Perfect Apple Cinnamon Mocktail: Best Refreshing Drink
A crisp and refreshing apple cinnamon sparkling mocktail that balances sweet apple, warm spice, and bright fizz. Perfect for fall gatherings, brunch, or any occasion where you want a beautiful, non-alcoholic drink that’s quick and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) fresh apple juice (e.g., Martinelli’s or Simply Apple)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (preferably Ceylon)
- 2 cups (480 ml) sparkling water or club soda (e.g., Topo Chico or San Pellegrino)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes (large, clear cubes preferred)
- Optional garnishes: thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, fresh rosemary sprigs, star anise pods
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Base: In a pitcher, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of fresh apple juice with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk vigorously until the cinnamon is fully dissolved. If needed, mix the cinnamon with a tablespoon of warm apple juice first to create a slurry, then add the rest.
- Add the Lemon Juice: Squeeze 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice into the pitcher. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice if needed.
- Chill the Base (optional but recommended): Refrigerate the pitcher for 10-15 minutes to chill the base before adding sparkling water.
- Add the Sparkling Water: Just before serving, pour 2 cups (480 ml) of chilled sparkling water or club soda into the pitcher. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine without losing carbonation.
- Fill Glasses with Ice: Divide ice cubes evenly among serving glasses. Use 1-2 large cubes or fill halfway with smaller cubes.
- Pour and Serve: Pour the mocktail mixture over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full. Leave room for garnishes.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add garnishes right before serving, such as a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of fresh rosemary. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use fresh-pressed apple juice and chill all ingredients before mixing. The cinnamon can be gritty if not dissolved properly; whisk it into a small amount of room-temperature apple juice first. Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz. The base can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 23
Keywords: apple cinnamon mocktail, fall mocktail, non-alcoholic drink, sparkling apple drink, easy mocktail recipe, refreshing fall beverage