Apple Mocktail
Introduction
This apple mocktail is quick, bright, and fresh. It uses two main drinks you likely have on hand: fresh apple cider and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The drink tastes like crisp apples with a light bubble. You can rim the glass with caramel, sugar, and cinnamon for a sweet touch. It works for parties, family dinners, or a quiet evening at home. The recipe is simple. You do not need special tools. Read on to learn why you might like it and how to make it step by step.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is fast and forgiving. It takes only a minute or two to mix. The flavor is natural and not too sweet if you use good cider. The bubbles from the sparkling wine lift the cider and make it feel special. You can easily dress it up for guests with a rim or a cinnamon stick. If you like other fruit-forward mocktails, try a pineapple crush mocktail for a tropical twist later. This apple mocktail suits fall and winter, but it also brightens up summer when you want a light, non-alcoholic option.
How to prepare Apple Mocktail
Start by chilling your cider and sparkling wine. A cold drink keeps the bubbles lively and the flavors sharp. Choose fresh apple cider for the best apple taste. Pour equal parts of each into a measuring cup if you want exact amounts. If you like it sweeter, add more cider. If you want a drier drink, add more sparkling wine. For a fun presentation, warm a little caramel sauce, dip the glass rim, and then press the rim into a mix of sugar and cinnamon. The rim adds flavor with every sip. Slice a thin apple wedge or grab a cinnamon stick for a garnish. Put ice in the glass only if your cider is very warm. Finally, pour the mixed drink into the prepared glass and enjoy.
Ingredients:
- fresh apple cider
- non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- caramel sauce (optional)
- cinnamon (optional)
- sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)
Steps:
- In a glass, mix equal parts fresh apple cider and non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- If using, dip the rim of the glass in caramel sauce and then in sugar and cinnamon mixture to coat.
- Pour the apple cider and sparkling wine mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing apple mocktail!
How to serve Apple Mocktail
Serve this drink right after you mix it so the bubbles stay fresh. Use a clear glass to show off the color. If you rimmed the glass, place it on a small plate so guests can see the caramel and sugar. For parties, set up a small station with chilled cider, sparkling wine, caramel sauce, and cinnamon so people can make their own. Add a thin apple slice on the rim or float a cinnamon stick in the drink. For a cold day, offer a warm mug version by heating the cider and skipping the sparkling wine.
How to store fresh apple cider, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, caramel sauce (optional), cinnamon (optional), sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)
Store fresh apple cider in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed container and use it within a week for best taste. If you need longer storage, freeze cider in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine should stay cold and sealed in the fridge. Once opened, it will lose its fizz. Use an airtight wine stopper to keep some bubbles, and drink it within one to two days. Caramel sauce goes in the fridge after opening. It stays good for a few weeks if sealed. Cinnamon is best kept in a cool, dark pantry in a sealed jar. It lasts a long time but will lose strength after many months. White or granulated sugar for rimming can sit in your pantry, dry and sealed, for a long time.
Tips to make fresh apple cider, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, caramel sauce (optional), cinnamon (optional), sugar (for rimming the glass, optional) perfectly
Begin with cold ingredients. Cold cider and cold sparkling wine give the best texture. Taste the cider first. If it is very sweet, but you want a drier drink, add more sparkling wine. Heat the caramel sauce gently if it is too thick. Warm caramel spreads easily on the rim and then hardens nicely. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for easy rimming. Press the rim into the caramel, then into the sugar mix. Clean the rim of excess before pouring the drink to avoid clumps falling into the glass. If you want a lighter rim, use only sugar or only cinnamon sugar. Use a fresh apple slice for garnish; thinner slices sit better on the rim. For a spiced version, add a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg or a splash of vanilla to the cider before mixing.
Variations (if possible)
Change the ratio of cider to sparkling wine to suit your taste. Swap non-alcoholic sparkling wine for ginger ale or club soda for a different texture and flavor. Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for extra brightness. Mix in a little pear juice or cranberry juice for a different fruit note. Use spiced apple cider for a holiday twist. For a mocktail on the cozy side, gently warm the cider, skip the sparkling wine, and add a cinnamon stick and star anise. You can also create layered drinks by pouring the sparkling wine first and then gently adding the cider over the back of a spoon to slow the mixing.
FAQ (at least three questions)
Can I use regular sparkling wine instead of non-alcoholic sparkling wine?
Yes. You can use regular sparkling wine if you do not need the drink to be alcohol-free. The flavor will be similar. Adjust the cider amount if the wine tastes stronger.
How much of each drink should I use per glass?
Use equal parts cider and sparkling wine as a starting point. For one serving, try 4 ounces cider and 4 ounces sparkling wine. Change the ratio to taste.
How do I make the caramel rim without a mess?
Warm a little caramel sauce so it becomes pourable. Dip only the top of the glass into the caramel, then into a shallow mix of sugar and cinnamon. Let it set for a minute before pouring the drink. Clean any drips with a napkin.
Can I make this mocktail in a pitcher for a party?
Yes. Mix equal parts cider and sparkling wine in a chilled pitcher. Add slices of apple inside the pitcher for decoration. Add the sparkling wine last, just before serving, to keep the bubbles.
How long will a rimmed glass hold its coating?
A coated rim stays good for a short time. The caramel may soften if left in warm places. Make the rims shortly before serving for best results.
Apple Mocktail
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 ounces fresh apple cider Use fresh cider for the best taste.
- 4 ounces non-alcoholic sparkling wine Chill before mixing.
Optional Rim Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce Use for dipping the glass rim.
- 1 tablespoon sugar For rimming the glass.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional, for rimming the glass.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chill the fresh apple cider and non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- Mix equal parts of fresh apple cider and non-alcoholic sparkling wine in a measuring cup.
- If desired, dip the rim of the glass into warmed caramel sauce, then into a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to coat.
- Pour the apple cider and sparkling wine mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
