Sparkling Tangerine & Mint Refresher
A bubbly, bright non-alcoholic refresher that balances the sweet-tart punch of fresh tangerines with cool, aromatic mint. Lightly sweetened and finished with sparkling water, it's the perfect pick-me-up for warm afternoons or a festive brunch table.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Juice the tangerines and lemon.
1.Roll each tangerine firmly on the countertop to loosen the juice sacs.2.Halve and juice all 8 tangerines using a citrus juicer.3.Juice the lemon separately. Combine both juices in a small bowl or measuring cup.TIPWarming the fruit to room temperature before juicing yields significantly more liquid. - prep · ~2 min
Muddle the mint with sugar.
1.Place the fresh mint leaves and sugar into the bottom of a large pitcher.2.Gently press and twist with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon 8 to 10 times.3.Stop when the leaves are fragrant and bruised but not torn to shreds.TIPOver-muddling mint releases bitter chlorophyll. Be gentle and stop once you smell the oils. - mix · ~1 min
Combine the citrus and mint base.
1.Pour the fresh tangerine-lemon juice into the pitcher over the muddled mint and sugar.2.Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds until the sugar is completely dissolved.3.Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pitcher or bowl if you prefer no pulp, then return to the pitcher. - assemble · ~1 min
Top with sparkling water and serve.
1.Fill the pitcher halfway with ice cubes.2.Pour the chilled sparkling water gently down the side of the pitcher to preserve the bubbles.3.Stir once slowly with a long spoon to combine.4.Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish each with a fresh mint sprig and a thin tangerine slice.TIPAdd the sparkling water just before serving to keep the drink from going flat.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roll tangerines firmly on the counter to maximize juice yield before cutting.
- 2Let citrus come to room temperature for the most juice and brightest flavor.
- 3Muddle mint gently — stop as soon as you smell the oils to avoid bitterness.
- 4Strain the juice mixture through a fine mesh sieve for a silky, pulp-free drink.
- 5Add sparkling water slowly down the side of the pitcher to preserve carbonation.
- 6Serve immediately after adding bubbly water — the drink goes flat if it sits too long.
- 7Make the citrus-mint base a day ahead and refrigerate; add sparking water just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace granulated sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of honey or agave nectar for a lower-glycemic sweetener that blends smoothly with the citrus.
herbal twistHerbal twist
Swap half the mint for fresh basil or lemon verbena leaves for a different aromatic profile that still complements the tangerine.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Add a 1-inch slice of fresh ginger or a thin slice of jalapeño to the muddling step for a warming, zesty edge.
berry burstBerry burst
Muddle a small handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries with the mint to introduce a berry note and a pretty blush color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Vitamin C
Each tangerine provides a significant dose of immune-supporting vitamin C, and the lemon adds even more.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
With mostly citrus juice and sparkling water, this drink offers hydration with minimal added sugar compared to sodas.
Antioxidant Boost from Mint
Fresh mint leaves contain antioxidants like rosmarinic acid that help combat oxidative stress.
Contains Natural Electrolytes
Fresh citrus juice provides potassium and other minerals that aid hydration and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh juice is strongly recommended for the brightest flavor and best texture. Bottled juice often tastes flat and lacks natural sweetness.
