I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up this sparkling apple cider mocktail—it was during our chaotic but oh-so-loved Thanksgiving gathering five years ago. My niece, then just seven years old, looked up at me with those big eyes and asked, “Why do grown-ups get the fancy drinks?” That’s when it hit me: holiday cheer should sparkle for everyone at the table! I grabbed what we had on hand—some crisp apple cider from the orchard visit that morning, cranberry juice leftover from sauce-making, and that spicy ginger beer my brother always brings. The moment those bubbles hit the glass with a cinnamon sugar rim, our new family tradition was born. Now, whether it’s Friendsgiving, Christmas morning, or just a cozy fall weekend, this drink makes every gathering feel special. What I love most is how it bridges generations—kids feel grown-up sipping from “fancy” glasses, adults enjoy something refreshing without alcohol, and honestly? That cinnamon-kissed fizz tastes like holiday magic in every sip.
Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Trust me, this isn’t just another holiday drink—it’s the little black dress of mocktails! Here’s why it’s become my go-to for every gathering:
- Five-minute magic: You can whip this up faster than the kids can say “more pie!”—perfect for when guests arrive unexpectedly.
- Festive flair: That cinnamon sugar rim and apple slice garnish make it look like you spent hours, even though we know the truth!
- Family-friendly fun: Kids feel fancy sipping from “grown-up” glasses, while adults love having something special that’s not too sweet.
- Refreshing twist: The ginger beer gives it just enough zing to cut through all those rich holiday foods—your taste buds will thank you.
Honestly? I’ve served this sparkling apple cider mocktail at everything from Halloween parties to New Year’s brunch—it’s that versatile!
Ingredients for Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this festive drink sparkle—I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your pantry! The magic happens when these ingredients come together:
- For the rim: 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar (the dark kind gives the best caramel notes) + heaping ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- The bubbly base: 5 ounces sparkling apple cider (chilled—it fizzes better!)
- Fruit accents: 1 ounce cranberry juice cocktail + 1 ½ teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice (trust me, bottled just isn’t the same)
- Spicy kick: 1 ounce ginger beer (the stronger, the better—I love that tingle!)
- Finishing touches: 1 cinnamon stick + thinly-sliced apples for garnish (try honeycrisp apples for extra crunch) + ice
See? Nothing fussy—just good, honest ingredients that sing together. Now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Okay, let’s get mixing! This sparkling apple cider mocktail comes together so easily, but I’ve got a few tricks to make it extra special. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a drink that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy cocktail bar—minus the fuss!
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim
First things first—that gorgeous cinnamon sugar rim! Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Now, take your glass and run a lemon wedge (or just water if you prefer) around the rim to moisten it. Press the glass gently into the sugar mixture, twisting slightly to get an even coating. Pro tip: Do this over the plate to catch any spills—sugar cleanup is no fun!
Step 2: Mix the Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Here’s where the magic happens. Pour your chilled sparkling apple cider into the prepared glass—listen to those happy bubbles! Add the cranberry juice, ginger beer, and that all-important fresh lemon juice (seriously, the bottled stuff just doesn’t give the same bright flavor). Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon—just enough to combine but not so much that you lose all those lovely bubbles. The colors will swirl together like autumn leaves!
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Time for the finishing touches! Drop in a few ice cubes (not too many—you don’t want to water it down). Grate a tiny bit of cinnamon stick right over the top for that warm, spicy aroma. Finally, perch a thin apple slice on the rim—I like to make a small slit so it stays put. Taste and adjust: more lemon for tartness, a splash more cranberry for sweetness. Now raise your glass—cheers to holiday sparkle!
Tips for the Perfect Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
After making this mocktail more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it truly shine. Here’s my best advice for foolproof success:
- Keep everything chilled: Ice-cold ingredients mean bubbles that last longer and flavors that pop. I stash the cider, cranberry juice, and even the glass in the fridge ahead of time.
- Play with sweetness: Too tart? A drizzle of honey stirs in perfectly. Too sweet? An extra squeeze of lemon balances it right out.
- Ginger beer swap: Out of ginger beer? Ginger ale works in a pinch—just add a pinch more cinnamon to keep that spicy kick.
- Prep ahead: Mix the cinnamon sugar rim and slice apples early, then assemble when guests arrive for max freshness.
Remember—this drink loves your personal touch, so make it yours!
Serving Suggestions for Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Oh, this bubbly beauty isn’t just for sipping—it’s the ultimate wingman for all your holiday dishes! I love serving it alongside my maple-glazed Brussels sprouts at Thanksgiving—the tart cranberry in the mocktail cuts right through that rich maple sweetness. For Halloween parties? Pair it with caramel popcorn for the ultimate sweet-and-spicy combo. And at Friendsgiving? Set up a DIY mocktail bar with extra cinnamon sticks and apple slices—let guests customize their own festive drinks. Honestly, from pumpkin pie to spooky cupcakes, this sparkler makes every bite taste more celebratory!
Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are my favorite easy twists on this sparkling apple cider mocktail that keep it fresh all season long:
- Ruby red version: Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate—it turns the drink a gorgeous deep pink and adds a tart kick that’s perfect for Christmas parties.
- Sunshine splash: Add a splash of orange juice (about ½ ounce) for a citrusy brightness that kids especially love—it tastes like fall and sunshine in one glass!
- Spiced caramel: Skip the cinnamon rim and stir in ½ teaspoon caramel sauce instead—heavenly with a dash of nutmeg grated on top.
See? One recipe, endless ways to sparkle!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note—these nutritional values are rough estimates since your favorite brand of cider or cranberry juice might differ slightly from mine. All ingredients are naturally low-fat, but sweetness can vary based on your mix. As my grandma always said, “Good food feeds the soul first—numbers come second!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sparkling apple cider mocktail ahead?
You bet! I often prep the cinnamon sugar rim and slice apples hours before—just keep them covered. But here’s my secret: mix the liquids right before serving to keep those bubbles lively. For Thanksgiving crowds, I set up a “mocktail station” with pre-measured ingredients so guests can build their own fresh drinks!
What’s a good ginger beer substitute?
No ginger beer? No problem! Ginger ale works in a pinch (though it’s sweeter—maybe cut back the cranberry juice). For Halloween mocktails, I sometimes use sparkling lemonade for a tamer kick. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of pineapple juice adds tropical vibes to this fall punch!
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s our family’s go-to non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink! The bubbles make kids feel fancy without caffeine or sugar overload. For tiny tots, I sometimes skip the ginger beer and use plain sparkling water instead. Pro tip: let them help rim the glasses—it becomes part of the holiday fun!
Print
Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A festive non-alcoholic drink with sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger beer.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar or granulated sugar
- Heaping ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Water or lemon wedge for rim
- 5 ounces sparkling apple cider
- 1 ounce cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 ounce ginger beer
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice
- Thinly-sliced apples for garnish
Instructions
- Mix sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Moisten the glass rim with water or lemon, then press into the cinnamon sugar.
- Combine sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice, ginger beer, and lemon juice in the glass. Stir well.
- Grate a bit of cinnamon stick into the drink. Adjust flavors if needed.
- Add ice and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slices.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less cranberry juice.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: sparkling apple cider mocktail, non-alcoholic party drinks, fall punch recipes, thanksgiving drinks for kids