Drinks Recipe

Juice and mix

In a pitcher, combine 1.5 cups fresh orange juice and 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice. Add 3 tablespoons simple syrup and 1 cup cold water. Stir vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the syrup is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.

Taste the base and adjust sweetness: if you prefer sweeter, stir in an additional 1 tablespoon simple syrup; for tarter, add 1 tablespoon more lemon juice. Chill the base in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes if not serving immediately.

Bruise the mint

Place 10 fresh mint leaves in the palm of your hand or a folded paper towel and gently clap or press to bruise the leaves — this releases the oils without shredding them.

Add the bruised mint to the chilled citrus base and stir gently to distribute the aroma (10 seconds).

Add ice and sparkling water

Fill the pitcher or individual glasses with about 3 cups of ice total (adjust to chill preference). Pour 2 cups chilled sparkling water into the pitcher or top each glass individually to preserve carbonation. Stir once gently to combine.

Prepare the garnishes: cut 4 orange slices and 4 lemon wheels. Place one citrus slice on the rim of each glass and add a mint sprig. For a decorative touch, slap an extra mint sprig between your palms to release aroma then tuck into the glass.

Serve immediately with a stirring straw. Encourage guests to stir briefly before drinking to redistribute any settled flavors.