Easy Apple Cider Mocktail

This Apple Cider Mocktail is a simple delicious mocktail that comes rich in bold apple cider flavor and entirely jam-packed with warm, cozy spices. Made with an easy homemade apple syrup, freshly-squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, and topped with your favorite bubbly, this mocktail is the best addition to any holiday table or weekend cheers! All vegan ingredients.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.

Have you seen anything fancier? Haha. I'm so happy to finally be sharing this Apple Cider Mocktail with you all because they are SO good! I enjoy making simple, tasty drinks that the entire family can enjoy and this one is a star in my house. My son is so very much in love with this mocktail and it's such a delicious drink without the fizz.

If you're into apple cider like most of the world, then you know that having anything with it is a guaranteed good time. Plus, this Brown Sugar Peach Mint Julep Mocktail is such a refreshing twist on a classic also! And this Cucumber Ginger Mint Mocktail is so good too! Trust me, I've been using up those apples greatly and I've rounded up my top favorite ways to incorporate apples in the recipes below for you:

Apple Cider Cake + Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

Apple Caramel Espresso Martini

Vegan Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apples

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble Oatmeal Bowl

Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

Of course, if you're looking for more apple related recipes, simply search on our site "apple or apples" for more delicious options.

Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Mocktail

First and foremost, the flavors in this simple and easy Fall Apple Cider Mocktail is enough to convince anyone, however, here are a few more reasons why you'll love this recipe:

• It's Very Similar to the real 'feel' of a cocktail. Yes, while this mocktail doesn't have actual alcohol, I promise that it's just as complex in flavor, warming, and tasty as any cocktail----obviously with additional bold flavors from the apples and the nice fizz.
• It's super fun to make! I literally love the creation of the apple syrup and the shaking of all of the ingredients the cocktail shaker. Such a sweet aroma as they boil!
• You save money! This by far is one of my biggest reasons for making my own drinks at home (minus the last point to come). You definitely save more money purchasing the ingredients and making your own servings at home.
• It's healthier. Most of all, this is my biggest plus! I love when I am able to know what ingredients I use whenever making drinks, cooking, or baking. Making my mocktails and drinks in general at home has definitely allowed me to switch to healthier, organic ingredients which is a win, win!

How to Make Apple Cider Mocktail

INGREDIENTS

The main component in this simple Apple Cider Mocktail recipe is the sweet apple flavor from the homemade syrup and infusion of other ingredients. To make your mocktail, you’ll use:

• Apple. I love using Gala or Honeycrisp apples for a nice sweetness. You can also use a firm, tarter apple like Granny Smith for best results.
• Apple cider. This adds a burst of authentic apple cider flavor. You can make this on your own or purchase your fave quality brand.
• Orange. I like to use a navel orange, but you could use any other kind of large, juicy citrus fruit.
• Lemon. Use a big, juicy lemon to add a tart pop of flavor.
• Spices. This adds a warming spice profile to this mocktail. You'll need cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Crushed or whole ice. The best highlight of this drink to keep things cold. Crush your ice or use a nice ice cub tray.
• Brown sugar. I use organic to make sure it’s vegan.
• Water. For boiling and creating of the syrup.
• Soda. You can use lemon soda or ginger beer to finish off the mocktails with some bubbles.

How To Make Your Own Apple Cider

If you'd prefer to make your own batch of apple cider, no worries---I've got you covered! You can make your own apple cider easily in a slow cooker, which is the easiest way to do so without requiring your full undivided attention. Of course, you can slowly simmer everything over the stovetop if you don't own a slow cooker.

How to Reduce Apple Cider for This Mocktail

If you'd prefer to have a more concentrated apple cider taste within your mockatil, you can easily reduce your cider by following these steps:

• Pour your apple cider in a saucepan, about 2 cups which we'll then reduce to ¾ cup.
• Turn on the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Once you hit the 10 minute mark, be sure to check on your apple cider every few minutes (4 minutes or so), stirring occasionally until your cider has reduced to the desired ¾ cup.
• Remove it from heat and allow it cool completely before continuing the recipe.

Best Types of Apples for This Mocktail

Even though this Apple Cider Mocktail is based on using Gala or Honeycrisp apples, you can also switch things up and add a slightly new flare in their flavor profile by adding any of the following apples for a bit more sweetness or tart:

• Granny Smith
• Fuji
• Pink Lady
• Golden Delicious
• Braeburn
• and more!

SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!

Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Apple Cider Mocktail. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Common FAQs for Apple Cider Mocktail

CAN I ADD ALCOHOL TO MAKE THIS A COCKTAIL?

Absolutely! If you’d like to serve this as a cocktail, you can add 1 ounce of tequila, vodka or gin to each glass.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH LEFTOVER BOILED APPLES?

I definitely try to avoid waste at all costs, therefore, I like to repurpose these boiled apples by adding them atop oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, etc. SO good!

HOW TO REUSE LEFTOVER APPLE SYRUP AFTER REFRIGERATED?

Easy! Simply add the solid syrup to a saucepan and top with apple juice or a bit of water mixed with maple syrup (about 1-2 Tbsps) and let it simmer until it becomes liquid-y again. Drizzle and enjoy!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this Apple Cider Mocktail, tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea!

Apple Cider Mocktail

October 20, 2022 •

By Shanika

5 from 16 votes

This Apple Cider Mocktail is the simplest, most tasty mocktail that's perfect for apple season and any day of the week!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Serves: 2 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

HOMEMADE APPLE SYRUP:

• 1 Gala or Honeycrisp apple, sliced (Skin on)
• ⅓ cup organic brown sugar
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

MOCKTAIL:

• 1 cup apple cider, homemade or store-bought (See Post for info!)
• ¼ cup homemade apple syrup
• ½ lemon, freshly-squeezed
• 1 orange, freshly-squeezed
• Lemon soda or ginger beer, for topping
• Crushed ice

GARNISH:

• Apple slices, thin or thick
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Cinnamon sticks

Instructions

TO MAKE THE HOMEMADE APPLE SYRUP:

• In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add together all ingredients (stirring them to combine) and bring to a boil, about 1-2 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes or so. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

TO MAKE THE MOCKTAIL(S):

• In a mason jar or cocktail shaker, add a bit of crushed ice along with the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and cooled apple syrup and shake for 1-2 minutes until combined.
• Assemble the mocktail(s): For each mocktail, fill a good cocktail glass (11 oz. or so) halfway with crushed ice and pour half the amount of the mocktail mixture and top with your fave frizz (lemon soda or ginger beer) until glass(es) is ¾ filled. Top with apple slices, thyme sprigs, and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
• Sip and Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• SERVING SIZE: To make additional mocktails, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
• APPLES: Best apples to use for this latte are: Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, etc.
• ALCOHOL: If you'd like to keep this recipe dairy-free, but want to spruce things up with alcohol, feel free to add 1 ounce of rum, vodka, etc.
• EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Apple Cider Mocktail. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Apple Cider Mocktail.

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