This Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail recipe is fizzy and sweet. It’s also so easy that it can be made all winter long but festive enough for a holiday celebration.
What can you mix with apple cider?
Apple cider is just meant to be paired with fall spices (cinnamon, ginger, anise, and cloves) and citrus. We added some bubbles and transformed your favorite fall ingredients into a delightful sparkling apple cider holiday mocktail.
Is cider just alcoholic apple juice?
Hard cider is alcoholic apple cider. Regular apple cider has no alcohol. For this recipe, we’re using sparkling apple cider which should be non-alcoholic. The most famous sparkling apple cider is Martinelli’s, but Trader Joe’s also has options. But we made our own sparkling apple cider using apple juice and Drinkmate.
There’s more detailed information about the differences between hard apple cider, apple cider and apple juice in this Instant Pot Apple Cider recipe post.
What is the difference between a mocktail and a cocktail?
A cocktail is a mixed drink that uses alcohol. However, a mocktail is a non-alcoholic cocktail or mixed drink. To check out all the beverage recipes from The Honest Spoonful click here.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Mocktail
It’s a festive and celebratory drink made with fall spices which is perfect for the holidays. But if you need more reasons to give this recipe a try:
- Easy to make.
- Uses clean ingredients.
- No refined sugar.
- AIP, Paleo, and Vegan.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Mocktail
- Maple Syrup
- Water
- Cinnamon: Keep in mind that you’ll need a cinnamon stick AND ground cinnamon.
- Ginger: Keep in mind that you’ll need fresh ginger AND ground ginger.
- Cloves: Keep in mind that you’ll need whole cloves AND ground cloves.
- Whole Star Anise: This ingredient is optional if AIP.
- Coconut Sugar
- Lemon
- Sparkling Apple Cider: This can be premade or made with apple juice using a Drinkmate or SodaStream.
- Sparkling or Seltzer Water: Again, this can be premade or made with apple juice using a Drinkmate or SodaStream.
- Apple: This is an optional garnish.
How to make an apple cider mocktail
1. To make the Cinnamon Ginger Simple Syrup, combine all the ingredients for the syrup into a small saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer and let cook while stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Take care not to let it boil over. Once finished cooking, set aside, and let cool, and then store in the refrigerator to chill, until ready to use.
2. To make the drink, add equal parts apple cider, simple syrup, lemon juice and sparkling water into 2 coupe glasses. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick, if using.
Tips for making the best Spiced Apple Cider Holiday Mocktail
- You can make your own sparkling cider by using a Drinkmate or SodaStream.
- No need for a cocktail shaker for this recipe. However, a cocktail spoon and jigger are helpful.
- Traditionally simple syrup is made with refined sugar, but we avoid refined sugar in favor of less refined options that have health benefits like honey or maple syrup. However, refined sugar can also be used. Please keep in mind that using refined sugar means that the drink will no longer be AIP or Paleo.
- The simple syrup can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
- I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
- The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, check out this post regarding 'What is the AIP diet?' or ask in advance.
What are some recipes for non-alcoholic cocktails?
*Please note that instructions for the non-alcoholic gluten free margarita are listed in the recipe notes.
Did you make this recipe? I love hearing your thoughts on my recipes so please rate and comment below.
Apple Cider Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Spiced Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup Honey is a good subtitute
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 slice fresh Ginger
- 5 Whole Cloves
- 1 Whole Star Anise optional if AIP
For the drink
- 4 ounces 4 ounces Sparkling Apple Cider chilled
- 2 ounces Cinnamon Ginger Simple Syrup chilled
- 2 ounces Sparkling or Seltzer Water chilled
- Lemon Wedge
For the Garnish (optional)
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon Sticks
Instructions
- To make the Cinnamon Ginger Simple Syrup, combine all the ingredients for the syrup into a small saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer and let cook while stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Take care not to let it boil over. Once finished cooking, set aside, and let cool, and then store in the refrigerator to chill, until ready to use.
- To make the drink, add equal parts apple cider, simple syrup, lemon juice and sparkling water into 2 coupe glasses. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick, if using.
Video
Notes
- You can make your own sparkling cider by using a Drinkmate or SodaStream.
- No need for a cocktail shaker for this recipe. However, a jigger is helpful.
- Traditionally simple syrup is made with refined sugar, but we avoid refined sugar in favor of less refined options that have health benefits like honey or maple syrup. However, refined sugar can also be used. Please keep in mind that using refined sugar means that the drink will no longer be AIP or Paleo.
- The simple syrup can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This is a delicious non alcoholic beverage.
What is the brand of sparkling cider you use?
You know what. I don't recall. So sorry!