If you’re craving a festive and refreshing drink that feels both cozy and celebratory, the Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful blend combines the crisp sweetness of sparkling apple cider with the tart brightness of cranberry juice and a gentle zing from ginger beer, all rounded out with a warm touch of cinnamon and lemon. It’s the perfect treat whether you’re hosting a party, relaxing on a crisp afternoon, or simply want a sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage that’s bursting with layers of flavor and sparkle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass with a sugar and spice mix rim holds a warm amber-colored drink. Inside the glass, a silver spoon stirs the liquid, creating light ripples and small bubbles. The glass sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden honey dipper close by in the foreground. Nearby, an empty clear glass with a similar rim rests on a wooden coaster, and a measuring cup with amber syrup is visible in the background. A woman's hand is gently holding the spoon, stirring the drink. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe is refreshingly simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating a perfectly balanced and inviting drink. From the spices that add warmth to the crisp notes of fruit, these essentials ensure your mocktail shines.

Brown sugar or granulated sugar (1 ½ teaspoons): Sweetness with a hint of molasses if you choose brown sugar, helping to enhance the cinnamon rim.
Ground cinnamon (heaping ⅛ teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic spice that makes the drink feel cozy and inviting.
Water or lemon wedge: Used to moisten the glass rim so the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly.
Sparkling apple cider (5 ounces): The star of the show, providing effervescent sweetness and bright apple flavor that defines the mocktail.
Cranberry juice cocktail (1 ounce): A tart and sweet splash that gives the drink a vibrant color and lively contrast.
Ginger beer (1 ounce): Offers a spicy warmth and fizz that complements the apple and cranberry beautifully.
Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (1 ½ teaspoons): Lifts the flavors with its zesty brightness to keep the mocktail refreshing.
Cinnamon stick: A charming garnish that adds extra aroma and a festive feel.
Ice: Chills the mocktail for a crisp, invigorating sip.
Thinly-sliced apples: For a pretty and thematic finishing touch that you can actually nibble on.

How to Make Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Start by mixing your sugar and ground cinnamon on a small plate to create a fragrant, sweet-spicy blend. Then, moisten the rim of your serving glass with a little water or by running a fresh lemon wedge gently around it. Press the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it beautifully. This little step is what gives each sip a flavorful kick right at the start, making every moment of your mocktail experience extra special.

Step 2: Mix the Mocktail Ingredients

Into the rimmed glass, pour your sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail, ginger beer, and freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those vibrant flavors without losing the sparkle. For an extra touch of warmth, grate just a bit of the cinnamon stick directly into the drink using a microplane, infusing it with subtle spice notes that will make your mocktail sing.

Step 3: Final Touches and Adjustments

Before adding ice, taste your mocktail and feel free to tweak it depending on your preference. Need it a little more tart? A splash more cranberry juice will do the trick. Like it bolder? Add a bit more ginger beer to spice things up. Once you’re happy with the balance, add ice to chill it perfectly, then garnish with your cinnamon stick and a few lovely thin apple slices for that extra wow factor.

How to Serve Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe

A clear glass filled with a light amber drink contains several ice cubes and thin apple slices floating on top. A cinnamon stick is placed inside the glass, and the rim is coated with a brown sugar mixture. The glass sits on a white marbled surface next to a bright mustard-yellow cloth, with apples and a white plate with cinnamon powder blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes aren’t just decoration—they elevate the whole experience. A cinnamon stick isn’t just pretty, it releases aromatic spice as you sip, and thin apple slices bring a crisp freshness that pairs perfectly with the flavors inside. You can get creative by adding a few cranberries or a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive twist that also smells amazing.

Side Dishes

This Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh bites. Think crisp cheese platters with mild cheeses like Brie or Havarti, spiced nuts, or even apple cinnamon pastries. The mocktail’s mix of sweet, tart, and spiced notes complements both savory and sweet snacks beautifully, making your gathering feel thoughtfully put together.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving your mocktail in clear mason jars or vintage-style glasses to show off the sparkling bubbles and colorful hues. Adding edible glitter or floating apple slices can make your drink feel instantly festive. Layering the cranberry juice gently at the bottom before pouring the cider over ice will create a beautiful gradient effect that impresses every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to make extra, store your mocktail in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Because it’s sparkling, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but keeping it chilled for a few hours won’t dull the flavors too much. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to revive the fizz.

Freezing

Freezing a sparkling cocktail isn’t recommended since the carbonation won’t survive the process and the texture will change. Instead, freeze individual ingredients like lemon juice or cranberry juice in ice cube trays to use later for quick mocktail preparation with a burst of freshness.

Reheating

This recipe is designed to be served chilled and sparkling, so reheating isn’t suggested. Warm it up, and you’ll lose the fizz and fresh qualities that make the drink so delightful. Instead, freshly prepare your mocktail each time to keep those crisp, bright flavors front and center.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free ginger beer in this mocktail?

Absolutely! Most ginger beers are naturally gluten-free, but if you have sensitivities, just double-check the label. The spicy ginger kick is essential, so swapping for a gluten-free variety keeps the mocktail just as delicious and safe for you to enjoy.

What if I don’t have sparkling apple cider, can I use something else?

While sparkling apple cider gives this mocktail its signature flavor and sparkle, you can experiment with sparkling pear juice or even a high-quality sparkling water paired with apple juice. The taste will shift a bit, but it can still be delightfully fresh and tasty.

Is this mocktail suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe contains no alcohol and uses natural fruit juices, making it a fun and festive drink for all ages. Just be mindful of the ginger beer’s spiciness, as some kids might find it a bit strong, but many enjoy the zing and fizz!

How do I adjust the sweetness if I prefer a less sweet drink?

You can easily tweak the sweetness by reducing the sugar on the rim or selecting a cranberry juice cocktail with less added sugar. You might also add a splash more lemon juice to brighten and balance the flavors if cutting back on sweetness.

Can I make a larger batch for a party?

Yes, you can scale the ingredients up to make a batch in a pitcher. Just add the cinnamon sugar rim to each individual glass as guests serve themselves, and stir gently before pouring to maintain the sparkle.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe that makes it feel like a celebration in every sip, no matter the occasion. With its vibrant blend of flavors and inviting spice notes, this drink has become one of my personal favorites to share with friends and family. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how effortless it is to create a sparkling, sophisticated mocktail that everyone will adore.

Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe