Blood Orange Crush Mocktail Recipe

By What’s Baking

Vibrant blood orange juice combines with zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and a refreshing fizz to create a sophisticated, ruby-hued mocktail that's both visually stunning and tantalizingly complex.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

2 mocktails

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 4-5 blood oranges)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 blood orange, sliced, for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes or crushed ice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon orange zest</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Collins or highball glasses</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li></ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your blood orange juice by cutting the oranges in half and extracting the juice with a citrus juicer. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds for a smoother texture. The juice should be a vibrant ruby-red - this is what gives your mocktail its signature appearance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 8-10 mint leaves to release their essential oils without over-crushing (which can create bitterness). You'll know you've muddled correctly when you can smell the mint's aromatic qualities, but the leaves aren't completely torn apart.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the blood orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with the muddled mint. The citrus acids are crucial here - they'll brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness perfectly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill your shaker halfway with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also creates tiny air bubbles that give your mocktail a silky mouthfeel. The shaker should become frosted on the outside when properly chilled.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fill two collins glasses with fresh ice (crushed ice creates a more festive presentation and chills the drink more quickly). Double-strain the shaken mixture into the glasses, filling each about 2/3 full to leave room for the sparkling water.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top each glass with sparkling water, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. The bubbles will lift the aromatics toward your nose, enhancing the sensory experience. Gently stir once to combine.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish each glass with a blood orange slice inserted against the inside of the glass, a sprig of fresh mint, and a light dusting of orange zest. The oils from the zest will create aromatic notes that complement the mocktail beautifully.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this citrus mocktail without blood oranges?

Yes! While blood oranges provide the signature ruby colour and unique flavour, you can substitute with regular oranges plus a dash of pomegranate juice for colour. Ruby red grapefruit also works well, though you may need to adjust the sweetness with extra simple syrup.

What's the best way to muddle mint for a refreshing mocktail?

Gently press mint leaves 4-5 times with a muddler or wooden spoon against the bottom of your shaker or glass. The goal is to release the aromatic oils without shredding the leaves, which can create bitterness. You'll know it's done when you can smell the mint's fragrance.

How far in advance can I prepare this ruby-coloured drink for a party?

You can prepare the blood orange juice base up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. However, add the sparkling water, ice, and garnishes just before serving to maintain optimal freshness, carbonation, and visual appeal for your guests.