Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer

The Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer is an elegant and refreshing non-alcoholic drink perfect for any occasion. It beautifully balances the distinct, slightly berry-like sweetness of blood orange with the savory, herbaceous aroma of fresh thyme. Topped with sparkling water, this spritzer is both visually stunning with its deep ruby hue and delightfully crisp on the palate. It's a sophisticated choice for those seeking a complex and flavorful alcohol-free beverage.
Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer is classified as a mocktail, an elaborate non-alcoholic beverage. It falls into the refreshing category due to its bright citrus flavors and bubbly texture. It's considered a sophisticated alternative to alcoholic cocktails.

Serving

This non-alcoholic drink is served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass to showcase its vibrant color and effervescence. The serving size is standard for a refreshing long drink.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV (non-alcoholic)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This mocktail is a modern creation, born from the craft beverage movement that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and complex flavor pairings. It draws inspiration from classic Italian spritzers and gin-based cocktails but reimagines them in a non-alcoholic context. The combination of winter citrus like blood orange with a common garden herb like thyme reflects a desire for sophisticated, "adult" flavors in mocktails.
Origin
The specific origin is not documented, but it is a contemporary recipe that likely emerged in the United States or Europe in the 2010s. Its creation aligns with the rise of mixology culture and the increasing demand for high-quality non-alcoholic drink options.

Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer

This drink is primarily known as the Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer. Alternative names like "Thyme & Blood Orange Fizz" emphasize its effervescent quality and key ingredients. It may also be generally referred to as a non-alcoholic spritzer to highlight its alcohol-free nature.
Original name
Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer
Alternative names
  • Thyme & Blood Orange Fizz
  • Non-Alcoholic Blood Orange Spritzer

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a beautiful ruby red color with a refreshing, bubbly texture. The aroma is a delightful mix of fresh thyme and citrus, leading to a balanced sweet-tart flavor with an earthy, herbaceous finish.
Flavor
Citrusy, Herbaceous, Sweet, Tart, Earthy, Refreshing
Aroma
Thyme, Blood Orange, Fresh, Herbal
Taste balance
Sweet-tart, Balanced
Aftertaste
Clean, Herbal, Lingering citrus
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent, Lightly carbonated
Color appearance
Deep Orange, Ruby Red, Clear, Effervescent
Texture
Light, Crisp, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Winter (citrus season)

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, led by a high fruitiness and balanced sweetness and sourness. It is completely non-alcoholic, non-creamy, and features a pleasant level of carbonation without any saltiness or spiciness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires fresh blood orange and lime juice, a homemade thyme-infused simple syrup, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. The drink is topped with soda water for effervescence.
  • Fresh Blood Orange Juice90 ml / 3 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor and color.
  • Thyme Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    To make, simmer equal parts water and sugar with several thyme sprigs for 10 minutes, then cool and strain.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adds a sharp, acidic balance to the sweetness.
  • Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz (or to top)
    Chilled soda water or sparkling mineral water works best.
  • Fresh Thyme Sprigs2-3 sprigs
    For muddling to release the oils.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker and strainer to build and chill the mocktail, as well as a muddler to release the essential oils from the fresh thyme.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Muddler for gently bruising the thyme.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to pour without ice and muddled herbs.

Instructions

The process involves muddling fresh thyme, shaking the juices and syrup with ice, and then straining into a glass before topping with soda water. A final garnish completes this elegant mocktail.
1. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the 2-3 thyme sprigs with the thyme simple syrup and fresh lime juice.
2. Add the fresh blood orange juice to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill a highball glass with fresh cubed ice.
5. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass to remove ice shards and thyme leaves.
6. Top with chilled soda water, leaving a little space at the top.
7. Garnish with a blood orange wheel and a fresh sprig of thyme before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a vibrant wheel of blood orange and a fresh sprig of thyme to enhance the drink's aroma and visual appeal.
  • Blood orange wheel: A thin slice of blood orange placed on the rim or floating in the drink.
  • Fresh thyme sprig: A single sprig placed in the glass for aroma and visual appeal.

Dietary Information

This mocktail is suitable for a wide range of dietary needs as it is naturally free from alcohol, caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with its carbohydrate and sugar content coming primarily from the natural fruit juice and the simple syrup.
Calories
Approximately 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18-22 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile mocktail is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from celebratory brunches and baby showers to casual summer parties. Its elegant appearance and refreshing taste also make it a perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon drink or a festive holiday gathering.
  • Brunch
  • Summer Party
  • Baby Shower
  • Relaxing Afternoon
  • Festive Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The drink's herbal and citrus notes pair wonderfully with light appetizers like bruschetta or goat cheese crostini. It also complements light salads and grilled white meats or fish, cutting through richness and refreshing the palate.
  • Goat cheese and cranberry crostini
  • Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Bruschetta with tomato and basil
  • Grilled chicken or fish

Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer: A Sip of Sophisticated Sunshine

The Blood Orange and Thyme Spritzer is a sophisticated and visually appealing mocktail that proves non-alcoholic drinks can be just as complex and satisfying as their spirited counterparts. It expertly combines the sweet, tart, and slightly bitter notes of blood orange with the earthy, aromatic character of fresh thyme for a truly balanced experience. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, it's an excellent choice for any social gathering or a quiet moment of indulgence, offering a refreshing and flavorful alternative for all to enjoy.

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