Rancho La Puerta is a gorgeous wellness resort located in the foothills outside of Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, not far from the US border. The resort offers classes in yoga, holistic therapies, local and organic meals, art classes, even workshops, all surrounded by miles of hiking trails and tranquil gardens.
La Cocina at Rancho La Puerta
The property is also known for its delicious and rejuvenating drink menu. Scott D., the Rancho’s blogger, shares with us this recipe from the resort’s culinary team for a delicious citrus mocktail. The drink combines a crisp balance of citrus and salt, guaranteed to quench your thirst and restore your electrolytes. The drink is a non-alcoholic version of a margarita, or as Scott calls it, a “mockarita.”
To make a 32 oz. pitcher:
INGREDIENTS
For the drink:
½ cup fresh orange juice
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh lime juice
½ cup citrus syrup *recipe below
2 cups sparkling or tonic water
Orange, lemon and lime slices, to garnish
2 cups ice cubes
METHOD
- Combine all the drink ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Taste and add more citrus syrup to your desired sweetness.
** If desired, add 1 oz tequila and 1 ½ oz triple sec per glass to prepare a margarita.
CITRUS SYRUP INGREDIENTS
2 cups water
1 cup agave syrup
½ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup fresh lime juice
zest of 2 lemons
METHOD
- Combine the water, agave, and lemon zest in a pot. Simmer for 5 minutes and let it cool.
- Mix the syrup mixture with the fresh lemon and lime juice and reserve in an airtight container or mason jar.
**Citrus syrup will keep for 1 week in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer. Do not freeze in a glass container as it may break.
To finish off the drink, garnish glasses with a salted rim and wheels of lemon and lime (and feel free to add a fresh flower!)
