Orange Mocktail

By Natalie Battaglia | Updated April 15, 2022

This vibrant orange mocktail is simple to make and deliciously sweet. Perfect for a fancy breakfast or brunch, it's orange juice, only better.

orange drink in a tall glass garnished with dehydrated orange and mint with purple flowers in the background.

If youโ€™re looking for that happy place where simple meets delicious, youโ€™ve found it. My gingerย orange mocktail combines fresh citrus with ginger ale for the perfect sip.

This easy mocktail is excellent for a kitchen tea or wedding breakfast. Served over ice, itโ€™s perfect on a warm day.

My orange mocktail is like a mimosa mocktailโ€™s fun cousin. Fizzy and orange but with a little bit of spice. This citrus-flavored mocktail is:

  • Easy:  filled with fresh and easy to find ingredients, you can make this drink whenever the mood strikes.
  • Healthy: a citrusy base of orange and lemon mean thereโ€™s plenty of Vitamin C. Use freshly squeezed (or squeeze yourself) juice to increase the nutritional benefits.
  • Perfect for a crowd: pull out the punch bowl and allow guests to serve themselves. To keep the bubbles nice and fresh, add the ginger ale at the last minute and give a quick stir. Tip: if you donโ€™t have a punch bowl, a jug or drinks dispenser works well.
  • Guilt-free: my orange ginger mocktail is alcohol-free, so thereโ€™s no need to look at the clock. Serve with breakfast or brunch to make your meal extra special.
orange drink in a tall glass garnished with dehydrated orange and mint with purple flowers in the background.

EQUIPMENT YOUโ€™LL NEED

My orange mocktail recipe is easy to make, and best of all, no special equipment is required.

  • Cocktail shaker: a cocktail shaker is an easy way to mix your drink. If you love mocktails, itโ€™s worth investing in one. The good news is that any container with a tight lid works. A mason jar or drink bottle are great substitutes. Tip: If youโ€™re using a mason jar or drink bottle, use a sieve to strain the liquid into the glass. Orange mocktails are best pulp free.
  • Tall glass: highball glass or a Collins glass work well for this drink. Long and thin, they highlight the gorgeous color of the fresh orange juice. And, on a warm day, the ice beads the glass with a beautiful condensation that cries โ€˜drink me, Iโ€™m refreshingโ€™. Hint: if youโ€™re feeling fancy, serve in a champagne flute.
  • Citrus juicer: a citrus juicer will make light work of juicing the lemon and oranges. If youโ€™re short on time, freshly squeezed store-bought orange juice works well. 

ORANGE JUICE MOCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

Fancy, fizzy and never dull, my orange mocktail will have you asking for more.

Orange juice: Iโ€™m a massive fan of squeezing my own orange juice. Nothing beats the taste. Itโ€™s also the best way to preserve more vitamin C and nutrients. Store-bought freshly squeezed is also a great option. Select a pulp-free variety and keep in mind that some nutrients will be lost in processing.

Lemon juice: freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a subtle tartness to this mocktail. Itโ€™s also full of Vitamin C. If you canโ€™t find fresh lemons, then you can use bottled.

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Apple cider vinegar: fun fact. Apple cider vinegar is a by-product of alcohol. This means it shares some of the same characteristics. In my orange mocktail, it adds a bit of bite that can be lost in alcohol-free drinks. Apple cider vinegar is also full of antioxidants. Select an organic variety for the most benefit.

Mint: if orange juice were to have a bestie, it would probably be mint. The fiery freshness of mint gives this mocktail a boost. Grow a pot on your windowsill, so youโ€™ve always got a sprig on hand.

Simple syrup: sweet tooths, this one's for you. If you find citrus mocktails too tart, youโ€™ll love this ingredient. Simple syrup is a flavorless syrup that is perfect for sweetening mocktails. Try the orange and lemon juice mix, and then add simple syrup to taste. Around a teaspoon should do.

For a lower sugar orange mocktail, choose a sugar-free simple syrup. Iโ€™ve yet to try them, but Skinny Syrups look like a great option and have zero calories, sugars, or carbs. Another option is to make a simple syrup with monkfruit sweetener instead of sugar. 

Tip: If you prefer a less sweet mocktail, skip the simple syrup and head straight to adding the ginger ale.

HOW TO MAKE AN ORANGE JUICE MOCKTAIL

When life gives you oranges, itโ€™s time to make mocktails! Easy, squeezy and delicious, myย orange mocktail is sure to become a favorite.

Simply:

Add orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and simple syrup (if using) into the cocktail shaker.

Clap the mint in your hands to release the scent, then place in a cocktail

Add some ice cubes to the shaker and shake until combined.

Slowly pour into an ice-filled glass and top with ginger ale.

Garnish with orange slices and mint or whatever you have available.

Frequently asked questions

What is simple syrup made of?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar into water.ย 

Can you buy simple syrup? Yes, youโ€™ll find it for sale at liquor stores as itโ€™s a common ingredient in mocktails and cocktails.

As the ingredients are sugar and water, simple syrup doesnโ€™t go off. Itโ€™s also straightforward toย make and can be used in many drinks. Making sugar syrup is much cheaper than buying it.

ย You can even substitute sugar with monkfruit sweetener for a lower sugar simple syrup option. Aย quick Google will give you a great choice of recipes for both variations.

Does apple cider vinegar taste like alcohol?

Apple cider vinegar is non-alcoholic, so it will never taste exactly like alcohol. Itโ€™s a by-product ofย alcohol, so it has some of the same characteristics.

As an ingredient in my orange mocktail, it addsย a lovely bite, that can be missing when going alcohol-free.

Think of it as that lovely zing you get when drinking a spirit but perhaps hold off serving it on theย rocks!

What can simple syrup be substituted for?

The beauty of simple syrup is that it wonโ€™t alter the flavor of the drink. Common substitutes include maple syrup, agave and honey.ย 

They all offer a similar sweetness but are not flavorless. This isnโ€™t a bad thing but be sure to experiment as they will alter the taste.

orange drink in a tall glass garnished with dehydrated orange and mint with purple flowers in the background.

If you love ginger or orange juice mocktails, I think youโ€™ll love these recipes too:

Aromatic and fresh, this easy-drinking mocktail is moreish. I hope you enjoy this orange mocktail as much as I enjoyed creating it.

partial birds eye view on an orange colored drink which is garnished with fresh mint with lemon slices next to it.

Orange Mocktail

A sweet, citrusy mocktail with a glorious ginger zing.
5 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz orange juice
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 8 mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ยฝ cup ginger ale
  • 1 oz simple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  • Clap the mint in your hands to release the scent, then place in a cocktail shaker.
  • Add orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and simple syrup (if using) to the shaker.
  • Add a few ice cubes to the shaker and shake until combined.
  • Pour into an ice filled glass and top with ginger ale.
  • Garnish your orange mocktail with orange slices and mint, of whatever you have available.

Notes

  • Don't have a cocktail shaker? Don't worry, anything with a tight lid will work. I find a drink bottle or mason jar does the trick.
  • The nutritional calculation does not include the simple syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 250mls | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 512IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.

Did You Make This Recipe? Please leave a rating below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

5 from 11 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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