This Hot Honey Sumo Citrus Mockarita is a bright, citrusy mocktail made with Sumo Citrus, coconut water, lime, and spicy hot honey. This citrus mocktail is naturally hydrating from coconut water and works beautifully for brunch or happy hour.

This recipe is part of my Barely Buzzed series, where I share low and no-alcohol cocktails that are pretty and delicious! If you love this one, try my Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail, this Creamy Limoncello Cocktail and my Ginger Blood Orange Mocktail.

Refreshing hot honey citrus mockarita with sumo orange, lime, and chili sugar rim on ice

Quick Look: Hot Honey Sumo Citrus Mockarita

  • ⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • ⏳ Total Time: 5 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 1
  • 🍊 Flavor Profile: Sweet, citrusy, lightly spicy, refreshing
  • 👌 Difficulty: Easy, perfect for mocktail hour and entertaining

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I love how this mocktail brings together bright Sumo Citrus with warming hot honey. It’s the kind of simple-but-special recipe you can whip up in minutes but still feels elevated enough for friends and guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Naturally Hydrating: Coconut water is refreshing and hydrating.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in 5 minutes with minimal tools
  • Perfect for any occasion: A beautiful, alcohol-free option for brunch, gatherings, or mocktail hour

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

  • Sumo Citrus: Fresh juice from this naturally sweet, seedless mandarin that gives the drink its bright citrus base. Feel free to substitute with any fresh orange or mandarin.
  • Coconut water: Go for chilled, bottled coconut water. I always love Harmless Harvest.
  • Hot honey: It mixes with warm water to make hot honey syrup.
  • Lime juice: It adds sharpness and balances everything. Go for freshly squeezed.
  • Tajín: For rim. Salt would work too.
Refreshing hot honey citrus mockarita with sumo orange, lime, and chili sugar rim on ice

Substitutions & Variations

  • Citrus swap: Swap Sumo Citrus juice for fresh orange juice, mandarin juice or blood orange juice.
  • Non-Spicy Version: Use regular honey syrup or maple syrup instead of hot honey.
  • Coconut Water Swap: Replace coconut water with chilled tea of choice. 
  • Cocktail Version: Add a shot of tequila. You can omit the coconut water if you prefer.

How to Make: Hot Honey Sumo Citrus Mockarita

Step 1: Add Tajín to a shallow dish. Dip the glass rim in hot honey, then coat with Tajín.

Step 2: Add Sumo Citrus juice, coconut water, hot honey syrup, lime juice and ice to a shaker. Shake well until chilled.

Step 3: Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice and garnish with citrus and an edible flower.

Watch How to Make this Recipe

Carolyn’s Tips for Making Hot Honey Sumo Citrus Mockarita

  • Shake well: This just helps fully combine the hot honey syrup
  • Adjust to taste: Dial the hot honey syrup up or down to your spice and sweetness preference.
  • Batch prep: Multiply and mix the base ahead of time, then shake or pour over ice when ready to serve.
  • Cocktail Version: Add a shot of tequila. You can omit the coconut water if you prefer.

Hot Honey Sumo Citrus Mockarita FAQs

What is Sumo Citrus and can I substitute it?

Sumo Citrus is a large, seedless mandarin. It is super sweet and easy to peel, which is what makes it perfect for juicing. If you can’t find it, you can substitute fresh orange, mandarin, or blood orange juice. Just adjust the sweetness to taste.

Can I make this mockarita less spicy?

Yes! Simply swap the hot honey for regular honey or reduce the amount to control the heat while keeping the citrus flavor bright and balanced.

Can I make a batch of this mockarita for a party?

Yes, mix the Sumo Citrus juice, coconut water, lime juice, and hot honey syrup ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, shake or pour over ice.

Can I make this into a cocktail?

Yes! Add 1 1/2–2 oz of tequila or mezcal for a boozy version.

More Citrus Mocktails to Try

⭐ If you loved this recipe, I would SO appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review below. Also, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @thesocialsipper! 

Refreshing hot honey citrus mockarita with sumo orange, lime, and chili sugar rim on ice
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Hot Honey Sumo Citrus Mockarita (Mandarin Mocktail)

Servings: 1
Prep: 5 minutes
This Hot Honey Sumo Citrus Mockarita is a bright, citrusy mocktail made with Sumo Citrus, coconut water, lime, and spicy hot honey. This citrus mocktail is naturally hydrating from coconut water and works beautifully for brunch or happy hour.
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Sumo Citrus juice, mandarin orange
  • 1 1/2 oz coconut water
  • 1 oz hot honey syrup, equal parts hot honey and warm water
  • 3/4 oz lime juice
  • Hot honey and Tajín, for rim
  • Edible flower, for garnish

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Prepare glass with rim – Add Tajín to a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with hot honey, then dip in the Tajín until coated.
  • To a cocktail shaker – Add Sumo citrus juice, coconut water, hot honey syrup, lime juice and ice. Shake until well chilled.
  • Strain into the prepared cocktail glass over fresh ice.
  • If desired, garnish with citrus and an edible flower.

Notes

  • Shake well: This just helps fully combine the hot honey syrup
  • Adjust to taste: Dial the hot honey syrup up or down to your spice and sweetness preference.
  • Batch prep: Multiply and mix the base ahead of time, then shake or pour over ice when ready to serve.
  • Cocktail Version: Add a shot of tequila. You can omit the coconut water if you prefer.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!