Citrus Sage Spritz – Orange, Grapefruit & Honey Mocktail

The Citrus Sage Spritz is a sparkling mocktail built from orange juice, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, soda water, and fresh sage. The focus is on proportion and technique: gentle herb handling, enough sweetness to soften the grapefruit, and a final soda top that keeps the drink crisp.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Orange Juice: adds round citrus sweetness.
• Grapefruit Juice: supplies tartness and mild bitterness.
• Honey Syrup: softens the acidity and adds floral sweetness.
• Soda Water: lengthens the drink and provides carbonation.
• Sage: adds earthy, aromatic herbal character.

Simple syrup can replace honey syrup for a more neutral sweetness. Rosemary or basil can replace sage for a different herbal direction.

Equipment

• Highball Glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger
• Strainer

Keep the Sage Gentle

Sage can become assertive quickly. Light pressure is enough to release aroma before shaking, and straining keeps leaf fragments out of the finished drink. Adding the soda after shaking preserves carbonation and prevents unnecessary pressure in the shaker.

Substitutions & Variations

• Replace honey syrup with simple syrup or agave syrup.
• Use blood orange juice for a deeper citrus profile.
• Swap sage for rosemary or basil.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for a sharper variation.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the juices and soda water before mixing.
• Muddle the sage gently rather than grinding it.
• Shake only the juices and syrup.
• Add the soda water after straining.
• Stir once or twice after topping to preserve the fizz.