Mandarin Squeezed Juice Vodka Sunrise
Bright, tangy, and playfully layered, this cocktail combines the nostalgic citrus of a classic sunrise with the tart sparkle of red currant syrup. It’s a stunning, fruit-forward sipper that’s as beautiful as it is refreshing—perfect for warm evenings, weekend brunches, or a citrusy happy hour at home.
Fresh mandarin juice brings vibrant sweetness to this drink, while a splash of infused vodka and homemade red currant syrup create a gentle cascade of color and complexity. A twist on a classic, this cocktail is a modern, sunlit refresher that celebrates seasonal fruit with each sip.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Metal mesh sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cocktail spoon
- Tall glass
Ingredients
Red Currant Syrup
- 2 pints fresh or frozen red currants
- 1/2 –3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water more if needed
Cocktail
- 1 1/2 ounces red currant syrup or substitute raspberry or plum syrup
- Ice
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka we used Florescence Grapefruit & Pomelo Vodka
- Mandarin Squeezed Juice to top
- Fresh herbs and extra currants for garnish
Instructions
- Bring the washed currants (stems included) to a simmer in a saucepan with the sugar and water.
- Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, mashing the berries gently with a wooden spoon. Thin with a bit of water if the syrup becomes too thick.
- Strain the mixture through a metal mesh sieve to remove stems and pulp. Store the syrup in the fridge for 7–10 days.
To assemble the cocktail:
- Pour 1 1/2 ounces of red currant syrup into the bottom of a tall glass.
- Add ice.
- Slowly float the vodka over the ice, using a spoon to guide the pour.
- Top with freshly squeezed mandarin juice.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a few currants.
- Serve immediately. Cheers!