Autumn Citrus Mocktail

A refreshing fall mocktail built from orange juice, cranberry juice, lemon, and sparkling soda, with a small amount of maple syrup for balance and rosemary for an aromatic finish. It is quick to mix, easy to scale, and best served very cold over ice.

By Julienne

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs 1 sprig lightly bruised for the pitcher, 3 sprigs for garnish
• 240 ml orange juice chilled
• 240 ml cranberry juice chilled
• 30 ml lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 20 ml maple syrup
• 1 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs 1 sprig lightly bruised for the pitcher, 3 sprigs for garnish
• 600 g ice
• 480 ml sparkling water or club soda well chilled
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs 1 sprig lightly bruised for the pitcher, 3 sprigs for garnish
• 4 slices orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. If desired, lightly bruise 1 rosemary sprig by pressing it once with the back of a spoon; this helps release aroma without making the drink taste piney. The rosemary smells fragrant but is still intact.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the orange juice, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir until the maple syrup is fully dissolved. The mixture looks uniform with no visible streaks of syrup.
3. Add the bruised rosemary sprig to the pitcher and let the base sit for 2 minutes so the herbal note infuses gently. The base smells slightly more aromatic and herbal.
4. Add the ice to four serving glasses, dividing it evenly, then pour the fruit base over the ice until each glass is about two-thirds full. The glasses are cold and partially filled with juice base.
5. Top each glass with sparkling water, dividing the 480 ml evenly among the four drinks, then stir each once or twice very gently to keep the bubbles lively. The drink looks fizzy and lightly layered, with bubbles rising to the surface.
6. Garnish each glass with 1 rosemary sprig and 1 orange slice, then serve immediately while the drink is cold and sparkling. Each glass is garnished and ready to drink.