This winter spiced orange mocktail is the perfect non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy during the festive season. Its complex flavors derive from a unique blend of Seville oranges, spices, and a homemade syrup. This recipe is simple to prepare and will surely impress your guests.
For this recipe, Seville oranges are crucial. They are a variety of citrus known for their strong, sour flavor. Therefore, they provide the perfect balance to the sweetness of the syrup and offer a unique flavor to the mocktail. You also need allspice berries, star anise, and orange bitters. If these ingredients aren't in your pantry, they can be found in the spice aisle or specialty foods section of most supermarkets.
Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail Ingredients
Seville oranges: These oranges are less sweet than common oranges and have a unique, robust flavor that adds complexity to the mocktail.
Orange juice: Adds sweetness and tanginess to balance the bitter Seville oranges.
Sugar: It sweetens the syrup, which in turn sweetens the mocktail.
Water: Used as a base for making the syrup.
Cinnamon sticks: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the syrup.
Star anise: Introduces a subtle, sweet licorice flavor.
Allspice berries: Adds a layer of warm, aromatic flavor.
Cloves: Brings a strong, spicy and sweet flavor to the syrup.
Club soda: Provides fizziness to the mocktail, making it more refreshing.
Orange bitters: Enhances the orange flavor and adds a sophisticated twist.
Orange slices: Used as a garnish for the finished mocktail.
One reader, Alida Steinmetz says:
This winter spiced orange mocktail recipe is a game-changer! The blend of bitter orange, spices, and club soda creates a refreshing and flavorful drink. It's the perfect non-alcoholic option for any gathering. The syrup is easy to make and can be stored for future use. I highly recommend trying it!
Techniques Required for Making a Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
How to make bitter orange and spice squash syrup: This involves combining bitter orange juice, zest, sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice berries, and cloves in a saucepan, bringing it to a boil, then simmering and steeping before straining.
How to serve the mocktail: This involves filling a rocks glass with crushed ice, pouring in the bitter orange and spice squash syrup, topping it with club soda and a dash of orange bitters, stirring gently, and garnishing with an orange slice.
How To Make Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
Blend up a lip-smacking, non-alcoholic drink with this easy mocktail recipe, made with club soda and a dash of bitter syrup spiced with cinnamon!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Bitter Orange and Spice Squash Syrup:
- 2Seville oranges,zested
- 1cuporange juice,(from 4-5 medium-sized Seville bitter oranges)
- 1cupsugar
- ½cupwater
- 4cinnamon sticks,2-inch
- 2star anise
- 5allspice berries,lightly crushed
- 4cloves
For Mocktail:
- 1ozbitter orange and spice squash syrup
- 4ozclub soda,chilled
- 1dashorange bitters
- orange slices,for garnish
Instructions
Bitter Orange and Spice Squash Syrup:
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In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the bitter orange juice, zest, sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice berries, and cloves. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, and then lower heat to a simmer.
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Simmer for 5 minutes, and then remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan and let steep for an additional 10 minutes.
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Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, or a coffee filter if using ground spices, into an airtight container, like a wide mouth canning jar.
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Set aside or refrigerate if not using immediately. The syrup will keep in the fridge for up to a month.
To Serve:
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Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice, pour in 1 ounce of the bitter orange and spice squash syrup, top with club soda and a dash of orange bitters.
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Stir gently to combine, and garnish with an orange slice. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 584.38kcal
- Fat: 1.27g
- Saturated Fat: 0.22g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.32g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.28g
- Carbohydrates: 148.93g
- Fiber: 8.05g
- Sugar: 133.02g
- Protein: 3.16g
- Sodium: 23.55mg
- Calcium: 192.43mg
- Potassium: 658.38mg
- Iron: 2.01mg
- Vitamin A: 31.42µg
- Vitamin C: 144.81mg
Key Technique for Perfecting Your Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
When making the bitter orange and spice squash syrup, it's important to let the mixture steep after simmering. This allows the flavors from the cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice berries, and cloves to fully infuse into the syrup, creating a more complex and flavorful base for your mocktail. Additionally, using a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter ensures a smooth, clear syrup without any spice residue.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Mocktail Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the bitter orange and spice squash syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time when you're ready to make the mocktail.
Use pre-squeezed juice: If you're short on time, opt for store-bought orange juice instead of squeezing fresh oranges for the syrup.
Multi-task: While the syrup is simmering, prepare other ingredients or garnishes to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process.
Simplify the garnish: Instead of intricate garnishes, opt for simple orange slices to save time without compromising presentation.
