Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail

This apple cider ginger drink is the perfect fall mocktail recipe. Made with apple cider, fresh ginger, and ginger beer, it’s a refreshing drink that’s also easy to make!

This fall cocktail combines some of the best flavors of the season with fresh apples and ginger and sweet apple cider.  It’s non-alcoholic so works for everyone. The recipe is easy to make and a refreshing way to enjoy a taste of fall. 

These cinnamon canned pears are another popular recipe for fall and can be used a fun party gift. But let’s get into this mocktail.

You will need

Apple cider
Fresh ginger
Ginger ale or ginger beer
Ice
Cinnamon sticks
Apples for garnish and eating

Growing up in the south, drinking from jars is perfectly normal. And in this case, using fluted jars makes for a pretty presentation too!

Adorned with cinnamon sticks and fresh apples, these mocktails are a centerpiece –  as beautiful as they are delicious.

Make an apple cider mocktail

This recipe has only a few steps.

Muddle the fresh ginger and combine it with sweet apple cider. You can also use a no-sugar-added apple juice but I’m partial to the unfiltered ones for this drink for the most apple flavor.

Keep that mixture cool for as long as you’d like. When you’re ready to serve, combine with ice and sparkling ginger beer. You can easily prep most of this recipe ahead of time – simply adding the sparkling ginger beer just before serving.

What are the best apples for mocktails?

You can use any apple you have on hand. I am like Honeycrisp for the sweet flavor and firm texture. These pair perfectly with ginger. Fuji and Braeburn apples offer a sweet and slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the fresh ginger. 

We are in the middle of apple season. So you‘ll find an array of different options. Feel free to go with whichever apples you prefer. They are really just the garnish in this recipe but you’ll enjoy eating them too!

About the ginger beer

I like a very spicy ginger drink. So for this mocktail, I include fresh ginger plus the boldest, spiciest ginger beer I could find. 

NOTE: Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic beverage. And the sweetness, spiciness, and overall flavor will vary by brand. You should be able to find it in the soft drink or cocktail mixer section of the supermarket. However, it is a seasonal beverage for some stores. So you might also check the endcaps or with a stock person to see where it’s located in the grocery store. 

Muddle the ginger in a shaker or large jar with a lid. Add the apple cider to the muddled ginger and chill before adding to the drinking jars. 

This works well with a naturally sweet apple cider. If you are using a less sweet apple cider, then feel free to tone down the ginger. But it adds a nice bite. Which is nice in the absence of alcohol. 

Add the cinnamon stick for extra flavor. Keep in mind it will add extra flavor.

Can this mocktail be made with alcohol?

Yes. But of course, it won’t be a mocktail anymore. Apples work well with bourbon and would likely be the best choice. You can also use rum or vodka. 

But if you’re looking for another cool-weather drink, make one of my favorite winter mocktails. This Blood Orange Mocktail is perfect for when citrus season rolls around in a few weeks!

How to serve this apple mocktail

This mocktail is delicious all on its own. It’s a refreshing taste of fall. 

You can drink it solo or pair it up with 

• A fall-themed charcuterie board
• As a party beverage for a small gathering. Mix the ginger and apple cider. Chill. And just before serving, combine with the ginger beer. This way it all stays nice and fizzy.
• On the porch on a warm fall day. We still get those here through November!

How will you use this recipe? Please let me know in the comments. I’m always looking for new ideas!