Tonic and Lemon Mocktail Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Italian Amalfi Lemon Tonic Mocktail with this easy recipe. Featuring fresh lemons, aromatic rosemary, and honey simple syrup mixed with crisp tonic water for a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coast.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

5 mins

Serves:

4 mocktails

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large Amalfi lemons (or regular unwaxed lemons)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml honey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml water</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500ml premium tonic water</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon slices for garnish</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

🫀 Cholesterol:

🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer or reamer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker (optional)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glasses</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> First, prepare the rosemary-infused honey syrup. Combine the honey and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the honey completely dissolves into the water—about 2-3 minutes. Avoid letting the mixture boil as this can affect the delicate flavor of the honey. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Once the honey is dissolved, add 2 sprigs of rosemary to the warm syrup. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for 15 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the rosemary flavor will be. This infusion creates a beautiful aromatic foundation for your mocktail. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> While the syrup is infusing, wash your lemons thoroughly with warm water to remove any wax or residue. Amalfi lemons have a distinctive fragrant oil in their skin that's essential to this recipe. Roll each lemon firmly on your countertop with the palm of your hand before cutting—this helps release the essential oils and makes juicing easier. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Cut the lemons in half and juice them, collecting the fresh juice in a measuring cup. You should aim for about 120ml of fresh juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds and excess pulp. The acidity of freshly squeezed juice is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the honey syrup. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Strain the rosemary-infused honey syrup into a clean container, discarding the used rosemary sprigs. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using. This syrup can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> To build each mocktail, fill highball glasses with ice cubes. For a more professional presentation, use large, clear ice cubes which melt more slowly and won't dilute your drink as quickly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> For each serving, add 30ml of the cooled rosemary-infused honey syrup followed by 30ml of fresh lemon juice to the ice-filled glass. Stir gently to combine these base flavors before adding the tonic water. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Slowly pour approximately 125ml of chilled tonic water into each glass. Pour along the inside edge of the glass to preserve as much carbonation as possible. The tonic water adds complexity with its slight bitterness that perfectly complements the sweet and sour elements. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Gently stir the mocktail once or twice—just enough to incorporate all ingredients without losing the effervescence of the tonic water. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Garnish each glass with a fresh sprig of rosemary and a slice of lemon. For an extra aromatic effect, lightly bruise the rosemary sprig between your fingers before adding it to release more of its essential oils. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Serve immediately while the drink is still effervescent and the ice is fresh. This mocktail is best enjoyed freshly made, as the carbonation will diminish over time. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Italian Amalfi Lemon Tonic Mocktail Recipe?

This refreshing mocktail requires Amalfi lemons (or unwaxed regular lemons), honey, water, fresh rosemary sprigs, premium tonic water, and ice. The combination creates a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink with balanced sweet, tart and botanical flavours.

How to cook Italian Amalfi Lemon Tonic Mocktail Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Italian Amalfi Lemon Tonic Mocktail by first making a rosemary-infused honey syrup, then combining it with freshly squeezed lemon juice and topping with chilled tonic water. The preparation involves simple steps like steeping rosemary in warm honey syrup, extracting fresh lemon juice, and assembling with ice for a perfectly balanced mocktail.

What makes Amalfi lemons different from regular lemons?

Amalfi lemons are prized for their intense fragrance, sweeter flavour, and lower acidity compared to regular lemons. They're larger with a distinctive elongated shape, thicker rind rich in essential oils, and juicier flesh. Their unique characteristics come from growing in the mineral-rich soil of Italy's Amalfi Coast.

Can I prepare the honey-rosemary syrup in advance?

Yes! The rosemary-infused honey syrup can be prepared up to one week in advance if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the mocktails much quicker when entertaining guests, though the fresh lemon juice should be squeezed just before serving for best flavour.

What are good food pairings for a lemon and rosemary mocktail?

This sophisticated mocktail pairs beautifully with Mediterranean antipasti, seafood dishes, light pasta meals, and citrus-based desserts. The bright citrus notes complement salads with goat cheese, while the herbaceous rosemary harmonizes with grilled vegetables and focaccia bread for a complete Italian-inspired experience.

Want to try something else in ...