The Seventh Sunset Mocktail

Elle Cresswell

The Seventh Sunset Mocktail is an alcohol-free layered serve inspired by that brief, beautiful moment when daylight gives way to evening. Bright citrus, rich grenadine, delicate sparkle and a final wash of butterfly pea tea come together to create a glass that shifts from deep crimson to glowing amber and soft violet.

Refreshing, vibrant and effortlessly dramatic, each pour feels less like a drink and more like a sunset unfolding at the table — proving that zero alcohol never has to mean less occasion.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Servings: 1 drink

Course: Drinks

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

120 ml fresh orange juice
Freshly squeezed for the brightest citrus flavour and natural sweetness
90 ml sparkling water or ginger ale
Choose sparkling water for a lighter finish or ginger ale for a softer sweetness
15 ml grenadine syrup
Creates the rich crimson base and signature sunset effect
15 ml butterfly pea tea cooled
Adds the final twilight layer and subtle floral notes
15 ml fresh lime juice
Balances the sweetness and lifts the citrus
Ice cubes
Preferably large cubes for slower melting and cleaner layers
1 orange slice
For garnish
1 maraschino cherry
For the finishing touch
Simple ingredients. Dramatic results.

Method

Prepare the twilight layer

Steep butterfly pea flowers in hot water for **5 minutes**, then leave the tea to cool completely. This vivid blue infusion creates the final evening-sky finish.

Chill the glass

Place a highball glass in the freezer for around 5 minutes. Starting cold helps preserve the layers and keeps every sip crisp.

Build over ice

Fill the glass to roughly three-quarters full with ice cubes. Large cubes work best for slowing dilution and maintaining the dramatic colour separation.

Create the golden centre

Combine the fresh orange juice, sparkling water or ginger ale, and lime juice until lightly blended.

Pour and set the scene

Slowly pour the citrus mixture over the ice to form the bright, glowing middle layer.

Bring in the sunset

Gently pour the grenadine down the back of a spoon. It will naturally settle beneath the citrus, creating a rich crimson horizon.

Finish with twilight

Carefully float the cooled butterfly pea tea across the surface using the back of a spoon. Watch the colours shift into layered tones of ruby, amber and violet.

Garnish and serve

Finish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry and serve immediately while the colours remain beautifully defined.
A few careful pours — and the sunset arrives at the table.

Notes

Choose fresh over bottled
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives The Seventh Sunset its brightest citrus character and cleaner, more vibrant finish.
Start with cold glassware
Chilling the glass before assembling the drink helps slow dilution, keeps the carbonation lively and preserves those beautifully defined layers for longer.
Pour slowly for the signature effect
Grenadine and butterfly pea tea should always be introduced gently over the back of a spoon. A slow pour allows each colour to settle naturally, creating the distinctive sunset gradient that makes this serve feel like theatre in a glass.

Small details. Dramatic results.