(The Prettiest Party Drink You’ll Make All Year)
Tell me if this sounds familiar.
You’re hosting something, maybe brunch, maybe a birthday, maybe one of those “come over, I made snacks” situations and you want a drink that looks fancy, tastes refreshing, and makes people pause mid-sip and say,
“Wait… what’s in this?”
Same. Every single time.
That exact desire is how this Orange Strawberry Sparkling Mocktail became my go-to. It’s bright, bubbly, fruity, lightly sweet, and somehow manages to feel celebratory without being complicated. One sip and suddenly it feels like you’re sitting at a sunlit café table, even if you’re still in pajamas and haven’t washed your hair yet.
It’s the kind of drink that feels special without demanding effort. And yes, it looks ridiculously good in photos. Pinterest-approved. Party-approved. Zero alcohol stress included.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Why This Mocktail Just Works (Every Single Time)
There are a lot of mocktails out there, but not all of them actually hit. This one does and here’s why.
1. Orange + Strawberry Is a Guaranteed Crowd Favorite
There’s a reason this combo never goes out of style.
Orange juice brings brightness and that fresh citrus pop that instantly wakes up your taste buds. Strawberry adds sweetness, softness, and a hint of nostalgia. Together? They balance each other perfectly.
It’s not too tart.
It’s not too sweet.
It just tastes happy.
Ever notice how fruity drinks disappear first at parties? Exactly.
2. Sparkling Water Makes It Feel Fancy (Without Trying)
Still juice is fine… but bubbles? Bubbles are a personality.
The moment you add sparkling water or club soda, the drink goes from “cute” to “celebration.” It adds lift, texture, and that light fizz that makes every sip feel intentional.
IMO, carbonation instantly upgrades a drink. It makes people assume you know what you’re doing, even when you absolutely do.
3. It Looks Way More Complicated Than It Is
This mocktail gives major “I planned this” energy.
But behind the scenes?
You’re just layering juice and pouring bubbles.
No syrups to cook.
No shaking.
No special tools.
Yet somehow it ends up looking like something you’d pay $9 for at a café.
What This Orange Strawberry Sparkling Mocktail Tastes Like
Let’s talk about flavor, because vibes are important.
This drink is:
- Light and refreshing
- Fruity without being syrupy
- Slightly sweet with natural brightness
- Fizzy but not overpowering
The orange juice hits first, fresh, citrusy, familiar. Then the strawberry comes in with softness and sweetness. The bubbles tie everything together and keep it from feeling heavy.
It’s the kind of drink you can sip slowly or accidentally finish in two minutes. Both are valid.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Measured & Simple)
No guessing. No “to taste” stress. This recipe is intentionally easy.
For One Glass:
- ½ cup orange juice, cold
- ¼ cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen strawberries blended smooth)
- ½ cup sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Strawberry slice
- Orange wheel
- Fresh mint
That’s it.
No syrups.
No weird ingredients.
No blender meltdown (unless you count blending strawberries, which is honestly minimal effort).
How to Make the Orange Strawberry Sparkling Mocktail
This comes together in under five minutes. Truly.
Step 1: Build the Base
Fill a tall clear glass with ice.
Clear glass matters here, half the charm is seeing the layers.
Pour in the orange juice first, then gently add the strawberry purée. Don’t stir yet. Let the colors sit for a moment.
Step 2: Add the Sparkle
Slowly pour the sparkling water down the side of the glass. This helps keep the bubbles alive and creates that beautiful swirl effect.
Watching the colors blend is oddly satisfying. I will never get tired of it.
Step 3: Garnish Like You Mean It
Add a strawberry slice or an orange wheel on the rim. A sprig of mint takes it straight into café territory.
Is garnish optional? Yes.
Does it elevate the vibe? Also yes.
Flavor Twists You’ll Want to Try
Once you make this once, you’ll want to play around. Here are a few easy variations that always work.
Brunch Version
Add a splash of peach juice for a softer, sunnier flavor. Perfect for mid-morning gatherings.
Extra Sweet
Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or agave if your strawberries aren’t very sweet.
Frozen Style
Blend everything with ice for a slushy-style mocktail. This one disappears fast in summer.
Party Pitcher Version
Multiply everything by six. Mix orange juice and strawberry purée ahead of time. Add sparkling water right before serving.
Tell me this wouldn’t be gone in five minutes at a party.
When to Serve This Mocktail
Honestly? Almost anytime.
This drink works beautifully for:
- Brunch
- Baby showers
- Birthday parties
- Bridal showers
- Summer picnics
- Holiday gatherings
- “I just want something pretty” moments
It’s non-alcoholic, but never feels like a downgrade. Everyone can enjoy it, and no one feels like they’re missing out.
Make-Ahead Tips (Because Hosting Is Exhausting)
If you’re serving this to a group, a little prep goes a long way.
- Mix the orange juice and strawberry purée ahead of time
- Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours
- Add ice and sparkling water right before serving
Do not add the bubbles early unless you enjoy flat mocktails. Trust me.
FAQ (Real Talk)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just prep the juice and purée. Add sparkling water at the last second.
Can I use store-bought strawberry purée?
Totally. Just avoid overly sweet syrups. You want real fruit flavor.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s fruity, fun, fizzy, and alcohol-free.
Can I turn this into a cocktail?
You can, but honestly? It doesn’t need it. It stands perfectly on its own.
Why I Keep Serving This Mocktail
I come back to this recipe again and again because:
- It takes under five minutes
- It works for literally any occasion
- It photographs beautifully
- People always ask for the recipe
That’s the kind of drink I love, low effort, high reward, zero stress.
Final Sip
If you want a drink that feels:
✔ Refreshing
✔ Pretty
✔ Party-ready
✔ Effortless
This Orange Strawberry Sparkling Mocktail needs to be on your table.
It’s bright, bubbly, and just fancy enough to feel special, without asking you to do anything complicated.
Now go grab a glass.
And maybe make two.
Orange Strawberry Sparkling Mocktail
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Tall glass
- Spoon
- Blender (for strawberry purée)
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice | cold
- ¼ cup strawberry purée | fresh or frozen strawberries blended
- ½ cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1 cup ice cubes
Optional Garnish
strawberry slice
orange wheel
fresh mint
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour orange juice over the ice.
- Gently add strawberry purée on top of the orange juice without stirring.
- Slowly pour sparkling water down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles.
- Lightly stir once for a marbled effect, if desired.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice, orange wheel, or mint and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cold juice and sparkling water for best fizz
- Fresh strawberry purée gives the brightest flavor
- Add sparkling water right before serving
- Adjust sweetness with a drizzle of honey if needed
- Clear glasses highlight the layered color
- Easily scale up for pitchers or parties