Substitute Ingredients For Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail Recipe
seville oranges - Substitute with blood oranges: Blood oranges have a similar tartness and a hint of raspberry flavor, which can work well in place of Seville oranges.
orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice has a similar citrusy flavor and sweetness, making it a suitable substitute for orange juice.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the spices in the syrup.
cinnamon sticks - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used in place of cinnamon sticks, but use it sparingly as it is more potent in flavor.
star anise - Substitute with fennel seeds: Fennel seeds have a similar licorice-like flavor and can be used as a substitute for star anise in the syrup.
allspice berries - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can provide a warm and slightly spicy flavor similar to allspice berries.
cloves - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can also replace cloves, adding a warm and aromatic flavor to the syrup.
club soda - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water can be used as a substitute for club soda to add effervescence to the mocktail.
orange bitters - Substitute with angostura bitters: Angostura bitters can provide a similar depth of flavor and complexity to the mocktail.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
Elevate the glassware: Present the winter spiced orange mocktail in elegant, crystal-clear glassware to showcase the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of the drink.
Garnish with precision: Adorn the mocktail with meticulously sliced and fanned orange slices to add a touch of sophistication and visual appeal to the presentation.
Incorporate a seasonal element: Introduce a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of edible gold flakes to infuse a seasonal and luxurious touch to the mocktail presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the mocktail elements with precision and symmetry, ensuring that each component is thoughtfully placed to create a visually stunning presentation.
Utilize ambient lighting: Showcase the mocktail in an environment with soft, warm lighting to enhance the overall presentation and create an inviting ambiance for the dining experience.
Highlight the mocktail's color: Consider serving the mocktail against a contrasting backdrop to accentuate the rich, amber hues of the drink and create a visually striking presentation.
Incorporate a unique serving tray: Present the mocktail on a sleek, modern serving tray or a rustic wooden board to add an element of artistry and elevate the overall dining experience.
Consider the use of dry ice: Introduce a touch of drama and flair by incorporating a subtle wisp of aromatic, billowing dry ice to create a captivating and memorable presentation for the mocktail.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for cooking on the stovetop.
- Fine-mesh strainer: A strainer with a fine mesh that is used to strain liquids and remove any solid particles.
- Coffee filter: A paper filter used to strain coffee grounds from brewed coffee.
- Rocks glass: A short tumbler used for serving drinks over ice.
- Wide mouth canning jar: A glass jar with a wide opening, often used for preserving and storing food items.
- Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
- Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing ingredients.
- Citrus juicer: A tool designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Crushed ice: Ice that has been crushed or broken into small pieces, often used in drinks and cocktails.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
- The bitter orange and spice squash syrup can be stored in an airtight container, such as a wide mouth canning jar, in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- If you have leftover syrup, you can freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning later. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use the frozen syrup, simply thaw the desired number of cubes in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- The mocktail itself is best served immediately after preparation for optimal flavor and carbonation. It is not recommended to store or freeze the prepared mocktail.
- If you have leftover orange slices or other garnishes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Interesting Fact About Winter Spiced Orange Mocktails
The bitter orange and spice squash syrup can also be used as a flavorful addition to hot teas or cocktails, adding a unique and aromatic twist to your favorite beverages.
Is Making Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail at Home Cost-Effective?
This winter spiced orange mocktail recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The use of simple ingredients like oranges, sugar, and spices makes it budget-friendly. The bitter orange and spice squash syrup can be prepared in bulk and stored for future use, adding to its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an affordable and delightful option for a refreshing drink. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Mocktail Recipe Healthy?
The winter spiced orange mocktail recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest choice due to its high sugar content. The recipe calls for a full cup of sugar in the syrup, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly. Additionally, the use of club soda, while providing a refreshing fizz, does not offer any significant nutritional benefits.
To make this mocktail healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup by half or more, depending on your taste preferences. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
- Instead of using club soda, opt for sparkling water or unsweetened seltzer to maintain the carbonation without the added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Incorporate more fresh orange juice into the mocktail itself, as it provides vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients. This will also help balance out the sweetness of the syrup.
- Add a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice for an extra boost of antioxidants and a tart, refreshing flavor.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick to enhance the aroma and flavor without adding extra calories.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
The winter spiced orange mocktail recipe is a delightful and aromatic concoction that perfectly captures the flavors of the season. The bitter orange and spice squash syrup adds a rich and complex depth, complemented by the refreshing fizz of club soda and the subtle hint of orange bitters. The combination of citrus and warm spices creates a comforting and festive mocktail that is sure to impress. It's a perfect non-alcoholic option for winter gatherings or cozy nights in. Cheers to a delicious and beautifully balanced mocktail!
Enhance Your Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail
Why trust this Winter Spiced Orange Mocktail Recipe:
This winter spiced orange mocktail recipe is a delightful blend of bitter orange and warm spices, creating a rich and aromatic syrup that infuses the drink with a burst of flavor. The use of seville oranges ensures a tangy and robust citrus base, while the addition of cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice berries, and cloves brings a comforting warmth to the mocktail. The careful preparation and steeping process of the syrup guarantees a well-balanced and complex flavor profile. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail in crafting this recipe.
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