Why You’ll Love this Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz
While most people reach for mimosas or bellinis for weekend brunches, I’ve found this Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz brings something entirely more special to the table.
The vibrant ruby color alone makes it Instagram-worthy, but it’s the complex flavor that keeps me coming back.
I love how the herbaceous rosemary cuts through the sweet-tart blood orange, creating a sophisticated mocktail that feels grown-up without the alcohol.
It’s invigoratingly bubbly, endlessly customizable (more sweet? less sweet?), and so much more interesting than plain juice.
Perfect for winter months when blood oranges shine, this drink makes everyday moments feel celebratory.
What Ingredients are in Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz?
The beauty of this mocktail lies in its simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Blood oranges bring their distinctive sweet-tart flavor and that gorgeous ruby color that makes this drink so visually appealing. When paired with aromatic rosemary, the combination elevates a simple citrus drink into something that feels sophisticated and carefully crafted.
- Fresh blood orange juice (1/2 cup or 120 ml per serving)
- Rosemary sprigs (one for infusing, extra for garnish)
- Maple syrup or simple syrup (1-2 teaspoons, to taste)
- Club soda or sparkling water (3-4 ounces, chilled)
- Ice
- Optional: lemon juice (1 teaspoon to balance sweetness)
- Optional garnish: thin blood orange wheel
When shopping for ingredients, the freshness of your blood oranges matters tremendously. Look for fruits that feel heavy for their size, which indicates juiciness. And don’t skip the fresh rosemary—dried simply won’t provide the same aromatic punch that makes this drink so distinctive. While I’ve suggested maple syrup as the sweetener (it adds a subtle depth), regular simple syrup works perfectly well. And for those watching sugar intake, the recipe includes a “less sweet” variation that skips sweetener entirely and uses sparkling water instead of club soda.
How to Make this Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz
Making this invigorating Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz couldn’t be simpler, but it’s all about technique to maximize those gorgeous flavors.
Start by waking up your rosemary—this might sound fancy, but it just means gently clapping a small rosemary sprig between your palms to release those aromatic oils. That quick little step makes all the difference in getting that herbal essence to shine through.
Pop the aroused rosemary into a tall glass, then pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of fresh blood orange juice and add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup or simple syrup, depending on how sweet your oranges are and your personal preference.
If your blood oranges are particularly sweet, you might want to balance things with a teaspoon of lemon juice—this little acid boost works wonders to brighten the whole drink.
Give everything a good stir to make sure the sweetener dissolves completely. Now comes the fun part: fill your glass with ice (I like mine packed pretty full), and then slowly pour in 3-4 ounces (90-120 ml) of chilled club soda or sparkling water.
The key here is that gentle stir at the end—just enough to combine all the flavors without destroying those precious bubbles. Nobody wants a flat fizz, right?
For presentation that’ll impress even your pickiest friends, garnish with an extra sprig of rosemary or a thin blood orange wheel perched on the rim. The contrast of that deep ruby juice against the clear sparkles is simply gorgeous.
And while this drink is best served immediately (those bubbles wait for no one), you can absolutely prep ahead by mixing your juice and sweetener up to 24 hours in advance, then just add ice and bubbles when you’re ready to serve.
For larger gatherings, the recipe scales beautifully—just follow the pitcher proportions in the recipe and you’ll have six stunning drinks ready in minutes.
Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz Substitutions and Variations
When blood oranges aren’t in season or simply nowhere to be found in your local market, don’t worry—this gorgeous fizz adapts beautifully to whatever citrus you have on hand. Regular oranges work wonderfully, of course, but I’ve made delightful versions with grapefruit, tangerines, and even Meyer lemons (though you’ll need extra sweetener with the tart ones).
Not a rosemary fan? Try thyme or basil instead. For an adult version, add a splash of gin or vodka.
And if you’re planning ahead, the rosemary syrup option creates a deeper herbal note. Sometimes I skip the sweetener entirely and use a naturally sweet sparkling water for a lighter refreshment.
What to Serve with Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz
So what pairs perfectly with this vibrant Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz?
I love serving mine with Mediterranean-inspired appetizers—think olive tapenade crostini or a simple charcuterie board with aged cheeses and marcona almonds. The herbal notes in the drink complement savory bites beautifully.
For brunch, pair it with avocado toast or ricotta pancakes. The citrus cuts through rich foods, cleansing your palate between bites.
Truth be told, I’ve even matched it with spicy dishes where the cooling effect works wonders.
My personal favorite? A slice of dark chocolate sea salt tart. Something about the bitter-sweet combo with those blood orange notes is absolutely transcendent.
Final Thoughts
This blood orange rosemary fizz has quickly become my favorite non-alcoholic sipper for gatherings, regardless of season. There’s something magical about the vibrant crimson juice paired with fragrant rosemary that elevates an ordinary moment into something special.
I love how adaptable this recipe is—make it sweeter for kids, less sweet for the health-conscious, or mix with prosecco for an adult version. The make-ahead option saves me when hosting, and honestly, the gorgeous color alone makes everyone reach for it first.
Trust me, you’ll want to stock up on blood oranges while they’re in season.
