Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe
This refreshing Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail combines the sweetness of sparkling apple cider with the tang of cranberry juice, the spicy warmth of ginger beer, and a hint of fresh lemon juice. Rimmed with a cinnamon-sugar blend and garnished with thinly-sliced apples and a cinnamon stick, this delightful non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for any occasion, offering a festive and flavorful drink in just 8 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Rim Coating
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar or granulated sugar (or a blend)
- Heaping ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Water or a lemon wedge (to moisten the rim)
Mocktail
- 5 ounces sparkling apple cider
- 1 ounce cranberry juice cocktail (not unsweetened pure cranberry juice)
- 1 ounce ginger beer
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice (as needed)
- Thinly-sliced apples (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the rim: Stir together the brown sugar (or granulated sugar) and ground cinnamon, then pour the mixture onto a small plate. Moisten the outer rim of your serving glass by dipping it briefly in water or by lightly running a lemon wedge around it. Press the moistened rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a flavorful coating.
- Mix the drink: In the prepared glass, combine the sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail, ginger beer, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients evenly. Using a microplane or fine grater, grate a small amount of the cinnamon stick directly into the drink to add a subtle spicy aroma and taste.
- Finish and serve: Taste the mocktail and adjust the flavors if desired, adding more cranberry juice or ginger beer to suit your preference. Add ice cubes to chill the drink. Garnish with the cinnamon stick and thinly-sliced apples for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount or type of sugar used on the rim.
- If you prefer a less spicy kick, omit or reduce the grated cinnamon from the stick.
- Use chilled sparkling apple cider and ginger beer for a crisp, refreshing flavor.
- For a more intense citrus note, add a bit more freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- This mocktail is ideal for festive gatherings and non-alcoholic celebrations.
