I’ve been on the sober curious bandwagon for a full year now, and in that time have tried dozens of different mocktails and alcohol free beverages, but always seem to come back to the simplicity of bubbly water and freshly squeezed citrus. We’ve added dried citrus rounds to give it a more fancy grownup vibe and also shared options for adding alcohol to make things really grown up. Hope you enjoy as much as we do! Let me know if you give it a try @raeannkelly or in the comments.

ily, Rae

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HOW TO MAKE DRIED CITRUS

These dried citrus rounds have a sweet aesthetic and are perfect for garnishing drinks, decorating tables, making garlands, and giving to friends.

YOU’LL NEED:

• 4 to 6 citrus fruits of choice, per baking sheet (we used 2 small lemons, 2 limes, and 1 grapefruit for each of ours)

HERE’S HOW:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 175 degrees. Slice fruit into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place citrus in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in oven for 4 to 6 hours, flipping every couple hours. Remove fully dried rounds and continue to cook remaining until completely dry. Thicker sliced and juicier fruit will take longer. You want to make sure they'er completely dehydrated otherwise they will become moldy.

  This process took me about 10 hours for lemon, lime, and grapefruit, but my slices were on the thicker side.
• Store in container for up to 6 months. Use to garnish your favorite citrus drinks!

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SIMPLE CITRUS MOCKTAIL/COCKTAIL

This simple citrus mocktail is perfect for happy hour or anytime you're craving a fun drink. Add tequila, gin, or vodka and make it an an equally delicious cocktail.

Serves 1

YOU’LL NEED:

• 2.5 ounces fresh squeezed juice from citrus of choice (lemon, lime, grapefruit, etc. – or a mix!)
• 1/2 tablespoon simple syrup, more or less to taste (can also sub for other sweetener)
• 5 ounces *bubbly water
• optional: 2 ounces alcohol of choice (tequila, vodka, etc.)
• optional: salt or sugar for rim
• optional: dried citrus to garnish (can also use fresh citrus slices, herbs, or flowers)

HERE’S HOW:

• Salt or sugar the rim of  your glass by rubbing a citrus fruit wedge around the edge and dipping it onto a small plate of salt.or sugar.
• Fill your glass with ice. Mix in fresh juice, simple syrup, and bubbly water. Adjust to taste. Garnish with dried citrus rounds and enjoy!

Notes

*If adding alcohol, you’ll need 2 ounces less bubbly water.

Here’s a simple syrup recipe to use if you haven’t made it before! Store in the fridge and use in coffee or other drinks!