Fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, and sugar-free orange flavors combine to create this clear, bubbly beverage. The drink is served over ice with a light, effervescent texture and a bright yellow hue from the citrus base. A garnish of fresh rosemary and citrus peels provides an aromatic winter finish to this crisp and refreshing low-carb drink.

About This Recipe

The mocktail is prepared by stirring lemon juice, orange flavoring, and sweetener in a glass until the granules are fully dissolved. Cold sparkling water or club soda is poured over the ice to create the carbonated base while maintaining a clean and sharp flavor profile. Adding the citrus elements first ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the glass before the bubbles are added.

The drink has a bright citrus character that carries the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the sugar-free orange syrup. Sparkling water provides a neutral, crisp foundation that balances the acidity of the fruit juices and the concentrated flavors. As the ice melts and the rosemary sprig sits in the liquid, the drink releases subtle herbal notes that complement the sharp citrus scent.

The sparkler is served cold in individual glasses and is often finished with a thin lemon slice or a citrus twist just before serving. This assembly method allows the drink to be made quickly for holiday parties or winter celebrations. The final presentation relies on the contrast between the clear, bubbling liquid and the green herbal garnishes, making it a simple option for an alcohol-free seasonal beverage.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Light, refreshing, and festive
  • Completely sugar-free and keto-friendly
  • Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings
  • Easy to customize
  • Ready in minutes
  • Beautiful presentation
  • Alcohol-free but still celebratory
  • Bright winter citrus flavor

What You’ll Need for This Winter Citrus Sparkler

Mocktail Base

  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free orange syrup or 1 tsp orange extract
  • 1 tbsp granular sweetener (or to taste)
  • Ice cubes

Garnishes

  • Lemon twist
  • Fresh rosemary sprig
  • Thin lemon slice (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add lemon juice, sugar-free orange syrup or extract, and sweetener.
  3. Stir until sweetener dissolves.
  4. Pour sparkling water over the top.
  5. Stir gently.
  6. Add garnish and serve immediately.

FAQ

  • Can I use flavored sparkling water?
    Yes—citrus or plain works great.
  • Can I make it sweeter?
    Add extra sweetener to taste.
  • Can I batch this for parties?
    Yes—mix everything except sparkling water and ice, then add before serving.
  • Can I add herbs?
    Rosemary, thyme, or mint work beautifully.
  • Can I use a sugar-free syrup?
    Yes—any orange or citrus syrup enhances flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add sugar-free cranberry syrup for color
  • Use lime instead of lemon
  • Add a splash of diet ginger ale
  • Garnish with star anise for aroma
  • Add a few frozen berries for chill + decoration

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve at holiday lunches
  • Add to mocktail trays
  • Pair with festive keto appetizers

Keto Winter Citrus Sparkler (Low-Carb Holiday Mocktail)

Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 Servings
Calories 5
A bright, bubbly winter citrus mocktail that’s sugar-free, refreshing, and perfect for festive holiday celebrations—light, clean, and beautifully aromatic.

Ingredients

Mocktail Base

  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free orange syrup or 1 tsp orange extract
  • 1 tbsp granular sweetener (or to taste)
  • Ice cubes

Garnishes

  • Lemon twist
  • Fresh rosemary sprig
  • Thin lemon slice (optional)

Instructions 

  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Add lemon juice, sugar-free orange syrup or extract, and sweetener.
  • Stir until sweetener dissolves.
  • Pour sparkling water over the top.
  • Stir gently.
  • Add garnish and serve immediately.
Calories: 5kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: citrus mocktail,, keto holiday drink, sugar-free sparkler

Did you make this recipe?


I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!

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Author

I share simple, everyday recipes that I cook in my own kitchen, focused on food that's easy, satisfying, and realistic for busy routines.

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