Ugly Virgin

This is a straightforward, citrus-heavy mocktail designed for those opting out of alcohol but still wanting a sophisticated, refreshing drink. The Ugly Virgin delivers a bright, tangy punch, making it a solid choice for designated drivers, daytime events, or anyone who just appreciates a good non-boozy mix. It’s a simple build that doesn’t skimp on flavor, proving ‘virgin’ doesn’t mean boring.

Ugly Virgin

4.44 from 32 votes

Calories: 74kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 2 oz Orange Juice
▢ 2 oz Grapefruit Juice
▢ 2 oz Lemonade

Instructions

▢
Shake juices and strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Add lemonade. garnish with a slice of Ugli fruit. add straws and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 74kcal (4%)Carbohydrates: 17g (6%)Sugar: 16g (18%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

Mocktails like the Ugly Virgin are a relatively modern bar invention, gaining traction as more people seek sophisticated non-alcoholic options. It likely emerged in the last few decades, possibly in a casual restaurant or brunch setting, as a response to the need for interesting drinks for those not imbibing. The name and Ugli fruit garnish suggest a playful, contemporary origin rather than a classic lineage.

This drink sits squarely in the non-alcoholic ‘sour’ family, similar to a virgin Tom Collins or a Shirley Temple, but with a more complex citrus profile. What separates it is the specific blend of orange, grapefruit, and lemon, plus the distinctive Ugli fruit garnish, which adds a unique visual and aromatic touch not found in simpler lemonades or orange juices.

You’d find the Ugly Virgin on a brunch menu, at a family-friendly restaurant, or served at a home party where not everyone is drinking alcohol. It’s a solid choice for a designated driver at a bar, or for someone who wants something more interesting than a soda or plain juice, without the buzz.

What it tastes like

The Ugly Virgin hits with a bright, zesty front, dominated by tart grapefruit and lemon. The middle palate offers a sweet counterpoint from the orange juice, which rounds out the sharper citrus notes. The finish is clean, refreshing, and distinctly tangy, leaving a pleasant, lingering citrus zest.

Since the Ugly Virgin contains no alcoholic ingredients, its ABV is 0.0%. This means it has no alcohol content, making it a completely non-intoxicating option, unlike a standard beer which typically ranges from 4-6% ABV, or a standard cocktail which can be 20% ABV or higher.

The technique

Building this drink is quick and easy. Combine your orange and grapefruit juices in a shaker with plenty of ice. Give it a good, hard shake for about 10-15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the mixture. Strain the chilled juice into an ice-filled highball glass. Top it off with the lemonade, and then add your Ugli fruit slice as a garnish. A few straws make it ready to serve.

The most important technique here is shaking the juices with ice before adding the lemonade. This ensures the base is properly chilled and gets a touch of dilution, integrating the flavors. Skipping this step means a less cold, less balanced drink where the juices might not meld as smoothly, resulting in a flat, less refreshing experience.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Orange Juice

Use: Freshly squeezed orange juice is always best. If bottled, opt for a high-quality, not-from-concentrate brand like Simply Orange or Tropicana Pure Premium for the freshest taste.
Skip: Avoid orange juice from concentrate or cheap, artificial-tasting brands. These often have a thin body and an overly sweet, processed flavor that will throw off the drink’s balance.
Why: Orange juice provides essential sweetness and body, balancing the sharper acidity of the grapefruit and lemon. It’s crucial for a well-rounded and palatable mocktail.

Grapefruit Juice

Use: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is ideal. For bottled options, look for unsweetened, 100% juice varieties. Ruby Red grapefruit juice can add a nice color and slightly sweeter profile.
Skip: Don’t use old, oxidized grapefruit juice or those with added sugars and artificial flavors. These can introduce an unpleasant bitterness or an overly sweet, cloying taste.
Why: Grapefruit juice is load-bearing for this drink’s distinct tartness and subtle bitterness. It adds complexity and a grown-up edge that differentiates it from a simple lemonade.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spiked Ugly Virgin

Add some booze to it.: For an alcoholic version, add 1.5-2 oz of gin, vodka, or even a light rum to the shaker with the juices before straining.

Sparkling Ugly

Bubbly twist.: Instead of still lemonade, use sparkling lemonade or top the drink with soda water after adding the regular lemonade for extra fizz.

Tropical Ugly

A fruity island escape.: Introduce a splash, about 0.5 oz, of pineapple juice or passion fruit syrup to the shaker for an exotic fruit twist.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Ugli fruit?

Garnish with a slice of orange, grapefruit, or lemon. Any fresh citrus wheel will work for visual appeal and a hint of aroma.

No fresh grapefruit juice?

Use good quality bottled unsweetened grapefruit juice. If it’s on the sweeter side, reduce the orange juice slightly.

No fresh orange juice?

A quality bottled 100% not-from-concentrate orange juice will work in a pinch, though fresh is always preferred.

No highball glass?

A Collins glass or any large tumbler will serve just fine. The key is enough capacity for ice and the full volume of liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Ugly Virgin?

The Ugly Virgin contains 2 oz orange juice, 2 oz grapefruit juice, and 2 oz lemonade.

Is the Ugly Virgin alcoholic?

No, the Ugly Virgin is a mocktail, meaning it contains no alcohol.

Why is it called Ugly Virgin?

The ‘Virgin’ part refers to it being non-alcoholic. The ‘Ugly’ likely comes from the Ugli fruit garnish, which is known for its bumpy, imperfect appearance.

What is Ugli fruit?

Ugli fruit is a type of tangelo, a hybrid citrus fruit that is a cross between a grapefruit, an orange, and a tangerine. It’s known for its sweet, juicy flesh and bumpy, greenish-yellow skin.

Can I make the Ugly Virgin ahead of time?

You can pre-mix the orange and grapefruit juices and store them chilled. However, for best flavor and fizz, add the lemonade and garnish just before serving.

What other garnishes work?

Besides Ugli fruit, an orange slice, grapefruit wedge, or a lemon twist make excellent garnishes for this citrus-forward drink.

Is this drink sweet or tart?

The Ugly Virgin is predominantly tart from the grapefruit and lemon, balanced by the sweetness of the orange juice and lemonade. It leans more refreshing-tart than sweet.

Can I use different types of lemonade?

Yes, classic lemonade works great. You could also experiment with pink lemonade for a different color, or even a sparkling lemonade for added effervescence.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read