Hot Honey Mandarin Mocktail
Whether you’re looking for a little heat or a lot of spice, the hot honey mandarin mocktail deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s bright, citrusy, and has the kind of layered flavor that lets you make it your own, building the sweet and the heat to your own taste level. As a bonus, this one can be made entirely with ingredients found at your local grocery store!
Why You'll Love The Hot Honey Mandarin Mocktail
This citrusy mocktail is bright, refreshing, and just spicy enough to feel a little special. Mandarin juice, fiery hot honey, and herbal thyme come together with bubbly orange sparkling water for a zero-proof drink that tastes far more elevated than your average mocktail recipe. When you’re craving a fun alcohol-free drink that still feels sophisticated, this one delivers the perfect balance of sweet, heat, and sparkle. Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make!
The Best Sparkling Water for This Mocktail
The sparkling topper you choose can completely change the vibe of this drink.
For a lighter, spa-like mocktail: Use orange sparkling water
For a sweeter, more cocktail-style drink: Use orange soda or Italian soda
You can also try blood orange sparkling water for a slightly richer citrus flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Mandarin Mocktail
Don’t Skip the Thyme
The thyme balances the sweetness and gives the mocktail a more sophisticated flavor profile. It’s subtle, but it’s what makes the drink feel truly cocktail-inspired.
Adjust the Heat
Love spice? Add a little extra hot honey. Prefer things mild? Start with less and build from there.
When to Serve This Nonalcoholic Cocktail
This spicy citrus mocktail works year-round, but it’s especially good for:
Dry January
Summer parties
Bridal showers
Baby showers
Wellness-focused gatherings
Girls’ nights
Sunday brunch
Holiday hosting
It also pairs surprisingly well with spicy foods, charcuterie boards, and takeout sushi.
Ingredients You'll Need
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 2 oz mandarin juice
- 1/2 oz hot honey
- Fresh thyme, muddled
- Orange-flavored sparkling water or soda
- Ice
Instructions
- Add fresh thyme to your favorite glass and gently muddle.
- Pour in the mandarin juice and hot honey.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir well.
- Top with orange sparkling water or soda.
- Garnish with extra thyme and serve immediately.
Hot Honey Mandarin Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh mandarin juice
- 1/2 oz hot honey
- fresh thyme, muddled
- Orange-flavored sparkling water or soda
- ice
Instructions
- Add fresh thyme to your favorite glass and gently muddle.
- Pour in the fresh mandarin juice and hot honey.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir well.
- Top with orange sparkling water or soda.
- Garnish with extra thyme and serve immediately.
