Nix & Kix Classic Tonic Mocktail Recipe

I love mixing up simple mocktail recipes that taste refreshing without needing alcohol. Some days, I just want something as fun as a Shirley Temple or as bold as a Virgin Mary, but lighter. That’s when I grab Nix & Kix Classic Tonic—it gives me a clean base and still manages to add a little kick.

Here’s a quick mocktail recipe that feels special, and you only need a few easy ingredients.

When I make this drink, I think of it as somewhere between the familiar flavors of iced tea and lemonade, but just more balanced. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of orange juice for sweetness, or even a little tomato juice if I want something closer to a Virgin Mary.

It’s flexible, kind of like a good Arnold Palmer or Roy Rogers, but it still keeps its own thing going.

What I really love is how easy it is to put together. I don’t need fancy bar tools or a huge list of ingredients.

It’s the kind of drink I’ll enjoy on a quiet evening or put out alongside other mocktails like a Virgin Piña Colada or just a simple cola mix.

Nix & Kix Classic Tonic Mocktail Recipe

I like this recipe because it balances fresh citrus with a light fizz and a touch of sweetness. It feels refreshing without being heavy, and I can whip it up fast with basic tools and ingredients.

Equipment

• Tall glass – I go for a highball glass to fit the ice and mixers.
• Cocktail shaker – This helps me blend the juices and syrups evenly.
• Bar spoon – A long spoon makes stirring way easier, and I don’t spill as much.
• Jigger or measuring cup – I measure the liquids to keep the flavors in check.
• Strainer – This catches pulp or ice when I pour from the shaker.
• Citrus juicer – I usually use a handheld juicer for fresh lemon and lime juice.
• Ice scoop – It keeps the ice clean and makes handling it less messy.

I keep my setup simple, but these tools help the drink come out smoother and more consistent.

Ingredients

• 100 ml tonic water – This gives the drink its crisp base.
• 50 ml ginger ale – I pour this in for a mild spice and a bit of sweetness.
• 10 ml grenadine – A splash adds color and a fruity note.
• 20 ml lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, for tartness.
• 10 ml lime juice – This sharpens up the citrus flavor.
• Mint leaves (4–5) – I bruise them just enough to release that fresh aroma.
• Ice cubes – I fill the glass about three-quarters full.
• Optional: 20 ml ginger beer – Sometimes I swap this for ginger ale if I want more spice.
• Optional: Sparkling water top-up – I use this if I’m after a lighter finish.

I usually tweak the sweetness by adjusting how much grenadine or ginger ale I add.

Instructions

• Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
• Add lemon juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
• Pour in the ginger ale (or ginger beer, if that’s what you’re using).
• Shake gently for a few seconds, just to mix the flavors.
• Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top up with tonic water and a splash of sparkling water if you want.
• Stir lightly with a bar spoon to bring it all together.
• Garnish with mint leaves on top.

I keep the shake gentle so the fizz doesn’t go flat too quickly.

Notes

Fresh citrus makes this mocktail taste way brighter and cleaner than bottled juice ever could.

If I’m craving more sweetness, I’ll just add a bit more grenadine or ginger ale. For a sharper edge, I bump up the lime juice or use ginger beer.

Serving it chilled is key, so I always use plenty of ice. I like to bruise the mint leaves instead of crushing them, so the taste stays fresh and not bitter.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, I get this crisp and clean taste—it’s light, almost dancing on my tongue. The tonic water brings a gentle bitterness, but honestly, it never takes over.

I catch a bit of a citrus edge too, which really brightens things up. That little zing keeps the mocktail from feeling boring.

Toward the end, the Nix & Kix blend sneaks in with a subtle spice kick. It’s not in-your-face, but there’s a bit of warmth that balances out the cool tonic.

As a refreshing drink, it’s just easy to enjoy—whether I’m sipping it solo or pairing it with a meal. The bubbles keep everything lively, and the flavors hold steady all the way through.