Hot Cross Bun Mocktail

By Natalie Battaglia | Updated March 29, 2024

Inspired by Easter and hot cross buns, this easy mocktail is a decadent combination of fruit, spices, vanilla and a touch of espresso. It can be adapted for a crowd and that gorgeous cinnamon cross garnish is easier than you think!

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

Youโ€™ll adore this Easter mocktail because itโ€™s:

  • Deliciously decadent: perfect for Easter (and I think this would even work as a Christmas mocktail), this recipe represents everything that reminds me of hot cross buns. A little spice, juicy fruit flavors, sweet vanilla and bold espresso create a truly luxurious sip!
  • Simple to make: there are a couple of steps that need to be prepared ahead of time, but they are just so EASY. Once prepared, they can be kept aside until youโ€™re ready to assemble the drinks.
  • Health (ier) for you: this mocktail is naturally sweetened by raisin water. I originally chose raisin water because raisins remind me of delicious hot cross buns, but when I Googled it I read that it could potentially have its own nutritional benefits. The milk also offers a hit of calcium and protein, making this creamy mocktail a better choice compared to many of the high sugar Easter mocktails out there.
  • A crowd pleaser: Yes! This recipe can be made for a crowd if you have guests. Simply use the toggle on the recipe card below to adjust to quantities to your desired amount of serves. Instead of using a shaker, please the ingredients in a blender and blend on low until the ingredients are just combined.

Ingredients โ€“ What Youโ€™ll Need

Milk of your choice: I used full cream milk (otherwise referred to as whole milk), but other varieties such as almond and oat milk would also work well.

Raisin water: donโ€™t let this step put you off! All you need are raisins, boiling water and a small container.

Cream: I used regular full cream but a low fat option will also work here.

Espresso: if you have an espresso machine, youโ€™re all set! If you donโ€™t, just follow my easy instant coffee (or decaf coffee) espresso method.

To make an espresso shot with instant coffee: mix 2 teaspoons instant coffee with 1 tablespoon boiling water. Use decaf if you wish. Cool before using.

All spice

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Vanilla extract: pure vanilla extract is best for this recipe, but vanilla essence will work if thatโ€™s all you have.

Cinnamon: this mocktail would not be complete without its cinnamon cross!

How to make it

Prepare your raisin water the day before. To do this, place ยฝ cup raisins and ยฝ cup boiling water in a small container and leave overnight. Strain. This will make enough for 2 mocktails. If you want to skip this step, a non-alcoholic whiskey would be a perfect replacement.

When youโ€™re ready to make the mocktail:

  1. Place milk, raisin water and cream into a shaker.
  2. Add the all spice and vanilla extract.
How to make a hot cross bun mocktail steps 1 and 2.

3. Add the espresso with some ice.

4. Replace the lid and shake well.

making an Easter mocktail steps 3 and 4

5. Pour into a coupe glass.

6. To make the cinnamon cross, find two long, narrow objects that are the same width in a cross pattern over the glass. I find icy pole sticks the easiest to use.

steps 5 and 6 of how to make a mocktail for Easter

7. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.

8. Remove the sticks to reveal your cinnamon cross!

how to make a mocktail that tastes like hot cross buns steps 7 and 8.

Expert tips and tricks

  • You can adjust the amount of espresso to suit your taste. The colour here depicts ยผ oz which was just enough for me. I made this for a friend and she preferred using a full ounce!
  • If you don't have icy pole sticks, just cut a piece of paper a similar length and width and use those to create the cross patterns on top of the mocktail.

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Love this recipe?

Please leave a 5-starย ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ rating in the recipe card below or leave me a comment if you REALLY love it!

I hope you love this hot cross bun mocktail as much as I do!

creamy colored mocktail that resembles a hot cross bun in a coupe glass with green and pink easter eggs scattered underneath.

Hot Cross Bun Mocktail

A simple, decadent mocktail for Easter with notes of juicy fruit, spices, vanilla and coffee.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • ยพ cup milk (see note 1)
  • 2 oz raisin water (see note 2)
  • 1 oz cream
  • ยผ oz espresso (see note 3)
  • 2-3 drops vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the cinnamon in a shaker with some ice.
  • Shake well and strain into a coupe glass.
  • To make the cinnamon cross, find two long, narrow objects that are the same width in a cross pattern over the glass. I find icy pole sticks the easiest to use. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top and remove the sticks to reveal your cinnamon cross!

Video

Notes

Note 1 - milk: I used full cream milk (otherwise referred to as whole milk), but other varieties such as almond and oat milk will also work well.
Note 2 - raisin water: place ยฝ cup raisins and ยฝ cup boiling water in a small container and leave overnight. Strain. You'll have enough for 2 mocktails.
Note 3 - espresso: To make an espresso shot with instant coffee: mix 2 teaspoons instant coffee with 1 tablespoon boiling water. Use decaf if you wish. Cool before using.
ย 

Nutrition

Serving: 250ml | Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 568mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 730IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 267mg | Iron: 0.3mg

NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.

Did You Make This Recipe? Please leave a rating below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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