So, I wanted to tell you about this drink called the Sunrise Mocktail, because it’s one of those recipes that looks really nice but is also very easy to make. You don’t need a lot of time at all, since it comes together in less than fifteen minutes, and the ingredients are simple too.
It’s the kind of drink that works well when you want something refreshing, whether it’s for breakfast, a light lunch, or even just a quick snack in the afternoon. It’s alcohol-free, so you can enjoy it any time of the day without worrying, and that’s why I think it’s worth sharing. Now, let’s talk about what exactly a Sunrise Mocktail is.
What is Sunrise Mocktail?
The Sunrise Mocktail is basically a non-alcoholic version of the popular sunrise cocktail. Instead of using tequila, it keeps things simple with orange juice, lemon and lime juice, sparkling water, and grenadine syrup. The grenadine settles at the bottom while the orange juice stays on top, so the drink looks like a sunrise in a glass.
It’s usually served in tall glasses, often with a slice of orange or a cherry for garnish. People enjoy it at breakfast, brunch, or even as a refreshing drink during the day when they want something sweet but light. Since it doesn’t contain alcohol, it’s a family-friendly option that works for almost any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick to make: The Sunrise Mocktail can be prepared in less than fifteen minutes, so it’s perfect when you don’t want to spend too much time making a drink.
Simple ingredients: You only need orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, sparkling water, and grenadine syrup, which are all easy to find and keep at home.
Beginner-friendly: The steps are very straightforward, so even if you don’t usually make drinks, you can still put this together without any trouble.
Easy to adjust: You can add more or less grenadine depending on how sweet you like your drink, which makes it flexible for different tastes.
Good for any time of day: Since it’s alcohol-free, you can enjoy it in the morning with breakfast, at lunch, or even as a refreshing afternoon snack.
Ingredients Needed:
When you make the Sunrise Mocktail, you only need a few simple things, and each one has its own role in the drink.
- Orange juice – this gives the drink its main flavor and bright color.
- Lemon juice – this adds a little tangy taste to balance the sweetness.
- Lime juice – this helps give a fresh and zesty note.
- Sparkling water – this makes the drink bubbly and light instead of heavy.
- Grenadine syrup – this settles at the bottom and creates the sunrise look while adding sweetness.
💡 Note: For the full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements, please check the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Sunrise Mocktail:
Step 1: Pour the orange juice
Start by pouring the orange juice into a jug or pitcher. This is the base of the Sunrise Mocktail, so make sure it looks smooth and fresh. If you are using bottled juice, just give it a quick stir before pouring so it doesn’t look separated.
Step 2: Add the sparkling water
Next, add the sparkling water to the jug. This will give the drink that bubbly and light texture which makes it feel refreshing. You’ll notice little bubbles rising up, and that’s exactly what makes the drink look lively.
Step 3: Mix in lemon and lime juice
Now, add the lemon and lime juice. These juices help balance the sweetness of the orange and grenadine, and they give the drink a tangy kick. Stir gently with a spoon until everything looks blended and smooth.
Step 4: Pour into glasses
Once the mixture is ready, pour it into tall glasses. Highball glasses work best because they show off the layers of the drink. Try to pour slowly so the bubbles stay visible and the drink looks neat.
Step 5: Add the grenadine syrup
Finally, carefully pour the grenadine syrup into each glass. Do not stir it in, just let it sink to the bottom. This is what creates the sunrise effect, with the red color resting underneath the orange layer. The drink should look bright and layered, almost like a little sunset in a glass.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
You can serve the Sunrise Mocktail right away. If you want, add a slice of orange or a cherry on top for garnish. The drink should look colorful and refreshing, and it’s best enjoyed immediately while the bubbles are still active.
💡 Note: These steps are just an overview. For detailed quantities, measurements, and exact timings to make this recipe, please check the recipe card below.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results:
Use fresh juice: Try to use fresh orange juice if you can, because it gives the drink a brighter taste and smoother texture compared to juice that has been sitting in a carton.
