Save This Thanksgiving Nonalcoholic Sage-Fizz Mocktail brightens any festive table with herbal depth, vibrant citrus, and sparkling effervescence. With zero alcohol and a short ingredient list, it is a crowd-pleasing refreshment that makes everyone feel included, kids and adults alike.
I created this mocktail during a Friendsgiving where nonalcoholic options were practically nonexistent and it has been my reliable holiday drink ever since even for brunches and baby showers
Ingredients
- Sage leaves: fresh sage injects an earthy perfume that sets this drink apart always pick leaves that are vibrant and not wilted for the best results
- Granulated sugar: forms the syrup base and dissolves quickly with water choose cane sugar for the cleanest taste
- Fresh lemon juice: delivers that tangy citrus backbone roll lemons before juicing to get the most out of them
- Fresh orange juice: brings gentle sweetness and balance to the acidity use a juicy Valencia or navel orange for ease
- Sparkling water: adds fizz and festivity chilled well to maintain its bubbles
- Ice cubes: the secret to keeping everything extra refreshing
- Extra sage leaves: used to garnish release aroma as you sip
- Lemon or orange slices: make the finished glass look beautiful and appealing
Instructions
- Make the Sage Syrup:
- Combine water granulated sugar and fresh sage leaves in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat stirring gently to ensure all the sugar is dissolved. After three to four minutes once the syrup looks clear and the sage has become limp remove from the heat. Let everything steep for at least ten minutes this allows every bit of sage aroma to infuse the syrup. Strain out the leaves using a fine mesh strainer and let your syrup cool completely before moving on
- Mix Your Mocktail Base:
- In a large pitcher pour in the measured lemon juice orange juice and the cooled sage syrup. Stir thoroughly so the flavors mingle and you have a balanced liquid base for your drinks
- Prepare the Glasses:
- Add plenty of ice cubes to four serving glasses. Divide the mocktail base evenly among the glasses pouring gently over the ice so that each glass gets a mix of citrus and sweet sage flavors
- Top with Sparkle:
- Carefully top each glass with chilled sparkling water. Do this slowly to keep the fizz lively. Stir each glass gently with a spoon to mix without breaking the bubbles
- Garnish and Serve:
- Finish each drink by tucking in a fresh sage leaf and adding a slice of lemon or orange. For an extra aromatic touch press the sage leaf gently between your hands before garnishing. Serve immediately while everything is still icy cold and bubbling
Save Sage is a favorite of mine because the aroma instantly transports me to happy gatherings the gentle fizz always gets a laugh when I hand out the first round to my cousins whose faces light up at the surprise of real sage in a drink
Storage Tips
Make sage syrup a day or two ahead and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator it holds up beautifully for up to a week Only combine juices and sparkling water right before serving to keep it ultra fizzy If you have leftover mocktail without ice store it in the fridge and top with extra bubbles before enjoying again
Ingredient Substitutions
Try agave syrup or honey if you want a different sweetness but keep in mind this will affect vegan status Lime juice can work instead of lemon for a tangier sharper edge Swap sage for a mix of rosemary and thyme if you want to experiment with other woodsy herbs
Serving Suggestions
The Sage-Fizz shines at Thanksgiving but it makes a fabulous welcome drink for brunch showers or spring patio parties Go extra festive by serving in stemless wine glasses with a sugared rim for special occasions Pair alongside roasted veggies or bright salads the herbal notes echo seasonal produce perfectly
Save This Sage-Fizz Mocktail will become your go-to festive drink that brings a smile to everyone at the table serve icy cold and enjoy the cheers
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make sage syrup for this drink?
Simmer water, sugar, and sage leaves until sugar dissolves, steep for 10 minutes, then strain and chill before using.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness in this mocktail?
Yes, simply add more or less sage syrup according to taste to customize sweetness for each serving.
- → Are alternative sweeteners possible?
Honey or agave can replace sugar, though these changes may affect the vegan-friendly status of this beverage.
- → What garnishes pair well with this drink?
Top with fresh sage leaves and citrus slices for aroma and color, enhancing both flavor and festive presentation.
- → Is this beverage suitable for special diets?
It’s vegan and gluten-free as prepared; always verify ingredients if substitutions are made for allergies or preferences.
- → Can I use other citrus juices?
Yes, grapefruit juice offers a tangier twist and other citrus options can create new flavor profiles for variation.