Patio Drink: Orange Grapefruit Mojito Mocktail

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Using fresh citrus and Aquafina Sparkling water, this Mojito Mocktail is perfect for your next girls night or patio date!

Here in the Midwest, spring is always such a rough season. We know in our hearts that spring and warm weather is here, but we there are still days where it can be freezing cold. It’s such a mind boggle!

Nothing says warm weather like the first patio night. Ice cold drinks, delicious grilled food and great company can’t be beat! Once the warm weather hits, the neighborhood is alive with activity. It’s as if we are all coming out of hibernation.

Now that I’m pregnant, I’ve been making mocktail versions of my favorite drinks. I can still incorporate the fresh squeezed juice with flavored sparkling water for a fun drink with my friends. Aquafina Sparkling waters are always a go-to from Target. There are four flavors to choose from and they’re all delish! My go-to is Orange Grapefruit, followed by the Mango Pineapple. They have 0 calories, 0 grams of sugar and NO artificial flavors. Plus, they’re budget friendly. I love the subtle pop of flavor they offer. They’re perfect to drink on the go, or as a mixer! I love to drink the sparkling water as an afternoon treat.

Since the 8-pack cases are new, be sure to check the endcaps at Target, if it’s not in the normal sparkling water section. There’s also a great Cartwheel available now until June 17th: 25% off any 8-pack. Keep your eyes peeled for samplings at certain Target stores across the US, also. Be sure to try as many flavors as you can if you! I have found that samplings usually happen on weekends at my store.

Once you learn the technique to make mojitos, they’ll be your new favorite summer drink. Plus, the muddling looks super fancy to impress guests.  One key to great drinks is using fresh juice. It’s actually cheaper to buy fresh citrus and mint, too! If you don’t have a juice reamer, that’s a great addition to your shopping list. Small wooden ones are always under $5.

Step One: Clean mint and tear from stem. To wake up the flavor, place 4-5 leaves in your palm and clap your hands. You’ll instantly smell the mint.

Step Two: Squeeze two oranges into a mason jar. If you know you’ll be making a large batch of mojitos, feel free to juice 6-8 oranges. If you like super sweet juice, add a drizzle of agave.

Step Three: Place 3 lime wedges, one orange slice and mint into the bottom of a tumbler glass. Muddle until the citrus is juiced, about 20 seconds.

Step Four: Add a splash of orange juice on top of the muddled fruit. After filling the glass with ice, slowly pour the Aquafina Sparkling water on top. Garnish with a lime!

Step Five: To make an alcoholic beverage, add white rum to the glass after muddling the citrus. Top with extra orange juice, if preferred.

Print

Orange Grapefruit Mojito Mocktail

Ingredients

• 3 limes: 2 sliced into wedges , one in rounds for garnish
• 1 bunch fresh mint
• 3 oranges: 1 sliced , 2 halved for juice
• Aquafina Sparkling Orange Grapefruit

Instructions

1. Clean mint and tear from stem. To wake up the flavor, place 4-5 leaves in your palm and clap your hands. You'll instantly smell the mint.
2. Squeeze two oranges into a mason jar. If you know you'll be making a large batch of mojitos, feel free to juice 6-8 oranges. If you like super sweet juice, add a drizzle of agave.
3. Place 3 lime wedges, one orange slice and mint into the bottom of a tumbler glass. Muddle until the citrus is juiced, about 20 seconds.
4. Add a splash of orange juice on top of the muddled fruit. After filling the glass with ice, slowly pour the Aquafina Sparkling water on top. Garnish with a lime.
5. To make an alcoholic beverage, add white rum to the glass after muddling the citrus. Top with extra orange juice, if preferred.

For different varieties, use alternative flavors of the Aquafina water. The mint and lime are always the base, but different fruit can be mixed in. I can’t wait to make a pitcher for our first beach trip to Lake Michigan this summer or our outdoor summer concerts. How perfect would these be for a picnic?  A few alternatives:

• With the Mango Pineapple, use pineapple chunks instead of orange. For an extra kick add jalapeno slices. Top with vodka or rum, if desired.
• The Black Cherry Dragonfruit variety would be fantastic with fresh cherries or watermelon!
• Aside from Mojitos, the Lemon Lime flavor is great for Mocktail Margaritas!

When you’re hosting a Girl’s Night at your house, you want to be able to enjoy your time with your friends…not miss out on any of the gossip! I love to create a tray with all of our go-to essentials for the drinks. You can easily make drinks while still enjoying time together. These are perfect for indoors AND outdoors.

No matter where we start out our night, my friends and I always end up sitting on the floor, picnic style in my basement. I always have comfy pillows and blankets ready for us to watch movies or play games on.  There is nothing better for the soul than a nice night catching up with friends. Laughter IS the best medicine! Restock the tray quickly as the night progresses and add simple snacks–we always enjoy popcorn, cheese and crackers or salsa!

What is your favorite mocktail? Are you ready for summer?

For more ideas, visit the Aquafina site!  Also keep up on social media:

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