Sun-Kissed Clementine Cooler

This mocktail is a celebration of citrus and herbs. The natural sweetness of fresh clementine juice is perfectly balanced by the tartness of lime and the piney, aromatic notes of rosemary simple syrup. Topped with sparkling water, it's a light, bubbly, and sophisticated non-alcoholic drink suitable for any time of day. Its vibrant orange hue makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Sun-Kissed Clementine Cooler

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a mocktail, meaning it is a non-alcoholic mixed drink. It falls into the citrus category due to its main ingredient, clementine juice, and is often enjoyed as a refreshing beverage.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic drink served cold with ice in a tall Highball glass. The total serving size is around 8 ounces, making for a substantial and refreshing beverage.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

This recipe was inspired by sunny Mediterranean groves where citrus and rosemary grow side-by-side. It aims to capture the essence of a warm, breezy afternoon in a glass, offering a sophisticated alcohol-free option that doesn't compromise on flavor or complexity. It's a modern creation for those seeking a bright and uplifting beverage.
Origin
This is a modern mocktail creation, likely emerging from the 21st-century craft mocktail movement. It does not have a specific country of origin but is inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

Sun-Kissed Clementine Cooler

The drink is named descriptively as the "Sun-Kissed Clementine Cooler". Its alternative names, like "Clementine Rosemary Sparkler," simply highlight the primary ingredients and the effervescent nature of the beverage.
Original name
Sun-Kissed Clementine Cooler
Alternative names
  • Clementine Rosemary Sparkler
  • Clementine Fizz

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a vibrant citrus flavor balanced by herbal rosemary notes and a crisp, bubbly texture. Its bright orange appearance and fresh aroma make it an appealing and refreshing choice for any season.
Flavor
Clementine, Citrus, Herbal, Rosemary, Sweet, Tart
Aroma
Citrusy, Piney, Herbaceous, Fresh
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Refreshing, Lingering rosemary
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent, Sparkling
Color appearance
Bright orange, Clear, Vibrant
Texture
Light, Crisp, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by high fruitiness from the clementine, with a balanced sweet and sour taste. It has a significant level of carbonation and no alcohol, resulting in a light yet flavorful experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need fresh clementine and lime juice, a homemade or store-bought rosemary simple syrup, and sparkling water to top. The key is using fresh juices for the best possible flavor.
  • Freshly squeezed clementine juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Freshly squeezed offers the best flavor. Approximately 3-4 clementines are needed.
  • Fresh lime juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adds essential tartness to balance the sweetness.
  • Rosemary simple syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Can be homemade by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a sprig of rosemary.
  • Sparkling water90 ml / 3 oz, to top
    Club soda or seltzer can also be used.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The essential equipment includes a cocktail shaker and strainer to properly chill and mix the ingredients before serving. A jigger is recommended for precise measurement of the liquids.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine the juices and syrup.
  • Strainer to pour the mixture without ice shards.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate measurements.

Instructions

Preparation is simple: shake the juices and syrup with ice, strain into an ice-filled glass, and top with sparkling water. Finish with a quick stir and the appropriate garnishes.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to ensure the ingredients get properly chilled.
2. Add the freshly squeezed clementine juice, fresh lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
4. Fill a chilled Highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the ice-filled glass.
6. Top the drink with sparkling water, leaving a little space at the top.
7. Gently stir with a bar spoon once to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
8. Garnish with a clementine wheel and a fresh rosemary sprig before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh clementine wheel and a rosemary sprig enhances both the visual appeal and the aroma of the drink. The rosemary sprig in particular adds to the aromatic experience with every sip.
  • Clementine wheel, placed inside the glass or on the rim.
  • Fresh rosemary sprig, placed in the drink to add aroma.

Dietary Information

This drink is suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences as it is vegan, vegetarian, and caffeine-free. It is also free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts.
✕ 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 caloric content primarily coming from the natural sugars in the fruit juice and the added sugar in the simple syrup. It contains around 90 calories and 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Calories
Averagely 90 kcal / 377 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 22 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 20 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

Its light and refreshing nature makes it perfect for daytime events like brunch, baby showers, or garden parties. It serves as an elegant non-alcoholic option for celebrations or simply as a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Brunch
  • Baby Shower
  • Afternoon Refreshment
  • Summer Party
  • Garden Party

Pairing suggestions

The drink's citrus and herbal notes pair wonderfully with light and fresh foods. It complements dishes like salads, grilled white meats, and appetizers featuring goat cheese. It also serves as a lovely partner to fruit-based desserts.
  • Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Goat cheese crostini with honey
  • Fresh fruit tarts

Sun-Kissed Clementine Cooler: A Sip of Sunshine

The Sun-Kissed Clementine Cooler is a vibrant and sophisticated mocktail perfect for any occasion. Its delightful blend of sweet clementine, zesty lime, and aromatic rosemary creates a multi-layered flavor experience that is both refreshing and memorable. Easy to prepare and beautiful to look at, it's an excellent alcohol-free choice that feels special and celebratory. This drink proves that you don't need alcohol to enjoy a complex and satisfying beverage.

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