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Apple Cider Mocktail

This apple cider mocktail captures the cozy warmth of fall in a glass with bright citrus notes and natural sweetness. Ready in under 10 minutes, this naturally sweetened drink works hot or cold and is perfect for both kids and adults at gatherings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 drinks
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup apple cider fresh or bottled, not apple juice
  • 0.5 ounces fresh lemon juice about 1/2 lemon
  • 0.75 ounces raw honey about 1.5 teaspoons
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 2 ounces sparkling water optional, for fizz
  • Ice cubes for serving cold
  • Orange slice for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mason jar with tight lid
  • Jigger or measuring spoon
  • Strainer
  • Highball or rocks glasses
  • Bar spoon
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Small dry skillet

Method
 

  1. Toast the cinnamon stick and cloves together in a small dry skillet over low heat for about 1 minute to release their essential oils and make the spices taste more vibrant and aromatic.
  2. Pour the apple cider into a cocktail shaker or mason jar. The cider should be cold or at room temperature for a cold drink.
  3. Cut the lemon in half and juice it using a citrus reamer or your hands. You need about 0.5 ounces of fresh juice, which is roughly half of a medium lemon.
  4. Add the raw honey directly to the apple cider. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds so the honey fully dissolves and incorporates into the liquid rather than settling at the bottom.
  5. Pour the fresh lemon juice into the shaker. This acid component prevents the drink from tasting one-dimensional and balances the natural sweetness of the cider.
  6. Add your toasted cinnamon stick and cloves to the shaker. Let them steep for about 30 seconds while you prepare the glassware, infusing subtle spice without overwhelming the other flavors.
  7. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake firmly for about 15 seconds. This chills all ingredients quickly and ensures they mix properly so every sip tastes consistent.
  8. Strain the mixture into highball or rocks glasses filled with fresh ice. A fine strainer catches any spice fragments and gives you a clean, polished presentation.
  9. Top each drink with 1 ounce of sparkling water if you like a lighter, more refreshing texture. This is optional, so skip it if you prefer a more intense apple-spice flavor.
  10. Float a thin orange slice on top and place one cinnamon stick in each glass as both garnish and a flavor stirrer. Serve immediately while everything is properly chilled and the spices are still bright.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider from the refrigerated section for richer flavor. Toast spices before adding for more vibrant aromatic notes. Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds so honey fully dissolves. Store mixed mocktail in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Can be served hot by gently warming over medium-low heat for 3 minutes.