Orange Clove Cooler Mocktail Recipe

I’ve been on a bit of a homemade drink kick lately, and this orange clove cooler mocktail has quickly become a go-to.

It’s sweet, has a gentle kick from the clove, and just feels special—especially when I’m craving something festive but want to skip the alcohol.

The smell of fresh oranges with that cozy clove aroma is honestly hard to beat. Kids love it, adults ask for seconds, and it’s one of those drinks I keep coming back to.

If you’re bored of the usual lemonade or soda, maybe give this a try?

Orange Clove Cooler Mocktail Recipe

This Orange Clove Cooler is so easy to throw together on a whim. The combo of fresh orange juice, a hint of mint, and the subtle warmth from clove makes for a zesty, bubbly mocktail that’s not too sweet.

Equipment

• Citrus juicer: I get every last drop out of oranges and lemons with this.
• Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid: Works great for mixing everything up—just shake it like you mean it.
• Fine strainer: Keeps out pulp and stray clove bits.
• Jigger or measuring spoons: For when I’m actually measuring instead of eyeballing it.
• Highball glass or any tall glass: I like a tall glass packed with ice.
• Muddler or the back of a spoon: For squishing the mint just enough.
• Small saucepan: Sometimes I’ll make my own syrup if I’m feeling fancy.
• Long spoon or stirring stick: Handy for a final mix.
• Ice cube tray: I always forget to refill these, but cold drinks need ice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (bottled works if you’re in a rush)
• 1 tablespoon honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup (just go with what you like)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 2-3 whole cloves or a pinch of ground clove
• 1/2 cup sparkling water, club soda, or soda water
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes (as much as you want)
• 1 orange slice or wedge, for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon pineapple juice, a splash of grenadine, or a pinch of orange zest. Sometimes I can’t resist adding a bit of vanilla extract or syrup.

Instructions

• Add mint leaves and cloves to the shaker. Just muddle gently—no need to pulverize them.
• Pour in orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Add your sweetener and any extras like pineapple juice or vanilla if you’re using them.
• Add ice cubes to shaker. Shake it up for about 15 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain the mixture into your glass over fresh ice cubes. Keeps it smooth and lets those aromas shine.
• Top with sparkling water, club soda, or soda water. Stir it gently so it stays fizzy.
• Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve right away, while it’s still cold and bubbly.

Notes

Fresh orange juice really does make a difference—it’s brighter and not as sugary as store-bought. I switch up the sweetener depending on my mood; honey, agave, even maple syrup if I want a deeper flavor.

You can use club soda, sparkling water, or even ginger ale for the bubbles. Ginger ale makes it a little spicier, which is fun. Sometimes I’ll splash in cranberry or blood orange juice for a punch of color and tartness.

If you like things sweeter, just add more syrup. For less sugar, cut back or go with agave. It’s easy to double or triple this recipe for a crowd—honestly, it looks pretty great in a champagne flute, but I usually just go for a big glass packed with ice.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Orange Clove Cooler, the first thing that hits me is that fresh, punchy citrus flavor. The orange juice brings its own natural sweetness, plus a sharp, zesty kick that’s hard to miss.

Honestly, it sort of reminds me that I’m getting a dose of vitamin C, and maybe even a bit of fiber from the juice. Not a bad bonus, right?

Then there’s the clove. It lingers with this warm, slightly spicy note at the end of each sip.

The spice and orange really work together, making this alcohol-free drink not just refreshing, but actually pretty interesting. And, wow, the scent from the clove and orange is just wonderful—almost makes you want to keep sniffing your glass.

Since it’s a non-alcoholic drink, there’s none of that harsh aftertaste you sometimes get. Instead, there’s this cooling, lingering feeling that makes it super pleasant, especially on a hot day.

I also like that it’s hydrating, and packed with antioxidants—supposedly good for gut health, though I’m no doctor.

Sometimes I’ll toss in a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick just for fun. It looks so bright and cheerful in the glass, and honestly, the flavors make every sip feel lively and fresh.

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