Craving a lightly spiced, citrus drink without the alcohol? This 15-minute Orange Mocktail is bright, refreshing, and easy to make. It takes just five minutes to prepare and includes a playful smoky twist that elevates the flavor and presentation.
The secret flair? Light the tip of a cinnamon stick and trap the smoke in the serving glass for about a minute. The smoky cinnamon adds an aromatic layer and a subtle, warm note you won’t get any other way.
What goes into this tasty beverage?
This mocktail uses a handful of simple ingredients that combine for a tangy, sweet, and slightly spiced drink. The smoky cinnamon finish takes it from ordinary to memorable.
- Oranges – Fresh-squeezed for the best bright citrus flavor. Use an extra half orange or lemon to wet the rim before sugaring.
- Simple syrup – Equal parts sugar and water boiled into a syrup; homemade works great.
- Non-alcoholic rum – Adds depth and a rounded flavor without alcohol. Swap for regular rum if you prefer.
- Cinnamon – A small dash in the drink plus the smoked cinnamon stick for aroma.
- Nutmeg – Just a pinch for warm, complementary spice.
- Sugar – For the glass rim, combined with orange zest for extra flair.
- Orange zest – Mixed into the sugar for a fragrant, attractive rim.
- Cinnamon stick – Burn the tip briefly and trap the smoke in the glass to infuse aroma.
- Candied orange slice – A pretty garnish for serving.
How to make an orange mocktail
This mocktail is quick and fun to assemble. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a pretty, spiced drink in five minutes.
1. Zest half an orange and mix the zest into a tablespoon of sugar. Spread the sugared zest onto a small plate and set aside.
2. Juice three oranges into a mixing cup. Add 1 ounce simple syrup, 3 ounces non-alcoholic rum, a dash of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir to combine.
3. Prepare the glass by running the cut half orange or lemon around the rim, then dipping the rim into the sugar-and-zest mixture so it adheres evenly.
4. Smoke the glass by lighting the end of a cinnamon stick briefly. Place the lit stick on a plate, then cover it with the glass so the smoke fills the inside. Let it sit for about one minute. After smoking, flip the glass upright, place the cinnamon stick inside, and add ice.
5. Finish by pouring the mocktail into the smoked glass, garnish with a candied orange slice, and serve immediately.
A note about simple syrups
Simple syrups are a small, powerful tool to elevate mocktails. The basic version—equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves—is perfect here because the fresh orange juice carries most of the flavor. You can also infuse syrups with fruit, herbs, or spices to create custom flavor profiles for different drinks.
Can I store this drink or make it ahead?
This mocktail is best when served fresh. If needed, you can prepare the orange juice and non-alcoholic rum mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, smoke the glass with the cinnamon stick, pour over ice, and garnish.
A note about non-alcoholic rum
Non-alcoholic (zero proof) rum brings the rounded, caramel-like notes of rum without alcohol, which is ideal if you’re serving kids or avoiding booze. If you prefer, substitute regular rum for an alcoholic version.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this playful, citrus-forward mocktail. It’s simple to prepare, visually striking, and full of fresh orange flavor with a warm, smoky finish.
5-Minute Spiced Orange Mocktail (Single Serve)
Ingredients
- 3 Oranges, juiced
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 ounces Non-Alcoholic Rum (or regular rum if preferred)
- dash Cinnamon
- pinch Nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Sugar mixed with zest from ½ an orange, set aside
- ½ Lemon or Orange (for rimming)
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Candied Orange Slice (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Zest ½ orange and mix the zest into the sugar. Spread the sugared zest on a small plate and set aside.
- Squeeze three oranges into a mixing cup. Add the simple syrup, non-alcoholic rum, a dash of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir to combine.
- Wet the rim of the glass with the cut lemon or orange, then dip the rim into the sugar-and-zest mixture to coat.
- Light the tip of a cinnamon stick briefly, place it on a plate, and cover it with the glass to trap the smoke for about one minute. After smoking, place the cinnamon stick inside the glass and fill with ice.
- Pour the mocktail into the smoked glass, garnish with a candied orange slice, and enjoy.
Notes
This drink is best fresh. You can prep the orange juice and rum mixture ahead and chill it, then smoke the glass and serve over ice when ready.