This Apple Cranberry Mocktail is a vibrant, sweet-tart drink made with fresh juices and fizzy sparkle. It’s naturally festive with no alcohol—perfect for brunches, holidays, or healthy sipping all year long.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
- Sweet, tart, and perfectly balanced
- No added alcohol — great for kids or sober sipping
- Beautiful ruby color for parties
- Refreshing alternative to soda
- Easily batch-made for entertaining
Ingredients:
- 4 cups unsweetened apple cider
- 2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries and apple slices, for garnish
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Pitcher or serving dispenser
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Drinking glasses
Step 1: Combine the juices and spices.
- In a large saucepan, pour in the apple cider and cranberry juice. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.
Step 2: Simmer the mixture.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it steep for at least 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. The kitchen will fill with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 3: Strain and cool.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the spiced juice mixture into a pitcher or serving dispenser to remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for a faster cool-down.
Step 4: Add lime juice.
- Once the spiced juice is cooled, stir in the fresh lime juice. The lime will add a touch of brightness and balance the sweetness.
Step 5: Serve and garnish.
- Fill serving glasses with ice. Pour the chilled Apple Cranberry Spiced Mocktail over the ice. Garnish each glass with a few fresh cranberries and a thin slice of apple. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
âś” For a deeper flavor, simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks before chilling.
✔ Make it festive – Rim the glass with sugar + cinnamon for a holiday touch.
✔ Kid-friendly – Swap in ginger ale and add fun garnishes like candy canes (for Christmas).
🍷 Cocktail Upgrade (Optional)
- Bourbon Spice: Add 1 oz bourbon and a dash of cinnamon.
- Festive Fizz: Top with champagne instead of sparkling water.
đź“Š Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~100 | Carbs: 25g | Sugars: 20g (natural) | Vitamin C: 10% DV
🎉 Serving Ideas
- Holiday Parties: Serve in a punch bowl with frozen cranberry ice cubes.
- Thanksgiving Pairing: Perfect with roasted turkey or baked brie.
- Winter Cozy Version: Heat the juices (skip sparkling water) and garnish with orange peel.
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