Home
Recipes
Mocktails
Global-Inspired Mocktails
Citrus Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

Citrus Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

By What’s Baking

A refreshing, citrus mocktail featuring vibrant yuja citron tea, sparkling water, and fresh herbs for a sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage that balances sweet, sour, and effervescent elements.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
2 mocktails
An overhead shot of a crystal highball glass filled with a sparkling golden-amber liquid, ice cubes catching the soft natural light and creating a prism effect. A cross-section view reveals layers of settling bubbles rising through the translucent drink. The glass sits on a polished stone surface beside scattered fresh mint leaves and thin slices of vibrant yellow yuja citron. Droplets of condensation cling to the outside of the glass, suggesting refreshing coolness. A wooden stirrer and a small jar of yuja marmalade sit nearby, hinting at the drink's preparation. The color contrast between the bright citrus, deep green herbs, and amber liquid creates a visually striking composition that emphasizes the drink's refreshing nature.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 tablespoons yuja marmalade (Korean citron tea)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500ml sparkling water, chilled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint leaves, for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Thin slices of lemon or yuzu, for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glasses</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Long-handled spoon or cocktail stirrer</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place 2 tablespoons of yuja marmalade (Korean citron tea) in each highball glass. The marmalade contains preserved citron fruit in honey or sugar syrup and serves as both the sweetener and flavor base for our mocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add ½ tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to each glass to enhance the citrus notes. Fresh citrus juice brightens the drink and balances the sweetness of the marmalade.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Using the back of your spoon, gently press the yuja marmalade against the glass to release some of the citrus oils and break down any large pieces of preserved fruit.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill each glass halfway with ice cubes. Using clear ice if possible will make your mocktail more visually appealing, but regular ice works perfectly well for the refreshing chill factor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Slowly pour 250ml of chilled sparkling water into each glass at a slight angle to preserve carbonation. Pour gently to maintain the effervescence, which is key to the refreshing quality of this mocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently stir the mixture with a long-handled spoon until the yuja marmalade is well incorporated throughout the drink. You'll notice the liquid turning a beautiful golden amber color as the marmalade dissolves.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and a thin slice of lemon or yuzu placed on the rim. The aromatic oils from the mint will enhance your sensory experience as you sip the mocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is still nicely carbonated. This mocktail is best enjoyed fresh when the bubbles are most vibrant and the temperature is perfectly chilled.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 125 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g
🍭 Sugar: 30 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 5 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What is yuja marmalade and where can I find it for this mocktail?

Yuja marmalade (also called yuzu tea or citron tea) is a Korean sweet preserve made from citron fruit in honey or sugar syrup. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, Korean supermarkets, or online speciality shops. Some mainstream supermarkets also stock it in their international food sections.

Can I make this sparkling drink alcoholic for a cocktail version?

Absolutely! Turn this mocktail into a cocktail by adding 30-45ml of vodka, gin, or soju per serving. For a mimosa-style drink, replace half the sparkling water with prosecco or champagne. The citrus notes pair beautifully with these spirits for a sophisticated adult beverage.

What are the best occasions to serve this Korean citron tea drink?

This elegant mocktail is perfect for summer gatherings, outdoor brunches, and as a refreshing afternoon treat. It's ideal as a non-alcoholic option at parties, suitable for all ages, and makes a sophisticated alternative during Dry January or for guests who don't consume alcohol.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
An overhead shot of a crystal-clear highball glass filled with pale pink Middle Eastern Rose Lemonade Mocktail, ice cubes tinkling against the sides. The rim is garnished with crystallized rose petals that catch the soft natural light streaming through a nearby window. Droplets of condensation cling to the glass, suggesting refreshing coolness. A vintage brass tray holds the drink alongside a small bowl of dried rose buds and fresh lemon slices. In the background, slightly blurred, sits a decorative Middle Eastern-inspired pitcher containing more of the rosy mocktail, with mint sprigs peeking out from the top. The scene conveys an atmosphere of elegant relaxation with subtle Middle Eastern influences.
Mocktails
Global-Inspired Mocktails

