Sundowner's Delight
The Sundowner's Delight is a visually stunning mocktail that captures the colors of a sunset in a glass. It combines the deep, berry-like notes of blood orange with the bright sweetness of pineapple juice, all balanced by a squeeze of fresh lime. A touch of ginger syrup adds a gentle, warming spice that elevates the drink, which is topped with sparkling water for a refreshing effervescence.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Sundowner's Delight is classified as a modern mocktail. It is a non-alcoholic mixed drink created with contemporary flavor pairings, designed to offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional cocktails.
Serving
Serve this non-alcoholic drink cold in a chilled Highball glass over ice. It's a moderately sized drink designed for refreshing sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This mocktail was created for those who want to enjoy the ritual and beauty of a "sundowner" drink without the alcohol. It's designed to be the perfect companion for watching the day end, offering complex flavors and a celebratory feel that's suitable for everyone. Its name reflects its purpose as a delightful, alcohol-free beverage for twilight relaxation.
Origin
The Sundowner's Delight is a modern creation, likely emerging in the 21st century with the growing popularity of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages. It does not have a specific country of origin but is part of the global craft mocktail movement.
Sundowner's Delight
This drink is primarily known as Sundowner's Delight. Alternative names like Sunset Sparkler or Blood Orange Ginger Fizz are descriptive, highlighting its appearance and key flavors, but are not as commonly used.
Original name
Sundowner's Delight
Alternative names
- Sunset Sparkler
- Blood Orange Ginger Fizz
Characteristics overview
This drink has a vibrant, layered appearance with a fruity, citrus aroma and a balanced sweet-sour flavor profile complemented by a warm ginger spice. Its light, bubbly texture makes it exceptionally refreshing, suitable for any season.
Flavor
Fruity, citrusy, sweet, tart, spicy, bubbly
Aroma
Blood orange, pineapple, ginger, lime
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, warm ginger spice
Fizziness
Effervescent, sparkling, light
Color appearance
Layered, sunset-like gradient (red, orange, yellow), vibrant
Texture
Light, crisp, watery, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The drink is primarily fruity and moderately sweet and sour, with a noticeable but gentle ginger spice. It is entirely non-alcoholic, has no creaminess or saltiness, and features a pleasant level of carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This recipe requires fruit juices like blood orange, pineapple, and lime, along with ginger syrup for spice. The drink is topped with sparkling water for fizz.
- Blood Orange Juice90 ml / 3 ozFreshly squeezed is recommended for the best flavor and color.
- Pineapple Juice45 ml / 1.5 ozUse unsweetened pineapple juice.
- Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is essential for balancing sweetness.
- Ginger Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozStore-bought or homemade. Adjust quantity to taste for more or less spice.
- Sparkling Water60 ml / 2 oz, to topClub soda or seltzer can also be used.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for a gentle final stir. This drink is built directly in the serving glass.
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring.
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate measurements.
Instructions
The drink is built directly in an ice-filled glass by adding the juices and syrup, then slowly pouring blood orange juice to create layers. Finish by topping with sparkling water and garnishing.
1. Fill a Highball or Collins glass to the top with cubed ice.
2. Pour the pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and ginger syrup into the glass.
3. Slowly pour the blood orange juice over the back of a bar spoon against the inside of the glass to create a layered effect.
4. Top the drink with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a fresh sprig of mint.
6. Serve immediately and stir gently just before drinking to combine the layers.
Garnishing
Garnish with a vibrant slice of blood orange to echo the main ingredient and a fresh sprig of mint for a contrasting color and pleasant aroma.
- Blood orange slice or wheel, placed on the rim or inside the glass.
- Fresh mint sprig, gently clapped between hands to release aroma before placing in the drink.
Dietary Information
This drink is naturally free from alcohol, caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of dietary preferences.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This mocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the carbohydrates and natural sugars in the fruit juices and ginger syrup. It contains no fat or protein.
Calories
Averagely 120-150 kcal / 502-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 28-35 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-30 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This mocktail is perfect for warm-weather occasions like summer parties and barbecues. It's also an excellent choice for brunches, baby showers, or any time a festive, non-alcoholic option is desired for a relaxing evening.
- Summer Parties
- Brunches
- Relaxing Evenings
- Baby Showers
Pairing suggestions
The Sundowner's Delight pairs well with light and fresh foods. Its fruity and spicy notes complement grilled white meats and seafood, fresh salads, and a variety of appetizers. It's also a great companion to fruit-based desserts.
- Light appetizers like bruschetta or goat cheese crostini.
- Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette.
- Grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.
- Fruit platters and light desserts.
Sundowner's Delight: A Sip of Sunset
The Sundowner's Delight is a sophisticated and visually appealing mocktail perfect for any occasion that calls for a celebratory, non-alcoholic beverage. Its beautiful sunset gradient is achieved by layering blood orange and pineapple juices, while ginger syrup adds a surprising warmth and complexity. Easy to make and universally enjoyable, it offers a refreshing and flavorful experience that proves you don't need alcohol to have a special drink.
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