This Sunset Citrus Mocktail is a radiant, refreshing drink that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. With orange juice, pineapple juice, lime, and a splash of grenadine, it builds into a gorgeous layered gradient—just like a summer sunset in your glass. Make it a mocktail for all-ages fun, or add vodka, white rum, or coconut rum for an easy-breezy cocktail twist.

Contents show

Ingredients

🍹 For 1 Serving:

1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 oz Grenadine
2 oz Sparkling Water or Lemon-Lime Soda
Ice Cubes

🍸 Optional (for Cocktail Version):

1.5 oz Vodka, White Rum, or Coconut Rum

🍒 Garnish:

Orange slice
Maraschino cherry
Fresh mint sprig

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

Choose a tall glass (highball, hurricane, or Collins) to showcase the layers. Fill it about ¾ full with fresh ice cubes.

Step 2: Add the Grenadine

Pour 0.5 oz grenadine directly over the ice. It will settle to the bottom, creating that signature red “sunset” base.

Step 3: Mix the Juices

In a small mixing cup (or cocktail shaker, no need to shake), combine:

1 oz orange juice
1 oz pineapple juice
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
If you’re making a cocktail, add your 1.5 oz spirit of choice to the mix. Stir gently.

Step 4: Layer the Juices

Slowly pour the juice mixture over the back of a spoon or gently down the inside of the glass to preserve the layered look. Watch as the golden citrus floats above the grenadine, forming a perfect color fade.

Step 5: Top with Bubbles

Top with 2 oz sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for fizz and balance.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Add an orange slice, cherry, and a mint sprig for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical sunset in a glass!

Notes

For a sweeter version, use lemon-lime soda instead of sparkling water.
To enhance the layering, chill your juices beforehand and pour slowly.
Use a clear glass to best show off the color gradient!

Helpful Tips

Layering works best with heavier ingredients (like grenadine) on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Want a frozen version? Blend the juices and spirit with ice, then drizzle in grenadine at the end for a swirling effect.
Great for mocktail bars—let guests add their own garnishes or spirits.

Conservation and Storage

Best served fresh to enjoy the fizz and layered look.
You can pre-mix the juice base and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add grenadine and soda when ready to serve.

Substitutions and Variations

No pineapple juice? Sub with mango nectar or more orange juice.
Add a splash of passionfruit juice for extra tropical flair.
Make it spicy: add a pinch of cayenne or a rim of chili-lime salt!

Storage Instructions

Juice mixture only can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Do not store the drink fully assembled—soda will go flat and grenadine will blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use bottled juices?

Yes! Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled juices are perfectly fine—just shake them before measuring.

Q: What’s the best alcohol to use?

Vodka keeps it clean and citrusy, white rum adds tropical character, and coconut rum makes it a vacation in a glass.

Q: Can I make a large batch?

Yes! Multiply the recipe and mix juices (and spirits) in a pitcher. Add grenadine per glass and top with soda at serving time.

Conclusion

This Sunset Citrus Mocktail (or Cocktail) is a total crowd-pleaser—vibrant, refreshing, and visually stunning. Whether you’re serving it poolside, at brunch, or for a festive toast, it delivers sunshine in every sip. And with or without alcohol, it’s a perfect way to celebrate golden-hour vibes.

💬 Tried it? Tag your photos with #SunsetCitrusMocktail or #SunsetCocktailVibes—let’s see those layers shine!

Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Assembly Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Category: Mocktails / Layered Cocktails
Method: Built in glass
Cuisine: Tropical Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Keywords: layered drink, tropical mocktail, summer cocktail, pineapple orange grenadine mocktail, sunset drink

Equipment

Tall glass (Collins, highball, or hurricane)
Bar spoon or teaspoon (for layering)
Measuring jigger or small cups
Ice cubes

Nutrition (Mocktail Version – Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 drink
Calories: ~110
Sugar: ~17g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: ~20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg