This vibrant orange mocktail is simple to make and deliciously sweet. Perfect for a fancy breakfast or brunch, it's orange juice, only better.
If you’re looking for that happy place where simple meets delicious, you’ve found it. My ginger 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, it’s perfect on a warm day.
My orange mocktail is like a mimosa mocktail’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 there’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 don’t have a punch bowl, a jug or drinks dispenser works well.
- Guilt-free: my orange ginger mocktail is alcohol-free, so there’s no need to look at the clock. Serve with breakfast or brunch to make your meal extra special.
EQUIPMENT YOU’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, it’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 you’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 ‘drink me, I’m refreshing’. Hint: if you’re feeling fancy, serve in a champagne flute.
- Citrus juicer: a citrus juicer will make light work of juicing the lemon and oranges. If you’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: I’m a massive fan of squeezing my own orange juice. Nothing beats the taste. It’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. It’s also full of Vitamin C. If you can’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 you’ve always got a sprig on hand.
Simple syrup: sweet tooths, this one's for you. If you find citrus mocktails too tart, you’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. I’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, it’s time to make mocktails! Easy, squeezy and delicious, my 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
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar into water.
Can you buy simple syrup? Yes, you’ll find it for sale at liquor stores as it’s a common ingredient in mocktails and cocktails.
As the ingredients are sugar and water, simple syrup doesn’t go off. It’s also straightforward to make and can be used in many drinks. Making sugar syrup is much cheaper than buying it.
You can even substitute sugar with monkfruit sweetener for a lower sugar simple syrup option. A quick Google will give you a great choice of recipes for both variations.
Apple cider vinegar is non-alcoholic, so it will never taste exactly like alcohol. It’s a by-product of alcohol, so it has some of the same characteristics.
As an ingredient in my orange mocktail, it adds 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 the rocks!
The beauty of simple syrup is that it won’t alter the flavor of the drink. Common substitutes include maple syrup, agave and honey.
They all offer a similar sweetness but are not flavorless. This isn’t a bad thing but be sure to experiment as they will alter the taste.
If you love ginger or orange juice mocktails, I think you’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.
Ingredients
- 3 oz orange juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 8 mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ 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
NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.
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