Sparkling Tangerine Water
A bright, bubbly refresher that tastes like sunshine in a glass. Fresh tangerine juice mixed with sparkling water creates a lightly sweet, zesty drink that's far more vibrant than anything from a can. Perfect for brunches, warm afternoons, or as a festive non-alcoholic option.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Juice the tangerines.
1.Roll each tangerine firmly on the countertop to loosen the juice sacs inside.2.Cut each tangerine in half crosswise.3.Juice the halves using a citrus juicer until you have about 2/3 cup of fresh juice.4.Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a pulp-free drink.TIPRoom-temperature tangerines yield more juice than cold ones. - mix · ~1 min
Sweeten and season the juice.
1.Pour the fresh tangerine juice into a small pitcher.2.Add the sugar and a tiny pinch of salt.3.Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.TIPThe pinch of salt isn't about making it salty—it suppresses bitterness and makes the citrus taste rounder and sweeter. - assemble · ~1 min
Add sparkling water and serve immediately.
1.Divide the sweetened tangerine juice evenly between two chilled glasses.2.Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water into each glass, tilting slightly to preserve the fizz.3.Stir once gently.4.Tuck 3 mint leaves and one tangerine slice into each glass.TIPPour the sparkling water down the side of the tilted glass to keep more bubbles intact.
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 before juicing to maximize juice yield.
- 2Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a completely pulp-free drink.
- 3Chill both the juice and sparkling water thoroughly before combining for the crispest result.
- 4Add the sparkling water slowly down the side of the tilted glass to preserve maximum fizz.
- 5Sweeten to taste — start with 1 teaspoon sugar and adjust depending on tangerine sweetness.
- 6Make the sweetened juice base up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate; add sparkling water just before serving.
- 7For a garnish twist, freeze small tangerine segments into ice cubes for extra visual appeal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbal twist
Swap mint for 3-4 fresh basil or lemon thyme leaves — they add an aromatic, slightly peppery note that plays beautifully with tangerine.
low sugarLow-sugar
Omit the sugar entirely or replace it with a pinch of stevia or monk fruit sweetener; the tangerines and salt already provide plenty of flavor.
blood orange versionBlood orange version
Use 4 blood oranges instead of tangerines for a deeper, berry-like citrus flavor and a stunning ruby-red color.
spicy sparkleSpicy sparkle
Muddle 1 thin slice of fresh ginger or a tiny pinch of cayenne with the tangerine juice before adding sparkling water for a warming kick.
citrus blendCitrus blend
Replace half the tangerines with 2 small oranges or 1 grapefruit for a more complex, layered citrus profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Each glass delivers a generous dose of immune-supporting vitamin C from fresh tangerines, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells.
Low in Calories
With only 1 teaspoon of optional sugar, this drink is a light, naturally sweet alternative to sugary sodas and juices.
Hydrating and Refreshing
Sparkling water provides hydration without added sugars or artificial flavors, making this a smart choice for staying refreshed.
Contains Potassium
Tangerines are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that supports healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh juice is strongly recommended — bottled juice often tastes flat and may contain preservatives that dull the bright, lively flavor of this drink.
