Apple Cider Mocktail
This Apple Cider Mocktail is a straightforward, delectable mocktail that is bursting with warm, comforting spices and a strong apple cider flavor. It consists of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, an easy homemade apple syrup, and your favorite bubbly on top – the perfect addition to any holiday meal or weekend celebration! Plus, every ingredient is vegan.
Ingredients
For the homemade apple syrup:
- 1 Gala or Honeycrisp apple sliced with skin on
- ⅓ cup organic brown sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
For the mocktail:
- 1 cup apple cider homemade or store-bought
- ¼ cup homemade apple syrup
- ½ lemon freshly squeezed
- 1 orange freshly squeezed
- Lemon soda or ginger beer for topping
- Crushed ice
- Apple slices for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
For the homemade apple syrup:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to mix, and boil for one to two minutes.
- Simmer for about five more minutes after lowering the heat.
- Take it off the burner and let it cool fully.
For the mocktail:
- Combine the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and cooled apple syrup in a mason jar or cocktail shaker. Add a small amount of crushed ice and shake until everything is well blended, about one to two minutes.
- For every mocktail, half-fill a nice cocktail glass (about 11 ounces) with crushed ice, add half of the mocktail mixture, then top with your favorite fizzy beverage (ginger beer or lemon soda) until the glass(es) is ¾ full.
- If desired, garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and thyme sprigs.