Can I Make This Holiday Mocktail Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The blood-orange thyme syrup can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.u003cbru003eHowever, wait until serving time to add the ginger beer. That way, every glass stays wonderfully bubbly.

Can I Use Regular Orange Juice Instead of Blood Orange Juice?

Yes. Regular orange juice works as a substitute when blood oranges aren't available.u003cbru003eHowever, it has a slightly different flavor and lighter color. The cranberry juice will still give the finished drink its lovely red appearance.

What Can I Use Instead of Ginger Beer?

Nonalcoholic ginger ale is a good option if you prefer something milder.u003cbru003eIt usually tastes sweeter and less spicy than ginger beer, so consider starting with slightly less syrup and adjusting to your preference.

How Can I Make This Drink for a Larger Group?

Prepare a bigger batch of the blood-orange syrup, then scale up the other ingredients according to the number of guests.u003cbru003eKeep everything chilled and add the ginger beer just before serving. For the best presentation, garnish individual glasses with blood orange slices and frozen cranberries.

Thanksgiving Mocktail Recipe – A Bright, Festive Fizz

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup blood orange juice, plus 2 blood orange slices for serving
1/3 cup sugar
4 large sprigs fresh thyme
1 1/4 cups nonalcoholic ginger beer
1/2 cup cranberry juice
Frozen cranberries, for serving
Ice, for serving

Instructions

Make the Blood-Orange Syrup: Place the blood orange juice, sugar, and fresh thyme in a small saucepan. Warm everything over medium heat, stirring gently as the sugar melts into the juice. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes.
Let the Flavors Develop: Turn off the heat and leave the syrup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, remove the thyme sprigs and pour the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer.
Build Your Mocktails: Fill two highball glasses with ice. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared blood-orange syrup to each glass. Divide the ginger beer equally between the glasses, followed by the cranberry juice. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
Add the Festive Garnish: Finish each glass with a slice of blood orange and a few frozen cranberries. Serve immediately while the ginger beer is still fizzy and the glasses are nicely chilled.

Notes

Make the syrup ahead of time for easy assembly. Adjust sweetness to taste, and chill all ingredients before serving.

Author: elouafi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Non-Alcoholic

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: mocktail, Thanksgiving drink, non-alcoholic beverage, holiday mocktail, cranberry, orange