These easy, delicious apple cider mocktails are quick to make and absolutely divine to sip. With a glorious combination of apple, orange, maple, ginger and apple cider vinegar, this tasty non-alcoholic cocktail requires just minutes of your time and can also be made in a batch for guests.
I have had SO many requests for apple cider mocktails recently, but I want to let you in on a little secret – fresh apple cider is almost impossible to get where I live! For this reason, I have been putting this recipe off for quite some time, but over the weekend I made my very own fresh apple cider and now I’m disappointed that I didn’t try this sooner – it is INCREDIBLE. I’ll pop the method I used in the notes at the bottom of the page.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The perfectly paired flavors: nothing screams Fall like apple cider mocktails! And we all know apple pairs perfectly with orange and ginger, making this tasty recipe ideal as the seasons start to turn. If you're looking for a batch mocktail, check out my apple cider sangria mocktail.
It’s easy to adapt: I have given you the option of 2 different mixers – ginger beer or ginger kombucha. Both work well and it’s really up to your own personal preference which one you choose. Obviously kombucha offers the health benefits of probiotics that ginger beer doesn’t, but you can always choose a low sugar ginger beer if you wish.
It’s simple to make: there’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen for this recipe. It’s as simple as shake and serve and you’ll be sipping in no time at all.
You can make it in advance for guests: I am constantly asked for batch mocktails, so I’m going to make an effort to offer a batch mocktail option from now on! I’ll be sure to put the method in the notes below for this one.
Ingredients – what you need
Apple cider: fresh apple cider is best for this mocktail, but if you can’t get it where you live – don’t stress! Alternatives are cloudy apple juice or I have included the method I used in the notes section of the recipe card below.
Orange juice: my motto is always ‘fresh is best’ when it comes to juices, so I bought a fresh orange and juiced it for this recipe. You can definitely use bottled if you prefer though. Psst: if you love all things orange, be sure to check out my orange juice mocktail too. My dehydrated orange makes the perfect garnish.
Lemon juice: I abide by the above motto when it comes to lemon juice, but having said that, there are some delicious pre-made lemon juices out there now, so you do you!
Maple syrup (optional): maple syrup is an optional ingredient because you might find the apple cider is sweet enough, especially if you use the ginger beer as your mixer. If you’re a sweet tooth, go ahead and add it in. If you’re not sure, I recommend following all the steps without the maple syrup, tasting then adding it in at the end if you wish.
Apple cider vinegar (optional): have you ever tried apple cider vinegar mocktails? You’re in for a treat. Vinegar is a by-product of alcohol, so it makes sense that using vinegar will often make up for some of that ‘bite’ we lose when we remove alcohol from our drinks. Tip: apple cider vinegar is very strong so start slowly. You can always add more if you wish, but it’s impossible to remove once it’s in your drink!
Ginger beer or kombucha: it’s completely up to you which mixer you choose for this. Ginger beer adds more sweetness and has a slightly strong flavor, whereas kombucha is slightly milder and has a tasty tea twist. If you love ginger beer, try my ginger beer mocktails – you won’t regret it!
Optional cinnamon and brown sugar for rim: there’s something special about a pretty rim! For apple cider mocktails I think I love using cinnamon and brown sugar.
Equipment
Shaker or pitcher: you really only need one piece of equipment for this, depending on whether you’re creating a batch mocktail or a mocktail for one. If you’re making for one, a shaker is required. Don’t worry if you don’t have a proper shaker – anything with a tight-fitting lid will work. I like using mason jars or a drink bottle.
If you’re making a large batch, you’ll need a pitcher or small punch bowl.
How to make it:
To make your apple cider mocktail, just follow these easy steps.
Place apple cider and orange juice in your shaker.
Add lemon juice and optional maple syrup and/or apple cider vinegar to your shaker. Add some ice, replace the lid and shake well.
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Strain over ice into your glass and top with your choice of ginger beer or ginger kombucha.
Stir well, garnish if you wish, then serve.
Expert tips and tricks
How to make a batch apple cider mocktail: This recipe works perfectly as a batch mocktail, so let me tell you how to do it!
First, decide the number of serves you want. Then, change the ‘servings’ in the recipe card. This will automatically adjust the required quantities of the ingredients, so you know how much of each to get.
Add the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice and optional maple syrup and apple cider vinegar to a pitcher or small punch bowl. Stir well.
If serving immediately, add the ginger beer or kombucha and a cup or two of ice to the pitcher and stir.
If serving later, place the pitcher in the fridge (don’t add ice yet). When you’re ready, remove the pitcher from the freezer, then add your ginger beer or kombucha and ice.
Serve over ice with some extra apple slices, cinnamon sticks and/or edible flowers to garnish.
How to make your own apple cider: apple cider is an unfiltered, unsweetened drink made from the juice of pressed apples. If you have a juicer, just can easily make your own by juicing your apples of choice. If you’re like me and don’t have a juicer (oops!) just follow the below instructions:
Chop and core your apple of choice. No need to peel them. Add them to a blender with a small amount of water to facilitate blending. The amount you need will depend on the amount of cider you’re making, but to give an idea of ratios, I used 5 pink lady apples and a half a cup of water. You might need to add a little more to facilitate blending. Blend well then strain using cheesecloth or just a regular strainer.
Make sure ingredients are cold: this mocktail recipe tastes best when the ingredients are nice and cold, so chill the apple cider and mixer in the fridge prior to making if you have time.
Frequently asked questions
Apple cider and apple juice differ mainly in their processing and texture. Cider is typically unfiltered and may contain pulp, making it cloudy and giving it a fresher, more robust flavor. It’s usually sold unpasteurized and is seasonal, especially in Fall. Apple juice is filtered to remove solids, resulting in a clear liquid with a sweeter taste due to added sugars or concentrates. It’s pasteurized for longer shelf life, making it more widely available year-round.
My favorite is the mocktail for Fall I created last year! I also have a recipe for easy mulled apple cider.
Related recipes
Love this recipe?
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I hope you love these easy apple cider mocktails as much as I do!
Apple Cider Mocktails in 5 Minutes
Ingredients
- 3 oz non alcoholic apple cider (see note 1)
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ - 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional - see note 2)
- ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup Ginger beer or kombucha (see note 3)
- Optional garnishes: brown sugar and cinnamon for rim, apple slices and/or cinnamon stick.
Instructions
- To create the optional rim: place half a teaspoon of brown sugar and half a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon on a shallow plate. Mix with your fingers or a small spoon. Moisten the rim with a lemon wedge and gently dip the rim into the mixture until it sticks. If the lemon juice isn't strong enough, try a little honey or maple syrup.
- Add apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, optional maple syrup and apple cider vinegar to a shaker with some ice. If you don't have a shaker, just use a mason jar or anything with a tight lid. Shake for 10-15 seconds to combine.
- Fill your glass with ice and strain the mixture in. Top with ginger kombucha or ginger beer. Stir gently.
- Garnish if you wish with an apple fan and/or cinnamon stick.
Notes
Nutrition
NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.
Andrea says
I’ll be honest, I’m yet to find a recipe on your page that I am not a huge fan of, but I think this one is my current favourite! It’s so refreshing! Thank you so much for sharing
Natalie Battaglia says
Thank you so much Andrea, this is like music to my ears! I hope you love it as much the second time...and third...and fourth!
Cheers
Nat
Natalie says
I created this recipe with apple cider lovers in mind, I hope you love it!
Kimi says
This is one of my favourites and it is delicious with ginger beer, yum!
Natalie Battaglia says
Thanks so much for leaving a review Kimi, so happy you loved this one!