little somethin' somethin' for my own glass.

      Reply
    16. Chelsea Lords says

      May 07, 2014 at 10:53 pm

      I absolutely LOVE mocktails! I don't drink so it's fun to see drinks I can make and this one looks (and sounds) fantastic! Pinned!

      Reply
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    Trackbacks

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    Hi! I'm Dianna. I used to think cooking had to be complicated to be good, so I never considered it "my thing." Now I know that's far from true, and my mission is to create & share easy, mouthwatering recipes - from weeknight dinners to simple bites for entertaining - that anyone can make! Join me in my South Florida kitchen and let's get cooking!

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