The biggest complaint I hear about mocktails is that they're just not...well, 'mock'-tails. They're more like overpriced cups of juice and just don't make you feel like they can hang with cocktails.
But this non-alcoholic blood orange mocktail recipe definitely can. I wanted to bring in those aspects of cocktail making: muddling and mixing and utilizing fresh ingredients to give us a perfect mocktail for parties.
Since blood orange season runs from December through March, it’s a perfect winter/early spring blood orange spritzer that'll fit in at your holiday parties and your perfect Valentine's Day dinner that I know your special someone is going to just love.
Why You'll Love this Gorgeous Blood Orange Mocktail
- This isn't just “fancy, overpriced juice.” Between the ginger smash and the sparkling topper, this has depth, warmth, and personality gives this all the depth of a cocktail without alcohol, making it perfect for Dry January fans.
- The bubbles stay bubbly. Pouring in Italian blood orange soda at the end keeps the drink lively and fizzy instead of flat or watered down.
- Perfect for the season! Blood oranges are at their sweetest in the winter and early spring, so this feels bright and refreshing when everything else is heavy and warm.
- Ginger packs a warm spice punch. While blood oranges are bright and citrusy, that ginger brings a winter warmth with its classic spicy flavor!
Ingredients Needed
Full ingredients, measurements, and printable instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Fresh Blood Oranges - Choose oranges that feel heavy and have a deep blush on the skin. The darker the peel, the better the color and flavor inside.
- Fresh Limes and Fresh Ginger - grab smooth ginger and slice them thin or chop small so they're easy to crush and release all that flavor.
- Granulated Sugar - this'll make sure your mocktail turns out sweet, some blood oranges can be really tart.
- Blood Orange Soda - Use a blood orange soda made with real juice for the best color and flavor. Can't find blood orange soda? Swap in ginger beer or ginger ale or even kombucha if you're taking your Dry January to the next level.
- Blood Orange Slices, Crushed Ice, Sprigs of Fresh Herbs - for garnish
How to Make My Bubbly Blood Orange Ginger Smash Mocktail
Step 1
Muddle the ginger with sugar and lime juice.
Use a muddle to really crush the ginger and mix it with the lime and sugar until the sugar starts dissolving.
Step 2
Stir in the blood orange juice
Give it a taste and add more sugar if needed, some blood oranges can be pretty sour.
Step 3
Top with soda + serve.
Pour the mocktail into your glass, pour in the bubbles, and garnish. Pro Tip: if you're using herbs like fresh mint leaves or, basil, or rosemary, smack the leaves to get them to release their aroma!
Equipment I Used
Variations
- Make this more festive for the holidays by adding in cranberry juice!
- Make this boozy and boost the orange flavor with a little triple sec or Grand Marnier.
- Swap the sugar for honey or agave nectar instead.
Troubleshooting
Blood oranges vary a lot in pulp. Strain through a small mesh strainer or even double-strain through a cheesecloth for pulp-free juice.
Some blood oranges are naturally tart. Add a little more sugar or a splash of simple syrup to balance the citrus, and make sure you muddled the ginger long enough so it can counter any bitterness.
Make Ahead + Crowd Pitcher Instructions
To make a pitcher, start by muddling a ton of sliced ginger, sugar, and lime juice until everything is really smashed up. Stir in the fresh-squeezed blood orange juice and taste and add a little extra sugar if your oranges are tart.
Strain the mixture so you have no pulp or ginger bits, then chill it until you're ready to serve. When guests arrive, fill the pitcher halfway with ice, add the ginger-blood orange mixture, and gently pour the sparkling blood orange soda over it all.
Finish with a few blood orange slices or lime wheels, and you’ve got a gorgeous, party-ready mocktail.
More Bright + Festive Winter Drinks
This blood orange mocktail is a favorite of mine, it's just perfect for a little date night in and just sooo good! I know y'all will love it just as much as we do here. Make sure to tag me @sweet_tea_thyme on Instagram when you whip it up, I love seeing y'all's recreations!
Bubbly Ginger Blood Orange Mocktail
Equipment
- mixing glass
Ingredients
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, or more to taste
- 2 ounces fresh blood orange juice, about 1 large blood orange
- crushed ice
- 6 ounces blood orange Italian soda
- Blood orange slices and small rosemary sprig, or lime slice and mint, for garnish
Instructions
- In the bottom of your glass or a cocktail mixing glass, muddle the ginger, sugar, and lime juice until the ginger releases its oils and the sugar starts dissolving.4 slices fresh ginger, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Pour in the fresh blood orange juice and give it a quick stir. Taste and add a touch more sugar if your oranges are extra tart.2 ounces fresh blood orange juice
- Strain the mixture into a clean glass filled with crushed ice to remove the pulp and ginger bits.crushed ice
- Top with the blood orange soda. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate but don't lose the fizz.6 ounces blood orange Italian soda
- Garnish with a blood orange slice and a small rosemary sprig and serve cold.Blood orange slices and small rosemary sprig
Recipe Notes
64 ounce Pitcher Instructions
Muddle 1 cup sliced fresh ginger, ¾ cup sugar, and ¾ cup lime juice until the ginger releases its oils. Add 3 cups fresh blood orange juice and stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Strain into a pitcher and chill. When ready to serve, fill the pitcher halfway with ice and gently pour in 4–5 cups blood orange Italian soda. Garnish with blood orange slices and lime wheels.
Chef's Tips:
- Fresh blood oranges range from sweet to tart; adjust sugar as needed.
- Add the soda at the end so the drink stays fizzy.
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