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Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe – Easy Fall Drink for Thanksgiving

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This apple cider mocktail is a festive, non-alcoholic drink bursting with autumn flavors, perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any cozy gathering. Naturally sweetened and spiced, it’s easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (24 oz) chilled apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 2 tablespoons (1 oz) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons (0.5–1 oz) maple syrup or honey, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or a thin slice of fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 cup (8 oz) sparkling water or club soda
  • 1 crisp apple, sliced thin (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
  • Ice cubes, as needed
  • Optional: Cinnamon-sugar rim (2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
  • Optional: Star anise or whole cloves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Optional: For a cinnamon-sugar rim, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon on a small plate. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass and dip in the mixture. Set aside.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine 3 cups chilled apple cider, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste). Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or a slice of fresh ginger).
  3. Stir well with a long spoon until the spices and sweetener are fully dissolved. Press any clumps of cinnamon against the side of the pitcher to help them mix in.
  4. Taste and adjust: Add more lemon juice if too sweet, more maple syrup if not sweet enough, or more cider if the spice is too strong.
  5. Add a handful of ice cubes and a few thin apple slices to the pitcher. For extra flair, add cinnamon sticks or a star anise pod.
  6. Just before serving, pour in 1 cup sparkling water or club soda and gently stir to combine.
  7. Pour into prepared glasses, garnish with extra apple slices or a cinnamon stick if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider and chill all ingredients before mixing. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep the drink bubbly. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste, and feel free to experiment with garnishes like cranberries, orange slices, or rosemary. The base can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; add bubbles and garnishes just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider mocktail, non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink, fall mocktail, apple drink, easy mocktail, holiday drink, family-friendly, gluten-free, vegan, sparkling apple cider, autumn beverage

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/apple-cider-mocktail-recipe-easy-fall-drink-for-thanksgiving/