A Refreshing Citrus Twist with a Herbal Edge
Blood oranges aren’t your average citrus—they bring a bold, vibrant color and a flavor that’s just a little more intriguing than a standard orange. This Blood Orange & Thyme Mocktail is made with the crisp fizz of San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa and the botanical warmth of Seedlip Grove 42! It’s a bright, balanced, and refreshingly different mocktail.
Winter is technically Citrus Season.
That always seems off to me, lol. I feel like it should be summer. But in any case, blood oranges stand out for their deep red hue and rich, citrusy flavor with subtle berry-like undertones. Their color comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants that develop in cooler growing temperatures. Taste-wise, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them a great choice for drinks that need a little extra depth without added sugar.
Because they’re slightly sweeter than regular oranges, they work beautifully in mocktails, adding natural complexity. When combined with the crisp, herbal notes of Seedlip Grove 42 and a sparkling topper like Aranciata Rossa, you get a drink that’s balanced, vibrant, and satisfying.
Who Says Dry January Can’t be Juicy?
Let’s be real: non-alcoholic drinks often get the short end of the stick. If you’re the designated driver, pregnant, or just cutting back, your options at a party are usually limited to sparkling water or whatever sad, syrupy thing someone stirs together as an afterthought. This mocktail? It’s intentional. It’s layered. It doesn’t feel like you’re just drinking fruit juice and wishing it was something else.
What makes it stand out:
Thyme: This isn’t just for garnish—it’s the secret ingredient that makes the whole thing feel intentional. The earthy, slightly minty undertones play beautifully against the citrus.
Seedlip Grove 42: If you’re unfamiliar with Seedlip, they make distilled non-alcoholic spirits that actually taste like something. Grove 42 is a blend of citrus peels, spices, and botanicals, bringing a slightly bitter, aromatic depth that keeps this mocktail from being one-dimensional.
San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa: It’s fizzy, lightly sweet, and finishes the drink!
Tips for Making This Mocktail Even Better
1. Keep Everything Cold
Mocktails shine when they’re cold. Chill your Seedlip, your Aranciata Rossa, and even your glass if you want to go the extra mile. There’s nothing sadder than a warm mocktail (or worse, one that gets watery too fast because you had to use extra ice to compensate).
2. Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste
Aranciata Rossa has a touch of sweetness already, but if you like things on the sweeter side, a drizzle of honey or simple syrup will do the trick. If you prefer a drier, more sophisticated sip, leave it as-is.
3. Experiment with Garnishes
A sprig of thyme is classic, but if you want to change things up:
- A charred orange slice adds depth and a little smokiness.
- A rosemary sprig gives an even more herbal-forward vibe.
- A salted rim can bring out the citrus and make each sip pop.
4. Make It a Big Batch for Gatherings
If you’re making this for a crowd, scale up the ingredients and mix everything (except the sparkling water) in a pitcher ahead of time. When it’s time to serve, pour over ice and top with Aranciata Rossa to keep the bubbles fresh.
Why Seedlip Grove 42 Works So Well Here
If you haven’t tried Seedlip before, Grove 42 is the bottle that will convert you. Unlike most non-alcoholic alternatives that taste vaguely like juice, Seedlip actually feels like a spirit in a drink. It’s citrusy but not overly sweet, with layers of bitter orange, mandarin, and lemongrass. It adds the kind of complexity that makes this mocktail feel crafted, rather than just thrown together.
Plus, it’s distilled rather than brewed or fermented, so there’s no residual sugar—just a clean, crisp taste that plays well with bold flavors like blood orange.
The Best Times to Serve This Mocktail
Honestly, anytime you want something refreshing that doesn’t make you feel like you’re missing out. But if you need some inspiration:
- Brunch: A bright, citrus-forward mocktail that pairs beautifully with anything from avocado toast to a stack of pancakes.
- Dinner Parties: A great alternative for guests who aren’t drinking but still want something special in their glass.
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Because sometimes coffee isn’t the answer, but water feels boring.
- Summer BBQs: It’s crisp, it’s herbal, and it holds up next to grilled food surprisingly well.
Happy Dry January!
If you’re looking for a drink that feels intentional—one that’s refreshing, a little herbal, and not overly sweet—this Blood Orange & Thyme Mocktail is it. Whether you’re experimenting with non-alcoholic options, entertaining guests, or just looking for something a little different, this one hits all the right notes.
So go grab a bottle of San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa, pick up some Seedlip Grove 42, and mix up something genuinely satisfying. And hey—if you make it, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your own take on this citrusy, herbaceous wonder.
Not keen on mocktails or dry January? I’ve got a few other drinks for you to check out here!
Blood Orange & Thyme Mocktail
This Blood Orange & Thyme Mocktail is a refreshing, citrusy drink with Seedlip Grove 42, sparkling Aranciata Rossa, and fresh thyme.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Blood Orange and Thyme, mocktail, Seedlip
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 45kcal
Cost: $3.50 per drink
- Ice
- 1 oz 30 ml Seedlip Grove 42
- 4 oz 120 ml San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa
- 1 sprig fresh thyme for garnish
- 1 thin slice blood orange for garnish
Fill a glass with ice.
Pour in 1 oz (30 ml) of Seedlip Grove 42.
Top off with 4 oz (120 ml) of San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa.
Garnish with a sprig of thyme and a thin slice of blood orange.
Stir gently and enjoy immediately.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you can’t find San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa, substitute with sparkling blood orange soda or a mix of sparkling water (120 ml) and fresh blood orange juice (30 ml) for a more natural flavor.
For a sweeter drink, add ½ tsp (3 g) honey or simple syrup and stir well.
Substitute rosemary for thyme for a different herbal note.
Serving Suggestions:
Best served in a chilled glass to keep the drink extra refreshing.
For a more elegant presentation, use a large ice cube instead of crushed ice.
Mocktail Variation:
If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, add ½ oz (15 ml) of fresh blood orange juice before topping with sparkling soda.