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Apple Cider Ginger Sparkling Mocktail Recipe
Make an apple cider ginger mocktail in 5 minutes with crisp cider, fresh ginger and sparkling water—ideal non-alcoholic sip for fall gatherings.
The Apple Cider Mocktail with Ginger Sparkle is a non-alcoholic drink that combines unfiltered apple cider, sparkling ginger soda or ginger beer, and a hint of fresh citrus to create a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and lightly spicy flavors. Typically finished with seasonal accents such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or thin apple slices, the beverage offers an effervescent texture and an inviting aroma reminiscent of classic autumn treats. Served chilled over ice, it is especially popular at fall gatherings, holiday brunches, and family-friendly celebrations where a festive, alcohol-free option is desired.
Apple Cider Ginger Sparkling Mocktail Recipe
Ready in under five minutes, this three-ingredient refresher turns fridge staples into an easy crowd-pleaser, no mixology experience necessary. The recipe scales smoothly from a single serving to a party pitcher, making it ideal for spontaneous movie nights or last-minute get-togethers.
Prep Time
10 minutes
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
Apple cider (unfiltered, chilled) – 1 cup / 8 fl oz
- Ginger beer (spicy, non-alcoholic) – ½ cup / 4 fl oz
- Sparkling water or club soda – ¼ cup / 2 fl oz
- Fresh lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Ice cubes – about 1 cup
- Pure maple syrup or honey – 1–2 tsp (optional, to sweeten)
- Fresh apple slices – 2–3 thin slices (optional garnish)
- Fresh ginger coins – 2–3 slices (optional, for extra zing)
- Cinnamon stick – 1 (optional stirrer & aroma)
- Fresh rosemary sprig – 1 small sprig (optional herbal note)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg – pinch (optional finishing sprinkle)
- Orange or lemon zest twist – 1 strip (optional garnish)
Method
Rub the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge then dip the rim in cinnamon sugar
- Fill the prepared glasses halfway with ice cubes
- Pour chilled apple cider over the ice until the glass is about two-thirds full
- Add chilled ginger beer to the glass leaving space for sparkle
- Top each drink with a splash of sparkling water to finish filling the glass
- Stir the mixture gently to blend without flattening the bubbles
- Slide a few thin apple slices down the side of each glass for garnish
- Insert a cinnamon stick or fresh rosemary sprig for extra aroma and serve immediately
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
200 kcal Protein
0 g Fat
0 g Carbs
51 g Fiber
1 g Sugar
44 g
200 kcal Protein
0 g Fat
0 g Carbs
51 g Fiber
1 g Sugar
44 g
Notes
Muddle a thin slice of fresh ginger in the bottom of each glass for a bolder, cozier spice, then strain or leave it in depending on how fiery you like it. Freeze extra apple cider in ice-cube trays; dropping those cubes into the drink keeps flavors punchy as it chills. For a lighter, less sweet version, cut the ginger soda with equal parts plain seltzer.
why this recipe
This apple cider ginger mocktail is worth a spot in your repertoire because it marries the cozy warmth of fresh-pressed cider with the invigorating zing of ginger beer, giving you all the festive sparkle of a cocktail without the alcohol. Each sip delivers layers of orchard-sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a lively effervescence that brightens the palate, making it as suitable for a relaxed autumn evening as for a sophisticated holiday gathering. Simple to prepare yet striking in flavor and presentation, it’s the kind of drink that invites conversation, pleases every age group, and effortlessly elevates any occasion.
FAQs
FAQ acf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Apple Cider Ginger Sparkle mocktail ahead of time without losing its carbonation and fresh flavor?
You can prep the base (apple cider, lemon juice, any sweetener, and even the apple slices) several hours in advance and keep it chilled, but wait to add the ginger beer and sparkling water until the moment you serve. Mixing in the bubbly components at the last minute preserves the carbonation and that just-opened ginger bite, giving you the same fresh snap as if you’d made each glass to order.
How can I prevent the apple slice garnishes from browning if I’m preparing multiple drinks ahead of time?
Briefly soak the apple slices in cold water acidulated with fresh lemon juice (about 1 Tbsp juice per cup of water) for 5–10 minutes, then pat them dry. The ascorbic acid coats the fruit and slows oxidation so the slices stay pale for several hours; keep them covered and refrigerated until you slip them into the drinks. A quick dip in a honey-water or lightly salted solution works the same way if you prefer a gentler citrus note.
What can I use instead of ginger beer if it isn’t available?
If ginger beer isn’t on hand, swap in a quality ginger ale or mix equal parts plain seltzer and a spoonful of ginger syrup for similar spice and fizz. You can also muddle fresh ginger with a touch of honey, then top it with sparkling water to build the drink’s gingery backbone.