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Easy Apple Cider Mocktail with fresh apple and cranberry ingredients for fall gatherings.

Easy Apple Cider Mocktail

A cozy, non-alcoholic drink that combines fresh apple cider, bubbly sparkling water, and a hint of spice, perfect for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage, Drink, Mocktail
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For a single serving
  • 3/4 cup apple cider Fresh kind, preferably cloudy.
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2-3/4 cup sparkling water or club soda To add fizz.
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey Optional, only if cider is tart.
  • a pinch ground cinnamon Taste, but don't use too much.
  • as needed ice Plenty to fill the glass.
  • optional garnishes (thin apple slices, orange peel, rosemary sprig, or cranberries) For a decorative touch.
For a crowd (6 servings)
  • 3 cups apple cider Use fresh, cloudy cider.
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Adjust based on taste.
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey Optional, only if cider is tart.
  • a couple cinnamon sticks Optional for added flavor.
  • a few apple slices Optional for the pitcher.

Method
 

Single glass method
  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Pour in about 3/4 cup apple cider.
  3. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice.
  4. Top with 1/2 to 3/4 cup sparkling water or club soda.
  5. Taste it. If you want it sweeter, stir in 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey.
  6. Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or drop in a cinnamon stick. Garnish if desired.
Crowd preparation
  1. In a pitcher, combine 3 cups apple cider, 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (if needed).
  2. Add a couple of cinnamon sticks and a few apple slices, if desired.
  3. Keep the pitcher in the fridge until serving.
  4. Right before serving, pour the cider mixture over ice in glasses and top with sparkling water.

Notes

Chill components beforehand for better fizz. Add bubbles last to maintain sparkle. A thin apple slice or rosemary sprig makes a lovely garnish.