I stumbled upon this Cinderella Mocktail recipe years ago during a summer party, and it's been my go-to refreshment ever since!
This gorgeous golden drink combines the bright flavors of fresh orange, zesty lemon, and sweet pineapple juice, finished with a touch of grenadine and fizzy ginger ale. It's incredibly simple to make but tastes like something from a high-end resort.
Why I Love This
- Burst of Citrus Flavors: The perfect balance of orange, lemon, and pineapple creates a refreshing flavor profile that's both tangy and sweet.
- Family-Friendly: A sophisticated non-alcoholic option that both kids and adults will enjoy—perfect for inclusive gatherings!
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants from fresh citrus juices that support immune health.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the sweetness, fizziness, or garnishes to suit your preferences.
- Instagram-Worthy Appearance: The stunning golden-orange hue with vibrant garnishes makes for a picture-perfect drink every time.
- Quick & Simple: Requires minimal prep with readily available ingredients—no specialty items needed.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From backyard BBQs to elegant dinner parties, baby showers to summer gatherings—this mocktail fits every celebration.
Ingredients
I chose these ingredients because they create the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The fresh orange juice provides natural sweetness and vitamin C, while lemon adds that essential zing that wakes up your taste buds. Pineapple juice brings tropical sweetness and complexity that makes this drink special.
Grenadine isn't just for color, it adds a subtle fruity depth that rounds out the citrus. Finally, ginger ale ties everything together with its gentle spice and bubbles that make each sip exciting. It's amazing how these simple ingredients create something that tastes so sophisticated.
For One Serving:
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) pineapple juice
- ½ teaspoon grenadine syrup
- ½ cup (4 oz) ginger ale or soda water
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters (optional - contains trace alcohol)
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice, pineapple wedge, and/or maraschino cherry for garnish
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker - Creates the perfect blend of ingredients and properly chills the drink. The vigorous shaking action incorporates tiny air bubbles that give the mocktail a silky texture.
- Citrus Juicer - Extracts maximum juice from citrus fruits while keeping seeds and excess pulp out.
- Jigger or Measuring Spoons - Ensures consistent proportions for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Highball Glass - The tall, narrow shape showcases the beautiful layers and color while preserving carbonation.
- Bar Spoon or Long Spoon - Allows for gentle stirring without disrupting carbonation.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board - For preparing fresh garnishes that enhance both appearance and aroma.
How To Make
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the orange juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Secure the lid and shake well for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and strain your shaken mixture into it, filling the glass about halfway.
- Top up your glass with ginger ale or soda water, leaving a little space at the top. If using bitters, add them now.
- Gently stir everything together with a spoon, being careful not to lose the fizz.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and pineapple on the rim of the glass, and serve immediately while it's perfectly chilled and bubbly.
Substitutions
- Orange Juice: Blood orange juice for a more intense flavor and gorgeous ruby color, or mandarin juice for a sweeter profile.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice for a more tropical flavor, or a combination of both for complexity.
- Pineapple Juice: Mango nectar or passion fruit juice can provide a similar tropical sweetness with an interesting twist.
- Grenadine: Substitute with pomegranate juice (reduced with a bit of sugar) for a less processed option, or try raspberry syrup for a different berry note.
- Ginger Ale: Use ginger beer for a stronger ginger kick, or sparkling water with a dash of ginger syrup for a less sweet version.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Add a touch of honey or agave nectar if using soda water instead of ginger ale.
- Lower Sugar Version: Use diet ginger ale and unsweetened juices, with just a touch of grenadine for color.
Pro Tips
- Temperature Matters: Use chilled juices and ginger ale for the best result - warm ingredients lead to a diluted drink as ice melts faster.
- Ice Quality: Use large, clear ice cubes which melt slower than cloudy, small ones, keeping your drink from becoming watery.
- The Perfect Shake: Shake until the cocktail shaker becomes frosty on the outside - this indicates optimal chilling.
- Garnish Technique: Express oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it above the surface before adding as garnish for an aromatic boost.
- Layering Effect: Pour grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass after other ingredients for a beautiful gradient effect.
- Fresh Is Best: Squeeze citrus juices just before making the mocktail for optimal flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Glassware Tip: Chill your serving glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes beforehand for an extra-cold, refreshing drink.
FAQ
While not absolutely necessary, shaking properly chills the drink and creates a silky texture by incorporating tiny air bubbles. If you don't have a shaker, use any container with a tight lid, like a mason jar or protein shaker.
You can prepare the juice mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add ice and carbonated ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness and fizz.
Skip the Angostura bitters (which contain trace amounts of alcohol) or substitute with alcohol-free bitters available online or at specialty stores.
The specific combination of three citrus juices, grenadine for sweetness and color, plus the warming spice of ginger ale creates a uniquely balanced and sophisticated flavor profile.
Like the fairytale character who transformed from ordinary to extraordinary, this mocktail turns simple ingredients into something magical. The golden color also resembles Cinderella's iconic golden carriage.
Pour all ingredients except grenadine first. Then slowly pour grenadine down the inside of the glass - it will sink to the bottom creating a beautiful gradient effect.
For best results, consume within 30 minutes of preparation. The carbonation will gradually diminish over time.
Absolutely! Set up a station with pre-mixed juice base, various carbonated options, and garnishes so guests can customize their own Cinderella Mocktails.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Cinderella Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ teaspoon grenadine syrup
- ½ cup 4 oz ginger ale or soda water
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters optional - contains trace alcohol
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice pineapple wedge, and/or maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the orange juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Secure the lid and shake well for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and strain your shaken mixture into it, filling the glass about halfway.
- Top up your glass with ginger ale or soda water, leaving a little space at the top. If using bitters, add them now.
- Gently stir everything together with a spoon, being careful not to lose the fizz.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and pineapple on the rim of the glass, and serve immediately while it's perfectly chilled and bubbly.
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