The holiday season is a time for joy, gathering, and of course, great food and drinks. One drink that perfectly captures the spirit of the festivities is the Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail. This delightful non-alcoholic concoction combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cranberries and crisp apple juice with a hint of cinnamon. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a cozy family gathering, or a festive dinner, this mocktail is sure to impress your guests and make the occasion even more special.
Why make this recipe
There are several reasons to make the Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail. First, it’s incredibly refreshing and packed with seasonal flavors. Second, it provides a fun and delicious drink option for those who prefer to avoid alcohol. This makes it perfect for gatherings where friends and family of all ages come together to celebrate. The preparation is also easy and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the process without the stress.
How to prepare Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail
To get started on your Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cups apple juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Apple slices and fresh cranberries for garnish
Steps:
First, start by preparing the cranberry reduction. In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries with a cup of water and the honey or maple syrup. Simmer this mixture over low heat. You will want to keep an eye on it as the cranberries burst and the liquid thickens. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Once the cranberries have burst and the mixture looks syrupy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. Set the cranberry reduction aside to cool.
Next, take a pitcher and pour in the apple juice. Add the sparkling water to the pitcher. This combination will give your mocktail that bubbly, festive feel. To this mix, add the cooled cranberry reduction. Stir gently to combine all of the flavors, making sure not to lose the fizz from the sparkling water.
Now it’s time to add the cinnamon flavor. Take one cinnamon stick and lightly crush it to release its aroma. Place it into the mocktail mixture for a warm, spicy note. Let this mixture infuse for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
When you are ready to serve your mocktail, pour it into glasses filled with ice. The ice will keep the drink refreshingly cool. For a lovely presentation, garnish each glass with a slice of apple and a few fresh cranberries. You can even add the remaining cinnamon stick in each glass for that extra touch. Serve your Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail chilled, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors with family and friends.
How to serve Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail
Serving your Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail is all about the presentation. Use clear glasses to show off the lovely colors of the drink. The contrast of the deep red cranberry reduction against the golden apple juice makes for an eye-catching beverage. If you are hosting a gathering, consider making a large batch and serving it in a punch bowl. This allows guests to help themselves served over ice, along with garnishes on the side. Don’t forget to have fun with your garnishes; bits of fresh herbs like mint can also add a striking visual appeal.
How to store ingredients
If you find yourself with extra ingredients after making your mocktail, storing them properly is key. The cranberry reduction can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, you can whip up more mocktails whenever the mood strikes. The apple juice should also be kept in the fridge and used within a week if it’s not opened. Make sure that any unused cinnamon sticks are stored in a cool, dry place.
Tips to make Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail perfectly
To make your Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail even better, keep a few tips in mind. Ensure that your apple juice is high-quality for the best sweetness and flavor. If you prefer a tart drink, opt for a less sweet apple juice. Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the cranberry reduction to suit your taste, making it sweeter or less sweet based on preference. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add another stick to the mocktail mixture while it infuses. Also, consider using sparkling apple cider instead of sparkling water for a sweeter, celebratory twist.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this mocktail. You could add other fruits like pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor. Another twist could be using ginger ale instead of sparkling water for a spicier kick. If you want to make it more citrusy, a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice could brighten the drink even further.
FAQ
- Can I prepare the cranberry reduction ahead of time?
Yes, the cranberry reduction can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for about a week. - Can I make the drink in advance?
While it’s best served fresh to enjoy the fizz, you can prepare the cranberry reduction and mix the apple juice and sparkling water beforehand. Add the sparkling water just before serving. - Is this mocktail suitable for kids?
Absolutely! This mocktail is non-alcoholic, making it a perfect choice for kids and anyone who prefers not to drink alcohol during celebrations.
The Festive Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a festive experience. Enjoy this delicious blend this holiday season!
Equipment
- saucepan
- fine mesh sieve
- pitcher
- mixing spoon
- serving glasses
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup water (for reduction)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cups apple juice
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- apple slices (for garnish)
- fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- ice cubes
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, 1 cup water, and honey/maple syrup. Simmer over low heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens (about 10–15 minutes).
- Strain the cranberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids. Let the cranberry reduction cool.
- In a pitcher, combine apple juice and sparkling water. Gently stir in the cooled cranberry reduction.
- Lightly crush one cinnamon stick and add to the pitcher. Let infuse for at least 30 minutes.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour in the mocktail. Garnish with apple slices, cranberries, and optional cinnamon stick.
- Serve chilled. Stir gently before serving to redistribute flavors.
