The Best Orange Mocktail – Fresh, Easy & Glow-Worthy

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This Orange Mocktail is a burst of citrus sunshine in every sip—made with fresh oranges, an easy homemade orange simple syrup, and cooling mint. It’s a bright, refreshing, and easy mocktail recipe, perfect for anyone looking to glow from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a wellness-friendly treat, this vibrant mocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious.

easy non alcoholic orange drink with citrus slices

In This Post

More Glow-Worthy Citrus Mocktails
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nourishing Glow Benefits
Ingredients for the Best Orange Mocktail
How to Make an Orange Juice Mocktail – Step by Step
Serving Ideas for your Orange Mint Mocktail
Frequently Asked Questions – Orange Mocktail Recipe

My husband Steve and I made this orange mocktail in several ways before we settled on this recipe. The honey-orange simple syrup added a subtle floral note, and the drink was very smooth. We also tried adding lime, but it was not as appealing as this version.

This mocktail is perfect to make in batches for brunch or parties. If you love this style mocktail, you might also enjoy serving The Best Mango Mocktail – Easy Tropical Glow! and The Best Virgin Tequila Sunrise Mocktail

Huge pitcher of orange mocktail with mint

At Mocktail Glow™, my goal is always to elevate everyday ingredients into something glow-worthy. This orange mocktail feels fresh, hydrating, and nourishing thanks to vitamin-C-rich oranges, cooling mint, and my signature honey-orange syrup. It’s an energizing sip that’s perfect for mindful moments, brunches, baby showers, or whenever you want a feel-good drink that still feels special.

More Glow-Worthy Citrus Mocktails

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright & Refreshing: The homemade orange simple syrup and fresh orange slices create a vibrant citrus flavor that’s both energizing and satisfying.
Naturally Uplifting: A touch of fresh mint adds a cooling finish, making every sip feel like a mini spa moment.
Glow-Friendly & Guilt-Free: Alcohol-free and made with simple, fresh ingredients—perfect for wellness lovers, party guests, and everyday sipping.
Rich in Vitamin C: Fresh oranges and orange simple syrup are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune health, collagen production, and glowing skin.
Nutrition-Forward: Made with real citrus and naturally sweetened for a refreshing, feel-good sip.
Glow-Worthy Presentation: Bright color, fresh citrus slices, and mint make this mocktail absolutely stunning for brunch, showers, or holiday tables.

Nourishing Glow Benefits

Fresh oranges are naturally rich in vitamin C, supporting collagen production, immunity, and radiant skin—perfect for anyone seeking feel-good hydration. Mint adds digestive support and a refreshing cooling effect. The honey-orange syrup with fresh orange peel, rich in antioxidants, offers a gentler sweetener than refined sugar, keeping this mocktail light, bright, and glow-friendly.

What Readers Say:

“This refreshing Orange Mocktail was an absolute hit at our baby shower brunch! The fresh mint and citrus made it feel so elegant—and no one missed the alcohol. Even the kids loved it. It’s now our go-to drink for every celebration!”
— Rachael T., San Diego

Ingredients for the Best Orange Mocktail

Honey – buy your favorite honey for this delicious mocktail!
Oranges – fresh orange juice is always the best, but in a pinch, good-quality store-bought will do
Orange peel – remove the peel from a large orange.
Mint – fresh mint adds a unique and mojito-style flavor to this mocktail

How to Make an Orange Juice Mocktail – Step by Step

Prepare Orange Honey Simple Syrup: Simmer honey with water and orange peel on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Turn off the flame and let the syrup sit, covered, for 20 – 30 minutes—then strain into a jar.
Juice Oranges – Juice oranges or use store-bought orange juice.
Prepare Garnish – Slice an orange into large slices for garnish, as in the picture. I also like to cut some mint sprigs.
Crush Mint – Muddle mint in a large glass or pitcher. You can use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.
Add Simple Syrup and Orange Juice – Add orange simple syrup and orange juice.
Add Ice: Add ice and top off with sparkling water or sparkling non-alcoholic wine.
Garnish: Garnish this refreshing orange drink with fresh mint and orange slices.

Serving Ideas for your Orange Mint Mocktail

Glassware Matters: Serve in a chilled coupe, martini, or highball glass for an elevated presentation. Rim the glass with orange zest sugar for a sparkling touch.
Add a Citrus Twist: Garnish with a thin orange wheel, a sprig of fresh mint, or a curled orange peel for a pop of color and aroma.
Ice, Ice Baby: Use clear ice cubes or crushed ice to keep it cool without watering it down too quickly—perfect for summer gatherings. We love Arctic Ice available at some Costco stores and major grocers.
Make It a Mocktail Bar: Offer this alongside other citrus-forward mocktails for a vibrant, interactive drink station at showers or brunches.
Kid-Friendly Option: Pour into fun glasses with paper umbrellas or eco-friendly straws for a festive, alcohol-free treat everyone can enjoy.

range juice mocktail in large pitcher with fresh mint and citrus slices”

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Frequently Asked Questions – Orange Mocktail Recipe

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh oranges?

Yes! While freshly squeezed orange juice provides the brightest flavor and most nutrients, high-quality bottled orange juice works in a pinch. For best results, look for one that’s pulp-free and with no added sugar.

Can I make the orange simple syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the orange-honey syrup up to five days in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator and shake gently before using.

How do I make this more kid-friendly or party-friendly?

This mocktail is naturally kid-friendly, but you can make it even more fun with colorful straws, paper umbrellas, or fun glassware. For parties, multiply the recipe and serve it in a large pitcher or punch bowl with orange wheels and mint sprigs.

Can I use sparkling water alternatives?

Yes! You can substitute sparkling water with sparkling non-alcoholic wine, orange-flavored sparkling water, or even club soda if you prefer a more neutral fizz.

What’s the difference between this and a blood orange mocktail?

This recipe uses navel or Valencia oranges, which are bright and sweet. A blood orange mocktail would have a deeper red color and a slightly tangier flavor. You can easily swap in blood orange juice for a beautiful variation.

Is this mocktail good for baby showers or brunches?

It’s perfect! The elegant citrus flavor, fresh mint, and non-alcoholic nature make it ideal for baby showers, brunches, and any celebration where you want guests to feel special—without the alcohol.

Is this a healthy orange mocktail?

Yes—this recipe uses fresh citrus, a naturally sweetened syrup, and no alcohol. It’s a refreshing option for wellness lovers, pregnant guests, or anyone skipping alcohol.