Description
Limoncello Sunrise is a non-alcoholic mocktail bursting with citrus brightness and layered colors reminiscent of a golden sunrise. Made with homemade lemon syrup, orange juice, and grenadine, this refreshing drink offers a tangy-sweet flavor and a stunning ombré presentation — perfect for brunches, parties, or relaxing afternoons without alcohol.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Syrup (Alcohol-Free “Limoncello”)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
For the Sunrise Drink
- 3/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled, pulp-free)
- 2 tablespoons lemon syrup (from above)
- 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lemon or orange slices (for garnish)
- Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add lemon extract if using, and cool completely. Store refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in orange juice and lemon syrup. Stir gently to combine.
- Create the Sunrise Effect: Slowly drizzle grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom, forming a beautiful gradient from yellow to coral.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a lemon or orange slice and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy the citrusy refreshment.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic citrus flavor.
- Don’t overmix after adding grenadine — this keeps the layered sunrise look.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less lemon syrup to taste.
- Chill ingredients beforehand for better layering and refreshment.
- Storage: Lemon syrup can be made ahead and kept refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Mocktails, Brunch Recipes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Limoncello Sunrise Mocktail, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Lemon Cello Drink, Sunrise Cocktail, Yellow Party Drinks, Lemonade Mocktail, Citrus Drink Recipes, Brunch Mocktail, European-Inspired Drinks, Lyndy’s Kitchen