Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated daytime sipper or a delightful evening drink, the Blood Orange Sunshine Spritz delivers on all fronts. Its vibrant hue comes from freshly squeezed blood orange juice, balanced by the gentle sweetness of rosemary syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
This no-alcohol spritz is stirred in a highball glass, making it easy to put together while keeping those citrus notes bright. As an added bonus, the herbal aroma from the rosemary garnish and the tanginess of lime juice make this mocktail the ultimate warm-weather refresher.
Light enough for brunch but elegant enough for late-night gatherings, this zero-proof beverage stands out during blood orange season, which typically runs from winter into early spring. Of course, if you can still find these oranges beyond their peak, you’ll enjoy the same vibrant flavors and show-stopping color. Once you see how easy it is to make, you’ll be blending up this spritz any time you crave a little sunshine in a glass.
Quick Facts about the Blood Orange Sunshine Spritz
- Method: Built in glass
- Flavor Profile: Bright, tangy, herbaceous, slightly salty
- How to Serve It: In a highball glass over fresh ice, garnished with rosemary sprig and blood orange slice
- Glassware: Highball glass
- Alcohol Content: 0% ABV (Non-alcoholic)
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh squeezed blood orange juice: The vibrant color and tangy sweetness make blood orange juice the star of this mocktail.
- 1 tbsp rosemary syrup: Adds herbal depth and light sweetness that complements the citrus beautifully.
- Squeeze of lime juice: A quick burst of acidity to balance the sweetness and marry the flavors in this summery mocktail.
- 3 dashes orange bitters: Brings complexity and a subtle, bitter citrus note without adding alcohol.
- Pinch of flaky sea salt: Enhances the flavors and adds a savory hint to the drink.
- Seltzer to top off: Adds a bubbly effervescence to round out the mocktail.
- Rosemary sprig & blood orange slice (garnish): Optional but so recommended, the addition of this fresh garnish brings a fresh herbal aroma and visual flair to the drink.
Required Bartending Tools
- Bar spoon: Perfect for gently stirring the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Jigger or measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurements for consistent flavor.
- Citrus juicer: Helps you get the most juice out of your blood oranges and lime.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make this Mocktail
- Combine the juice and syrup: In a highball glass, pour the fresh blood orange juice and rosemary syrup.
- Fill with ice: Add ice cubes to the glass to keep the mocktail chilled and refreshing.
- Add lime, bitters, and salt: Squeeze in fresh lime juice, add three dashes of orange bitters, and a pinch of sea salt. Give the mix a quick stir to combine all ingredients.
- Top with seltzer: Slowly pour in the seltzer for a gentle fizz. You can use the bar spoon to help with this, but don'thave to.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of blood orange. Stir gently and enjoy.
Equipment
- 1 Bar spoon
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 2 oz Fresh squeezed blood orange juice
- 0.5 oz Rosemary syrup
- 0.25 oz Fresh lime juice
- 3 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 pinch Flaky sea salt
- 1 Rosemary sprig - (garnish)
- 1 Blood orange slice - (garnish)
Instructions
- In a highball glass, pour the fresh blood orange juice and rosemary syrup.
- Add ice cubes to the glass to keep the mocktail chilled and refreshing.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice, add three dashes of orange bitters, and a pinch of sea salt. Give the mix a quick stir to combine all ingredients.
- Slowly pour in the seltzer for a gentle fizz. You can use the bar spoon to help with this, but don't have to.
- Decorate with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of blood orange. Stir gently and enjoy.
FAQs
Yes, but you’ll miss out on the vibrant color and distinctive berry-like flavor of blood oranges.
You can use simple syrup infused with herbs like thyme or basil for a similar aromatic touch.
You can substitute aromatic bitters or leave them out, though they do add depth.
Light bites like a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or herbed goat cheese toast pair beautifully with its citrus and herbal notes.