Citrus Mocktail

Aye mockarita! The first thing that grabs your attention in this alcohol-free cocktail is the tender balance of lime and sea salt perfectly perched on the rim of the glass. Then it’s the inviting aroma of citrus that pulls you in closer and asks you to take a sip. You could add triple sec and tequila, but why mess up a good thing? This drink pairs nicely with these Ceviche Tostadas, which are also from Executive Chef Reyna and her culinary team.

Makes a 32 oz pitcher

INGREDIENTS

For the drink:

½ cup fresh orange juice

½ cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup fresh lime juice

½ cup citrus syrup *recipe below

2 cups sparkling or tonic water

Orange, lemon and lime slices, to garnish

2 cups ice cubes

For rimming glasses:

Coarse salt

Lime wedges

METHOD

1. Combine all the drink ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Taste and add more citrus syrup to your desired sweetness.
2. Rub a lime wedge over the rim of the glasses and dip into coarse salt. Fill glasses with ice, fill with mockarita, and garnish with citrus slices.

** If desired, add 1 oz tequila and 1 ½ oz triple sec per glass to prepare a margarita.

CITRUS SYRUP INGREDIENTS

2 cups water

1 cup agave syrup

½ cup fresh lemon juice

½ cup fresh lime juice

zest of 2 lemons

METHOD

1. Combine the water, agave and lemon zest in a pot. Simmer for 5 minutes and let it cool.
2. Mix the syrup mixture with the fresh lemon and lime juice and reserve in an airtight container or mason jar.
3. Citrus syrup will keep for 1 week in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer. Do not freeze in a glass container as it may break.

See more festive drinks that hit the spot.