If you’re looking for a delightful drink that’s both refreshing and festive, the Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail is a perfect choice. It’s a drink that captures the essence of autumn with its blend of apple cider and cranberry seltzer. This mocktail is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, this sparkling beverage will add a touch of joy to any moment.
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to whip up this Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail. First, it’s non-alcoholic, making it suitable for all ages. It’s also quick to prepare, taking only a few minutes from start to finish. With simple ingredients that you may already have on hand, you can impress your guests with a chic drink without much fuss. Plus, the combination of the sweet apple cider and the fizzy seltzer creates a charming contrast that’s hard to resist. This drink is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a sparkling treat on a warm day.
How to prepare Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Making the Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail is a simple process that involves mixing a few ingredients and adding a fun twist to the glass rim. With minimal effort, you can create a beautiful drink that tastes as good as it looks. Follow the steps below to prepare this refreshing mocktail.
Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup apple cider
- 0.5 cup cranberry seltzer water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rim)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rim)
- apple slices (for garnish)
- cinnamon stick (for garnish and stirring)
- ice cubes
Steps:
Start by mixing the cinnamon and sugar on a small plate for the rim. You don’t need all of the mixture to stick to the glass, so don’t worry if most of it falls off. Next, dip the rim of your chosen glass into some water to wet it, and then swirl it in the cinnamon sugar mix. This will give your drink a lovely spiced edge.
Once your glass is prepped, fill it with ice cubes. The icy base will keep your drink chilled and refreshing. Now it’s time to add the liquids. Pour in the apple cider followed by the cranberry seltzer water. If you have a cocktail shaker, you can shake it gently to mix everything, but it’s not necessary.
Finally, stir the drink gently with a cinnamon stick. This not only mixes the flavors but also adds a nice touch for presentation. Garnish with fresh apple slices to give it a festive look.
How to serve Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
When serving your Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail, consider placing it on a lovely tray with some extra garnishes like apple slices or cinnamon sticks. This adds a decorative touch to your presentation. You can also prepare glasses ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until your guests arrive. This makes serving easy and fast, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without being stuck in the kitchen.
How to store apple cider and other ingredients
If you have leftover ingredients like apple cider and cranberry seltzer, it’s important to store them properly. Keep the apple cider in the refrigerator, and it should last for a week or so. The cranberry seltzer water should also be stored in the fridge, and it’s best consumed within a couple of days after opening to enjoy its bubbly freshness. Keep any leftover garnishes like apple slices in an airtight container in the fridge, and they can be used in future mocktails or snacks.
Tips to make Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail perfectly
To make your Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail even better, consider the types of apple cider you use. Fresh apple cider will give the best flavor, but store-bought works too. Make sure to chill your seltzer water before mixing it with the apple cider; this keeps the drink refreshing and cool. When it comes to garnish, feel free to slice your apples prior to serving to make them easier for guests to enjoy. If you want to spice things up a bit more, adding more cinnamon to your drink or even a dash of nutmeg can elevate the flavors nicely.
Variations
You can easily customize this mocktail to suit your taste. For example, try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount of apple cider or add a bit of honey. You can also mix different flavored seltzers like raspberry or lemon for a fun change. If you want to add a little zing, a splash of ginger ale can add an extra layer of flavor and fizziness.
FAQ
1. Can I make this mocktail in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple cider and seltzer water mixture in advance, but it’s best to put it together just before serving to keep the fizz in the seltzer. Prepping the rim and garnishes ahead of time can also save you time during your event.
2. Is there a way to make this drink alcoholic?
If you’d like to turn this into a cocktail, you can add a shot of vodka or rum to the mixture. This will give your drink an alcoholic kick while still letting the delicious apple cider and cranberry flavors shine.
3. What other garnishes can I use?
Aside from apple slices and cinnamon sticks, you can also use fresh cranberries, orange slices, or even a sprig of rosemary for a flavorful and visually appealing garnish. Get creative with what you have!
With this Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail recipe, you’ll be ready to impress anyone who takes a sip. The combination of flavors, the festive look, and the ease of preparation make this drink a go-to for any gathering. Enjoy the sweet and bubbly refreshment of this mocktail, and watch your guests smile with every sip!
Equipment
- serving glass
- small plate for rimming
- mixing spoon or cinnamon stick
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup apple cider
- 0.5 cup cranberry seltzer water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rim)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rim)
- apple slices (for garnish)
- cinnamon stick (for garnish and stirring)
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Mix cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Wet glass rims and dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mix to coat.
- Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes.
- Pour apple cider into the glass, followed by cranberry seltzer water.
- Stir gently using a cinnamon stick to mix flavors.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices. Serve immediately.
