Sparkling Citrus Mocktail

An alcohol-free citrus drink built from freshly squeezed juice, chilled sparkling water, and mint. The citrus base is mixed first, then topped with sparkling water at the last moment so the drink stays lively and fizzy.

By Julienne

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 240 ml orange juice freshly squeezed
• 60 ml lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 60 ml lime juice freshly squeezed
• 30 ml simple syrup cooled
• 8 g fresh mint leaves lightly bruised
• 720 ml sparkling water chilled
• 4 piece orange slices for garnish
• 4 piece lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. If using ice, fill 4 glasses with it or chill the glasses while you mix. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a 1.5 L pitcher. Stir until the syrup is fully dissolved. The citrus base looks evenly combined and no syrup streaks remain.
2. Gently bruise the mint leaves between your fingers and add them to the pitcher. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes so the mint perfumes the citrus without turning grassy. The pitcher smells minty but the leaves are still bright green.
3. Just before serving, add the chilled sparkling water to the pitcher and stir once or twice from the bottom up so you do not lose carbonation. The drink is foamy at the surface and actively sparkling.
4. Divide the mocktail between 4 glasses. Garnish each with an orange slice; add a lemon slice if using. Each glass is filled to a similar level and the garnish is in place.