Citrus and Mint Summer Mocktail
About 9 times out of 10 I’d take a coffee over a glass of wine, or a sparkling water over a beer. Usually people think it’s because of some deeply religious conviction, but if I’m honest, I could take it or leave it. Take chocolate out of my life and I’d turn into the worst version of myself, but take away alcohol? I’d barely notice.
Now make no mistake: we love mixing up a good drink at our house, and Matt makes a pretty mean mocktail! A few years ago he took an amazing cocktail class at a local restaurant and after that we started making our own syrups, which we often add to sparkling water, tonic or Italian soda. Let me tell you, there is nothing more fun or refreshing in the summer and our kids love them too. I’ve shared a few of his mocktail creations on Instagram and soooooo many of you wanted to know how to make them, so we thought we’d share a few on here! Change out the fruit in the simple syrup to make any creation you like! I’ll share a couple of my faves on here over the summer, so check back for more in the coming months!
Recipe
Citrus and Mint Summer Mocktail
Ingredients for the Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 medium blood oranges, washed and roughly chopped with skin on
Ingredients for the Drink
1-2 tsp homemade orange syrup
2 tbsp sugar (for the rim of the glass)
crushed ice
sparkling water
fresh mint
lemon, rinsed and chopped, skin on
blood orange, rinsed and chopped, skin on
Directions
To make the syrup: combine chopped orange, water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Allow mixture to come to a simmer and lower heat. Stir often at a simmer for about 20 minutes, or until liquid has thickened to more of a sauce.
Strain into a jar. Syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the fridge (if it lasts that long!)
To make the drink: Use a lemon slice to wet the rim of a glass. Put the sugar on a plate, and flip glass upside down and press the wet rim into the sugar. Flip the glass back over, carefully add crushed ice, mint and chopped citrus. Pour sparkling water over top and drizzle in syrup, to taste. Enjoy!
