Hydrating Citrus Mocktail

This easy Citrus Mocktail combines sumo citrus juice, lemon, and sparkling water with a hint of elderflower syrup for a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s bright, bubbly, and the perfect citrus-forward mocktail for warm days, wellness gatherings, or whenever you need a stylish sip.

When Life Gives You Citrus… Make a Mocktail!

When the sun’s out and your body’s begging for something juicy and cold, make this citrus mocktail recipe! I promise you, it will become a favorite because it’s beyond refreshing, easy to make, and so very delicious. There is no alcohol in this mocktail, but feel free to add some if that’s what you desire. You can make this in a pitcher and share it with friends or family, and it would be a beautiful offering to this Mother’s Day weekend! Whether you’re brunching with your girls, hanging on the patio, or looking for a fancy way to hydrate, this is the drink to pour. And let’s be honest, it’s cute. Like, really cute. Add in a sprig of rosemary or mint, a slice of Sumo citrus, and one of those chunky round ice cubes (you know the ones), and you’ve got yourself a vibe in a glass.

What Is a Mocktail?


A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that’s made to look and feel like a cocktail, just minus the booze. They’re perfect for anyone who’s skipping alcohol but still wants a fun, fancy drink. Think: brunch, baby showers, happy hour…but sober.

Hydrating Citrus Mocktail Ingredients

  • Sumo Citrus Juice: Sumo citrus is basically the Beyoncé of oranges—bold, sweet, and ridiculously juicy. It adds the perfect pop of sunshiney flavor and a gorgeous golden hue to your mocktail. If you can find it, use it! Any other citrus will work for this recipe!
  • Coconut Water: Hydrating, refreshing, and subtly sweet, coconut water gives this mocktail a little electrolyte boost. It keeps the drink light while adding just enough body and natural sweetness.
  • Elderflower Syrup: This is my secret floral touch that takes the mocktail from basic to bougie. It’s soft, fragrant, and plays so well with citrus. If you can’t get your hands on this good stuff, feel free to sub with honey, maple syrup, or your sweetener of choice.
  • Lemon Juice: Zippy and bright, lemon juice balances out the sweetness with just the right amount of tang. It brings that perfect citrus punch that makes every sip feel alive.
  • Seltzer: Bubbles make everything better. The seltzer adds that fizzy finish and turns this drink into a refreshing, feel-good moment.
  • Sumo Citrus Slice (for garnish): It’s a garnish AND a snack. That juicy orange wheel is pure sunshine and makes your drink feel like it came from a fancy spa.
  • Fresh Rosemary or Mint (for garnish): A sprig of green adds instant chicness and a hint of herbal aroma that pairs perfectly with citrus. Mint is classic and cooling, rosemary is a little more unexpected and earthy—both are fab.

Can I Use Other Citrus in This Recipe?

Of course, while sumo citrus is what I used and in my humble opinion, the best for the job, you can use other citrus fruits. Grapefruit will bring a stronger hit of tang but will be just as bright and a little less sweet. Blood oranges will bring a dramatic colour, vibrant flavor and a lot of depth. Your classic orange or tangerine will also work and will offer a very familiar and comforting flavor to this mocktail.

How to Make Citrus Mocktails

This easy mocktail recipe comes together in under five minutes and feels way fancier than it actually is. Juice your Sumo citrus, squeeze half a lemon, and pour both into a pretty glass. Add coconut water and elderflower syrup. Fill your glass with ice cubes. Top it off with sparkling water or seltzer. Garnish with a citrus slice and a sprig of something green (fresh mint or rosemary are perfect). Stir and sip!

What is Sumo Citrus?

If you haven’t had a Sumo citrus before… what are you waiting for?! It’s a massive, juicy, sweet mandarin that peels like a dream and tastes like sunshine. They’re seasonal, so snag ‘em when you can!

Tips for This Brunch Mocktail

  • Use big ice cubes or round ice balls to keep it chilled without watering it down.
  • Want to batch it? Mix everything but the bubbly ahead of time and top with sparkling water when serving.
  • Looking for a twist? Try adding a splash of grapefruit juice for a slightly bitter edge or muddle in some fresh strawberries for a sweet, juicy pop.

Why You’ll Love This Citrus Mocktail

Who doesn’t love a bright pick me up of fresh citrus juice?! This mocktail is light, hydrating, packed with vitamin C and super easy to make. It’s beautiful and will stun anyone you offer it to! It’s naturally sweetened, good for you and the perfect way to cheers to the spring and summer season!

Citrus Mocktail FAQ

Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda? Yes! Both work perfectly for that bubbly texture.

What’s a good substitute for elderflower syrup? Try honey, agave, maple syrup, or skip the sweetener altogether if your citrus is sweet enough!

Can I make this ahead? Yes—just leave out the seltzer until you’re ready to serve so it stays bubbly.

Other Refreshing Drinks for Summer

Keep the vibes going with more mocktail recipes from the blog:

Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade

Painkiller Mocktail

Pink Lemonade

Sunrise Citrus Mocktail

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Meet Claire

Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant forward meals.

This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!

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Hydrating Citrus Mocktail

This easy Citrus Mocktail combines sumo citrus juice, lemon, and sparkling water with a hint of elderflower syrup for a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s bright, bubbly, and the perfect citrus-forward mocktail for warm days, wellness gatherings, or whenever you need a stylish sip.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 1 mocktail

Equipment

  • cocktail spoon, Ice tray

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz sumo citrus juice approx one sumo citrus
  • 3 oz coconut water
  • ½ oz elderflower syrup optional
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • seltzer
  • sumo citrus slice for garnish
  • fresh rosemary sprig or fresh mint for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients except the seltzer into a serving glass, fill with ice, top with seltzer and then garnish with a slice of Sumo citrus and fresh rosemary or mint.

Notes

Mandarin or sweet orange will be a good substitute if sumo citrus is out of season.
Grab these beautiful glasses and fun ice balls I used HERE
The elderflower syrup can be substituted for a sweetener of choice.
Keyword brunch recipe, citrus recipe, dairy free, easy drink recipe, easy mocktail, gluten free, refined sugar free

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Picture of Meet Claire

Meet Claire

Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant forward meals.

This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!

Let's get social!

Search

Most Recent Recipes

Subscribe for more!

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