This effervescent apple cider mocktail fuses fresh apple cider, ginger beer, and mint, crowned with a cinnamon sugar rim, creating the perfect winter and fall beverage for festivities or gatherings. Ready in a mere 5 minutes!
As a cocktail aficionado, I’ve begun to favor mocktail concoctions for events: my experience has shown me that no-proof drinks can be just as delightful as their alcoholic counterparts! Furthermore, they are lighter and suitable for everyone.
This apple cider mocktail encapsulates everything I adore about warm winter and fall beverages without any alcohol. It literally takes just 5 minutes to prepare, and whenever I serve it, someone invariably requests the recipe. The cinnamon sugar rim alone makes this worth it! It’s fantastic as a holiday beverage or Thanksgiving mocktail, or whenever you seek a fun drink option.
Why This Apple Cider Mocktail Works
I can’t claim credit for this apple cider mocktail: my husband Alex actually developed the recipe! He originated the idea for the secret ingredient: apple cider vinegar, just like in this pomegranate mocktail. It may sound unusual, but the acidity replicates alcohol and genuinely enhances the cocktail-like flavor!
The apple cider offers sweetness and tang, ginger beer introduces bubbles, and muddled mint and lemon contribute aromatic elements. The highlight is the cinnamon sugar rim: it includes a hint of salt too, which is immensely satisfying! I relished this mocktail with a meal and appreciated how well it complements food, rather than overshadowing it like a typical cocktail.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve crafted this mocktail numerous times, and here’s what I’ve discovered about achieving optimal flavor:
– Unfiltered apple cider: Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider—the kind found in the refrigerated section at grocery stores or farmers markets. It boasts significantly more character than filtered versions (which are clear and devoid of sediment).
– Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the bright, fresh flavor essential to this drink.
– Apple cider vinegar: This secret ingredient balances the sweetness. It’s the element that prompts people to ask, “What makes this taste so wonderful?”
– Ginger beer: As ginger beer constitutes half the liquid in this drink, it has an impact. I prefer brands like Fever-Tree or Q Ginger Beer.
– Fresh mint: Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
How to Make an Apple Cider Mocktail
The technique is just as crucial as the ingredients. Here’s what to do (or skip to the full recipe below if you’re eager to dive in):
– Start with the rim. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on a small plate. Moisten the edge of your glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into the sugar mix, ensuring an even coating.
– Muddle effectively. In your cocktail shaker, gently muddle the lemon peel and mint leaves together. Approximately 10-15 gentle presses should suffice.
– Shake purposefully. Pour the apple cider, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar into the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
– Top with fizz. Strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice, then finish with ginger ale. Always add carbonated ingredients last to maintain those bubbles!
Pro tip: You can also prepare a larger batch of the cinnamon sugar mixture and store it in a jar. It’s ideal for rimming glasses, sprinkling on oatmeal, or enhancing homemade hot chocolate.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This apple cider mocktail is remarkably adaptable. Here are my preferred ways to serve and customize it:
– Create a party pitcher. Multiply the recipe by 8. Pour 2.5 oz into a glass and top with 2 oz ginger beer before serving.
– Transform it into a cocktail. Add 1.5 oz of bourbon, spiced rum, vodka, or even tequila. It becomes akin to my apple cider bourbon cocktail, apple cider martini, or apple cider margarita.
– Experiment with different herbs. I adore mint, but rosemary adds a more savory, wintry essence.
– Incorporate various juices. Combine half apple cider and half cranberry or pomegranate juice. You could also include half fresh squeezed orange juice for a delightful addition.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While this mocktail is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the carbonation, you can prepare components in advance:
– Cinnamon sugar rim mixture: This remains fresh for 6 months in an airtight container.
– Apple cider mixture: Blend the apple cider, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar up to 24 hours prior. Keep it refrigerated (see notes in the recipe).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? No! Apple cider possesses a deeper, more concentrated apple flavor that makes this mocktail exceptional.
Why do you add apple cider vinegar? The vinegar imparts a subtle acidity and complexity.