Virgin Sunset Mocktail Recipe (Easy, Non-Alcoholic Drink)

Drinks that look as good as they taste always feel a bit special. The Virgin Sunset Mocktail is one of those, with its bright orange and red layers that evoke a sunset. This alcohol-free drink is bubbly, fruity, and very easy to make. It’s great for family get-togethers, summer nights, Ramadan iftars, baby showers, or any time you want a festive drink without alcohol.

What I like most about this drink is how a few simple ingredients can turn into a restaurant-style mocktail in just minutes. You don’t need any special tools or tricky steps, just enjoy the look and taste.

Virgin Sunset Mocktail – Quick Overview

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 glass
• Difficulty: Easy
• Calories (approx): 120–150 per serving
• Best for: Summer parties, Iftar, kids, baby showers

Background: What is a virgin Sunset Mocktail

The Virgin Sunset Mocktail takes its inspiration from the classic Tequila Sunrise, but leaves out the alcohol. It swaps tequila for Sprite or soda, adds orange juice, and finishes with grenadine syrup that settles to the bottom, creating the signature sunset look.

Since it has no alcohol, this mocktail is great for kids, adults, and anyone who wants to skip alcohol but still enjoys something special. It’s become a popular choice at cafes, parties, and home gatherings because it offers a nice mix of sweetness, fresh citrus, and a light fizz.

A Little Story

Once there was a small get together of my friends at my place and I decided to serve this mocktail to my friends. When I added grenadine in the drink everyone stopped and watched it sink. Honestly, my friends were IMPRESSED and that made my day. This mocktail can make guests happy without any stress.

Jump to:

• Virgin Sunset Mocktail – Quick Overview
• Background: What is a virgin Sunset Mocktail
• A Little Story
• Ingredients
• Ingredients (With Measurements)
• Instructions
• Why This Virgin Sunset Mocktail Works?
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
• Storage Tips
• Top tip
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• More Drinks You’ll Love:
• FAQs
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients

Ice Cubes

You’ll need ice for this mocktail. It keeps your drink cold and helps the layers stay apart. Large, clear ice cubes work best since they melt slowly and won’t water down your drink too fast.

Sprite / Soda

Sprite gives a touch of sweetness and fizz, making it light and refreshing. The bubbles highlight the citrus flavor and balance the grenadine.

Orange Juice

Fresh orange juice tastes best. It adds natural sweetness, some acidity, and a bright orange color for the top “sunset” layer. Using juice without pulp makes the drink look smooth.

Grenadine Syrup

Grenadine gives the drink its sunset look. Made from pomegranate, it’s sweet and a bit tart. Because it’s denser than the other liquids, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, forming a red layer.

Ingredients (With Measurements)

• Grenadine syrup – 1–2 tablespoons
• Ice cubes – 1 cup
• Sprite or soda – ¾ cup (180 ml)
• Orange juice – ½ cup (120 ml)

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
   This keeps the drink cold and helps the layers stay separate.
2. Pour soda over the ice
   Add slowly to maintain fizz and prevent dilution.
3. Add orange juice gently
   Pour over the ice so it rests on top, forming the bright orange layer.
4. Slowly pour grenadine
   Pour down the side of the glass or over a spoon so it sinks and creates the sunset effect.
5. Do not stir
   Stirring will mix the layers and remove the visual effect.

Hint: Try to pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon or directly down the side of the glass. This helps it sink gently rather than mix, giving you that signature layered look. Avoid stirring if you want the visual effect to stay intact.

Why This Virgin Sunset Mocktail Works?

• Grenadine is heavier, so it naturally sinks
• Ice slows mixing and keeps layers clean
• Citrus balances sweetness for a refreshing taste
• Soda adds light fizz without overpowering flavors

Substitutions

• Soda - Lemon-lime soda can replace Sprite. Sparkling water with a splash of simple syrup works well too
• Juice - For a tropical twist replace orange juice with pineapple juice. Or replace orange juice with Mango juice for a richer flavor.

Variations

• Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime for brightness
• You can also add a pinch of pink salt to enhance sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Virgin Sunset Mocktail in a tall, clear glass to showcase the layers. Garnish ideas include:

• Orange slices
• Cherries
• Fresh mint leaves
• A colorful straw or cocktail umbrella

Want more refreshing mocktail inspiration? Check out our Non‑Alcoholic Holiday Drinks for festive ideas or explore the Mocktail Trends 2026 to see what drinks are trending this year.

This drink pairs beautifully with:

• Light appetizers
• Grilled snacks
• Iftar platters

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 120–150
• Sugar: 22–28g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 15–30mg
• Vitamin C: High

Storage Tips

This mocktail is best enjoyed fresh. However:

• You can pre-chill the soda and orange juice
• Grenadine should be added just before serving
• Avoid storing mixed mocktails, as fizz fades quickly

If needed, juice and soda can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pouring grenadine too fast (layers mix)
• Using crushed ice (melts too quickly)
• Stirring after adding grenadine
• Warm glass (layers don’t stay sharp)

I’ve made this mocktail many times for family gatherings and iftar parties, and pouring the grenadine slowly always gets the best reaction. Watching the sunset layers form never fails to impress guests.

More Drinks You’ll Love:

• Easy Pomegranate Punch Recipe in 5 Minutes another fruity, crowd‑pleasing drink.
• Mocktail Trends 2026: The Rise of Non‑Alcoholic Drinks discover the latest mocktail ideas.

FAQs

Related

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Pairing

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