This Wilderness Our Home

Some winter drinks are bold and bracing.

Others are softer — citrus-forward, lightly tart, and easy to return to.

This hibiscus orange winter mocktail falls into the second category. Built on chilled hibiscus tea, fresh lime, and strawberry simple syrup, it’s bright without being sharp and festive without feeling overdone. If you enjoyed the cranberry orange winter spritz, this drink carries the same seasonal sensibility — grounded in citrus and winter fruit, just warmer in tone and color.

It’s designed to be alcohol-free by default, with the option to add spirits only if you want them.

Why This Drink Works

Hibiscus tea brings natural tartness and a soft blush color without relying on heavy syrups or artificial dyes. Orange and strawberry gently soften that acidity, while lime keeps the drink crisp and balanced. Sparkling water lifts everything into a light, refreshing finish that feels clean rather than sweet.

It’s a drink that works just as well poured for one as it does served to a table — easy, flexible, and seasonal without being tied to a single holiday.

Hibiscus Orange Winter Mocktail

Ingredients (1 drink)

• 4 oz chilled hibiscus tea
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz strawberry simple syrup
• 3-4 oz Sparkling water, to top

Optional (to make it a cocktail):

1–1½ oz vodka, gin, or prosecco

Orange–Strawberry Ice (Optional but Lovely)

Thin orange slice or segment

Small strawberry slice

Optional: one small mint leaf

Filtered water or very diluted hibiscus tea

Freeze the fruit directly into ice cubes for a clean, unfussy look.

Sugar–Citrus Rim (Optional)

1 tbsp fine sugar

⅛ tsp citric acid

This adds a light sparkle and a subtle pop of tartness without overpowering the drink. Use on half the rim only.

How to Make It

• If using a rim, run a lime wedge along half the outside edge of the glass and dip into the sugar–citric mixture.
• Fill the glass with orange–strawberry ice.
• Add hibiscus tea, lime juice, and strawberry simple syrup.
• Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
• Add alcohol if desired.

Serve immediately.

Make It Your Own

No mint available:

Skip it — orange and strawberry carry the flavor easily.

Prefer it sweeter:

Add a small extra splash of strawberry syrup.

Like more bite:

Increase the lime slightly.

For a cocktail version:

prosecco keeps it light and celebratory, while vodka or gin make it a little more grounding.

A Quiet Winter Drink

This mocktail is meant for winter evenings. It’s easy to make, easy to enjoy, and light enough to pour again without much thought.

Simple ingredients, seasonal citrus, and just enough brightness to feel special.

Related Posts

Cranberry Orange Winter Spritz

Winter Citrus Simple Syrups

Author’s Note

This drink grew out of the same winter citrus rhythm as our cranberry orange spritz — familiar flavors, kept simple, and just elevated enough to feel intentional without turning into a project.