This Valentine’s Day mocktail is a study in balance, creativity, and intention. Crafted by Chris Rice, owner of Cool as a Cucumber in Broomfield, this alcohol-free creation reflects his signature approach. Thoughtful, experimental, and rooted in fresh ingredients. Often described as a beverage scientist, Chris designs mocktails that feel layered and indulgent, proving that flavor and experience never require alcohol.
Blushing Petals captures romance through contrast. Bright blood orange juice brings depth and color, while rose petal tea softens the profile with delicate floral notes. A house-made vanilla and orange peel syrup adds warmth and complexity, finished with a sparkling lift that keeps each sip light and refined. The final touch, fresh mint and a dusting of fennel pollen, offers an unexpected Colorado-inspired finish that lingers beautifully.
Elegant yet playful, this mocktail is perfect for celebrating love, friendship, or a quiet moment worth savoring.
Ingredients
Mocktail
1.5 oz fresh blood orange juice
1 oz rose petal tea
0.75 oz vanilla and orange peel syrup
2 oz seltzer water
Garnish
Fresh mint
Fennel pollen
Instructions
Prepare the rose petal tea by steeping rose petals in hot water for five minutes. Strain and allow to cool.
To make the vanilla and orange peel syrup, combine the zest of three oranges and one teaspoon of vanilla with one liter of simple syrup made from equal parts cane sugar and water. Let it sit overnight, then strain.
Add blood orange juice, rose petal tea, and vanilla and orange peel syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled. Double strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Top with seltzer water.
Garnish with two mint leaves and a light dusting of fennel pollen before serving.
Meet the Maker
Cool as a Cucumber is an award-winning mocktail company serving the Broomfield and Westminster area, known for original, one-of-a-kind flavors crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Founded by Christopher Rice, the brand reflects his background running some of San Francisco’s top bar programs. After moving to Colorado in 2021 to start a family with his wife, Kari, Chris now calls Broomfield home, where he leads Cool as a Cucumber alongside his second venture, Make It a Double.