Bitter Lemon Mocktail: Orange and Mint Recipe

A bitter lemon mocktail combines the mixer's citrus bitterness with orange juice and a little mint.

Serving inspiration from the ProstZero drink collection: golden citrus fizz

A bitter lemon mocktail combines the mixer’s citrus bitterness with orange juice and a little mint. Start without extra lemon juice because bitter lemon already contains acidity, with the balance varying by brand.

The quantities make one serving. Measure the ingredients before mixing and chill any mixer. Syrups, juices and bottled alternatives vary in sweetness and acidity, so taste the base before topping up.

Ingredients for one serving

  • 120 ml bitter lemon
  • 50 ml orange juice
  • 30 ml sparkling water
  • 3 mint leaves
  • Ice

Method

  1. Lightly press the mint and place it in the glass.
  2. Add juice and ice.
  3. Top with bitter lemon and water.
  4. Stir gently and taste.

Getting the balance right

Orange rounds out bitter lemon without replacing its citrus character. Too much mint pushes those notes into the background, so use only a few intact leaves. Add 5 ml lemon juice after tasting if you want extra sharpness.

Variation and substitutions

White grape juice makes a paler, less orange-led version. Start with 30 ml because its sweetness can be pronounced depending on the product.

Preparing several servings

Measure juice, purée and syrup shortly before serving. Add ice and carbonated ingredients when you make the drink. To serve a group, multiply the quantities, but adjust one glass first before mixing the whole pitcher.

Common question

Can I use a Zero bitter lemon?

Yes. Taste again because sweetness and mouthfeel may change. The juice still contributes sugar.

Find more ideas in our mocktail recipe guide . Compare this with Tonic Water Mocktail: Cucumber and Grapefruit or browse the drink collection .