Rose Lemonade Recipe

A refreshing, floral mocktail that blends the delicate essence of rose water with zesty lemon, creating a beautifully balanced drink perfect for celebrations or warm afternoons.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Serves:
4 glasses
View recipe
An overhead shot of a crystal highball glass filled with this sparkling Amalfi lemon mocktail, ice catching the natural afternoon light streaming through a window. A cross-section view reveals layers of vibrant yellow lemon slices pressed against the glass, with rosemary sprigs standing tall as garnish. The surface glistens with tiny bubbles from the tonic water, creating a dynamic texture. Scattered around the base are fresh Amalfi lemons with their distinctive elongated shape and bright yellow skin, some cut to reveal their juicy interiors. A small jar of honey with a wooden dipper rests nearby on a rustic limestone surface reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, with a linen napkin in Mediterranean blue adding contrast to the golden drink.
Mocktails
Global-Inspired Mocktails

Tonic and Lemon Mocktail Recipe

Fresh, bright Amalfi lemons infuse this sophisticated mocktail with crisp tonic water, herbaceous rosemary, and honey for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired drink that balances sweet, tart, and botanical notes.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Serves:
4 mocktails
View recipe
A tall, clear highball glass showcases striking layers of vibrant green matcha and lighter mint-infused liquid, served over crushed ice that catches natural daylight streaming through a window. A generous sprig of fresh mint and a thin lime wheel rest on the rim while matcha powder is lightly dusted across the top surface. Tiny bubbles from the sparkling water cling to the inside of the glass, creating an effervescent texture. The mocktail sits on a bamboo coaster beside a small pottery bowl containing bright green matcha powder and a traditional bamboo whisk, evoking authentic Japanese tea ceremony elements against a minimalist white marble surface.
Mocktails
Global-Inspired Mocktails

Japanese Matcha Mojito Mocktail Recipe

Vibrant green matcha powder meets fresh mint and zesty lime in this beautifully layered Japanese-inspired mocktail that balances earthy tea notes with refreshing citrus brightness.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
View recipe
A tall, slim glass capturing the gradient amber-to-green of the Moroccan mint tea mocktail, photographed in bright natural daylight that highlights the condensation beading on the glass. The ice cubes are visible through the clear sides, while fresh mint sprigs burst from the top, their leaves slightly frosted. A wooden table with Moroccan-inspired textiles provides a warm backdrop, and a small copper tray holds additional mint leaves, honey drizzler, and lemon slices nearby. The styling emphasizes the North African inspiration with small decorative elements while keeping the refreshing, cooling nature of the drink as the focal point.
Mocktails
Global-Inspired Mocktails

Moroccan Mint Iced Tea Mocktail Recipe

A vibrant fusion of strong black tea, fragrant Moroccan mint, bright citrus, and sweet honey, creating a cooling and exotic alcohol-free beverage perfect for warm afternoons.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
2 mocktails
View recipe
Overhead shot of a frosted highball glass filled with a cloudy white-green Brazilian limeade mocktail, ice cubes glistening under bright natural daylight. Lime wedges nestle along the rim while zest curls float on the surface, creating vibrant green accents against the creamy background. Condensation beads on the glass capture the light, suggesting the perfect chilled temperature. A bamboo straw stands at attention while crushed ice creates texture throughout the drink, with a small pitcher of additional limeade positioned nearby on a natural rattan coaster.
Mocktails
Global-Inspired Mocktails

Brazilian Limeade Mocktail Recipe

A bright, creamy citrus sensation that balances tangy lime with sweetened condensed milk for a refreshing tropical experience unlike any other mocktail.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
4 mocktails
View recipe
A crystal highball glass filled with a golden-amber Korean yuja citron sparkler mocktail, capturing the sunlight through a bright kitchen window. The drink showcases layers of citrus slices and yuja marmalade visible through the glass, topped with dancing bubbles from the sparkling water. Garnished with a thin slice of fresh yuzu (or lemon) and a small sprig of mint floating on top, with condensation beading on the outside of the glass. A small wooden spoon rests beside the glass, with a jar of yuja marmalade slightly blurred in the background, suggesting the handcrafted nature of this refreshing Korean-inspired drink.
Mocktails
Global-Inspired Mocktails

Korean Yuja Citron Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

This vibrant mocktail balances the tangy-sweet complexity of Korean yuja tea with sparkling water and fresh citrus, creating a refreshing drink with subtle honey notes and an invigorating effervescence.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
View recipe