Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe
Published Dec 29, 2024 Updated Jan 15, 2025
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This delicious apple cider mocktail is the perfect non-alcoholic drink for fall gatherings, cozy nights, or even as a festive holiday treat. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s quick to whip up and tastes like the flavors of fall in every sip. Whether you’re hosting the entire family or treating yourself to a quiet evening, this mocktail is a fun addition to any moment.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cider Mocktail
Mocktails are kind of my thing y’all. Whether it be a peach mocktail, pineapple coconut mojito mocktail, or a cherry cream slush mocktail I just love making fun drinks that anyone can enjoy. (Each has a cocktail version too!) And every year, I look forward to apple cider season just so I can make this apple cider slushie. We have an orchard down the road with the best cider ever! I freeze it into ice cubes, blend it up, and it becomes the perfect weekend or fall treat.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between delicious and refreshing, with its cozy blend of warm cinnamon and sweet, tangy fresh apple cider. Customizable for any preference, it’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Whether served chilled in a copper mug for a fancy touch or warm for the winter months, this mocktail is the ideal drink for the holiday season but it’ll curb that apple craving any time of year!
Ingredient Notes
- Apple cider: The base of this drink brings that unmistakable sweet apple flavor. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but it won’t have quite the same depth.
- Ground cinnamon: This brings the signature cozy spices that make this mocktail so delicious and warm.
- Sweetener: This is an optional ingredient, but a little sweetness enhances the flavors. I use monk fruit or honey but maple syrup, coconut sugar, or any simple syrup will work.
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks (for garnish): These not only make the drink look gorgeous but also add a subtle infusion of extra flavor as they sit in the cider. Pear slices or star anise work great too.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
How to Make This Apple Cider Mocktail
Step 1: Freeze Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight until solid.
Step 2: Blend: Once frozen, place the apple cider ice cubes in a blender along with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and preferred sweetener – if using.
Step 3: Blend Until Slushy: Pulse the blender until the frozen apple cider cubes break down into a smooth, slushy texture. Add a little more cider if needed to help blend/thin the mixture out.
Step 4: Serve: Pour into your favorite glass or mug and garnish with fresh apples and a cinnamon stick.
Mac’s Pro Tip
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality apple cider. Look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more gradually until it suits your taste preferences.
- Let the cinnamon stick sit in the cider for a long time before serving for an extra burst of spice!
- The entire family will love to make this drink fancy! Rim the edge of the glass with cinnamon sugar for a fancy drink presentation.
Serving Tips
This mocktail is delightful served warm or chilled. For a refreshing mocktail, keep it cold and garnish with fresh slices of apple. If you’d like to enjoy it warm, heat it in a small saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
This mocktail also makes a fun addition to any dinner. Try it with beef tips and gravy over cauliflower mash or a creamy buffalo chicken casserole. But if you have a sweet tooth like me and want to serve your mocktail with something sweet try my no bake apple pie bites!
Mac’s Pro Tip
Storage Tips
For best results store any leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
For larger gatherings, keep the cider warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, and let guests ladle it into their glasses. Provide garnishes on the side for a fun DIY station.
Absolutely! Add a splash of sparkling water, club soda, or ginger ale just before serving a sparkling apple cider mocktail.
Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, and a splash of cranberry juice, or garnish with sugared cranberries for a holiday vibe.
Absolutely! Simply scale up the ingredients to fit the size of your crowd.
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Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups apple cider
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- OPTIONAL: Sweetener to taste monk fruit or honey
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Freeze Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight until solid.
- Blend: Once frozen, place the apple cider ice cubes in a blender along with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and preferred sweetener, if using.
- Blend Until Slushy: Pulse the blender until the frozen apple cider cubes break down into a smooth, slushy texture. Add a little more cider if needed to help blend/thin out.
- Serve: Pour into a glass and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
-
- Use high-quality apple cider. Look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor.
-
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more gradually until it suits your taste preferences.
-
- Let the cinnamon stick sit in the cider for a long time before serving for an extra burst of spice!
-
- The entire family will love to make this drink fancy! Rim the edge of the glass with cinnamon sugar for a fancy drink presentation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
