Orange Cardamom Cooler Mocktail Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Orange Cardamom Cooler - an easy mocktail recipe combining freshly squeezed orange juice, aromatic cardamom syrup, and zesty lime for a sophisticated alcohol-free drink. This refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail balances sweet citrus with exotic spice for the perfect virgin cocktail experience.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 mocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml freshly squeezed lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml cardamom syrup (recipe below)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">90ml sparkling water, chilled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange wheel and peel for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the cardamom syrup:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100ml water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 cardamom pods, lightly crushed</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

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🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan (for syrup)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>First, prepare the cardamom syrup. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar completely dissolves. Add the crushed cardamom pods, bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Let steep for 20 minutes until the syrup develops a rich, aromatic quality. Strain out the cardamom pods and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator (will keep for up to 2 weeks).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your highball glass halfway with crushed ice. Pre-chilling the glass helps maintain the drink's refreshing temperature longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a cocktail shaker, combine the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and cardamom syrup. The citrus acids from the lime juice act as a flavor brightener, enhancing the natural sweetness of the orange without requiring additional sugar.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This proper aeration creates tiny bubbles that give the mocktail a silky mouthfeel while also chilling the mixture thoroughly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Double strain the mixture into your prepared glass to ensure a smooth texture without ice shards or pulp. The fine mesh strainer catches any small cardamom fragments that might have escaped during infusion.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top with chilled sparkling water, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to incorporate without losing the effervescence.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with an orange wheel secured to the rim of the glass, and a twisted orange peel expressed over the drink to release its essential oils. The oils create an aromatic experience that enhances the flavor before you even take a sip.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and the carbonation is at its peak. The layers should show a beautiful gradient from deep orange at the bottom to a lighter, bubbly top.</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Orange Cardamom Cooler Mocktail Recipe?

This sophisticated mocktail combines freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, homemade cardamom syrup, sparkling water, and crushed ice. The cardamom syrup requires sugar, water and crushed cardamom pods, while an orange wheel and peel serve as aromatic garnishes.

How to make Orange Cardamom Cooler Mocktail Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Orange Cardamom Cooler Mocktail by first preparing a homemade cardamom syrup, then shaking fresh orange juice, lime juice, and the syrup with ice. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with an orange wheel and expressed peel for an elegant, refreshing alcohol-free cocktail with exotic spice notes.

Can I make the cardamom syrup in advance?

Absolutely! The cardamom syrup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Making it ahead saves preparation time and allows the flavours to develop further, resulting in a more aromatic and complex-tasting mocktail.

What's the best type of orange to use for a citrus mocktail?

Valencia or Navel oranges provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity for mocktails. Blood oranges offer a stunning colour and slightly berry-like flavour when in season. Avoid oranges with thick, dimpled skin as they typically yield less juice and may taste bitter.

How can I adjust the sweetness of this spiced citrus cooler?

To adjust sweetness, modify the amount of cardamom syrup (15ml for less sweet, 25ml for sweeter). For a less sweet version without reducing spice, dilute the syrup with water. Alternatively, use freshly squeezed blood orange juice which has natural tartness to balance sweetness.

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