Don’t stir the grenadine: When you pour the grenadine syrup, let it sink naturally to the bottom. If you stir it, the layers will mix and you won’t get the sunrise look.
Balance the sweetness: If you find the drink too sweet, you can add a little extra lemon or lime juice to balance it out.
Choose good sparkling water: A sparkling water with steady bubbles works best, because it keeps the drink fizzy for longer instead of going flat quickly.
Swap if needed: If you don’t have grenadine, you can use pomegranate syrup or even cranberry concentrate, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Berry twist: Add a splash of cranberry juice instead of grenadine for a sharper flavor.
- Tropical version: Mix in a little pineapple juice with the orange juice to give it a more tropical feel.
- Diet-friendly option: Use sugar-free grenadine or a light fruit syrup if you want to cut down on sugar.
- Seasonal idea: In colder months, you can swap sparkling water for a light ginger ale to give it a warmer taste.
- Kid-friendly fun: Add colorful fruit garnishes like cherries or orange slices to make it more appealing for kids.
- Mocktail upgrade: For a party, serve it in fancy glasses with mint leaves on top to make it look more special.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Perfect for mornings:
The Sunrise Mocktail works really well at breakfast or brunch because it feels light and refreshing, and it gives you a nice burst of citrus flavor to start the day.
2. Serve with snacks:
You can pair this drink with simple finger foods like fruit salad, muffins, or even light sandwiches, since the sweetness of the mocktail balances nicely with savory or neutral snacks.
3. Great for gatherings:
It’s also a good choice for parties or family get-togethers, because the layered look makes it stand out, and guests usually enjoy drinks that look colorful and fun without being complicated.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- How long it keeps: The Sunrise Mocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you really need to store it, you can keep it in the fridge for about one day. After that, the bubbles will fade and the flavor won’t taste the same.
- Best storage method: Store the mixed juice and sparkling water in a sealed jug in the refrigerator, and only add the grenadine syrup right before serving so the layers look neat.
- Simple reheating advice: Since this is a cold drink, there’s no reheating needed. If it loses fizz, you can add a splash of fresh sparkling water before serving to bring back some bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I substitute grenadine syrup?
Yes, you can use pomegranate syrup or cranberry concentrate if you don’t have grenadine, but the flavor will be slightly different and not as sweet.
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Can I make the Sunrise Mocktail ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare it fresh, but you can mix the juices and sparkling water earlier and keep them in the fridge. Just add the grenadine right before serving so the layers look neat.
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Why does the drink sometimes look mixed instead of layered?
If you pour the grenadine too quickly or stir it, the colors will blend. Pour slowly and let it settle naturally.
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Is the Sunrise Mocktail suitable for dietary concerns?
Yes, it’s alcohol-free, but if you want to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar-free syrup or cut back on grenadine.
Sunrise Mocktail
Description
The Sunrise Mocktail is a quick and refreshing non-alcoholic drink made with orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, sparkling water, and grenadine syrup. It’s ready in under fifteen minutes, looks beautiful with its layered sunrise effect, and is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a light afternoon drink.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups (475 ml) orange juice into a jug or pitcher.
- Add 2 cups (475 ml) sparkling water along with ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice and ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice.
- Stir gently with a spoon until the mixture looks smooth and blended.
- Pour the drink evenly into 2 tall highball glasses.
- Slowly add grenadine syrup to taste into each glass, letting it settle at the bottom without stirring.
- Serve immediately with an orange slice or cherry garnish if desired.
Notes
- Always add grenadine last to keep the layered sunrise look.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works fine too.
- Serve right away for the best fizz and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Serving Size 1 glass (approx. 350 ml)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 126kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Sodium 53mg3%
- Potassium 568mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 513 IU
- Vitamin C 145 mg
- Calcium 45 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
