Simple as this apple cider mocktail is, it's loaded with tons of flavor - apple, orange, lime, cinnamon, ginger; it's just SO good.

Two glasses of apple cider punch with ice, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. A halved lime and a cinnamon stick are on the white surface nearby.

Looking for a new holiday mocktail to try? This one is pure perfection. You'll love the little fizz from the gingerbeer, which has a pretty cinnamon stick and apple slice garnish.

On the hunt for holiday cocktails, too? Here are 20 winter cocktails to inspire you. For another cozy-weather drink, sip on this apple cider vodka cocktail.

Ingredients

My advice is to use freshly squeezed juices if you can. Fresh juice makes a huge difference and is brighter in taste.

Apple cider: Go for fresh, unfiltered apple cider to enjoy a rich, naturally sweet flavor. Avoid clear, processed apple juice for this recipe.
Freshly squeezed orange juice: Use freshly squeezed juice for best results. Store-bought orange juice can work, but fresh juice is absolutely the best option.
Freshly squeezed lime juice: Lime juice balances the sweetness of the apple cider and orange juice.
Honey or maple syrup: You can dial the sweetness up or down by adjusting how much honey or syrup you add.
Cinnamon stick: I adore the lightly spiced flavor. It also doubles as a stylish garnish.
Ginger beer: Adds a fizzy, spicy kick that elevates the drink's complexity. Make sure it's non-alcoholic for a true mocktail.
Apple slices: Thinly sliced apples make the perfect garnish.
Ice cubes: Key for a chilled, refreshing drink.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Chill the glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Mix the base: Mix apple cider, orange juice, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and a cinnamon stick in a shaker or pitcher. Stir to combine.
Top with ginger beer: Pour the mixture over ice and finish with ginger beer for a fizzy kick.
Add Garnish: Decorate with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Hint: For an extra burst of flavor, gently muddle the cinnamon stick in the shaker before mixing. This releases more of the spice, creating a deeper warmth in the mocktail.

Two glasses of iced apple cocktails garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. A lime wedge and a cocktail shaker are placed on a marble surface.

Substitutions

This recipe works with tons of fruits and different flavors. Here are a few of my favorite switches to make:

Apple cider: Use fresh apple juice or pear cider for a lighter, sweeter base.
Orange juice: Swap with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Lime juice: Use lemon juice instead.
Honey or maple syrup: Replace with agave syrup or stevia for a lower-sugar option.
Ginger beer: Swap with club soda or tonic water.
Apple Slices: Use pear slices or thin wedges of citrus.

Variations

You might want to play around with the recipe depending on the season or time of year. Take it in different directions with these ideas:

Cranberry apple cider: Add a little cranberry juice. So festive!
Spiced version: For extra warmth and complexity, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the cinnamon.
Caramel apple mocktail: Drizzle caramel sauce into the glass before adding the mocktail mix.
Autumn spice: Swap the lime juice with a dash of pumpkin spice for a cozy, fall-inspired drink.
Minty: Muddle a few fresh mint leaves with the apple cider base for a refreshing, herbal note.
Frozen apple cider mocktail: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy, frozen version of the mocktail, perfect for warm days.

For another bright and fruity drink, try my strawberry mint smash!

A glass of orange drink with ice, garnished with apple slices, lime, and a cinnamon stick. Another similar glass and half a lime are in the background.

Equipment

To make this drink, you'll need a shaker, pretty glasses, and ice trays if you don't have an ice maker at home.

Storage

Before mixing: You can store the apple cider, orange juice, lime juice, and sweetener (honey or maple syrup) mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the ginger beer separate, as it will lose its fizz when stored.

After mixing: If you’ve already mixed the drink, it’s best to enjoy it fresh. However, if needed, you can store the mocktail in the fridge for up to 1 day, but the ginger beer will lose its carbonation. Add fresh ginger beer just before serving to restore the fizz.

Garnishes: Keep apple slices and cinnamon sticks in separate containers in the fridge to maintain freshness until ready to serve.

Top tip

For the perfect balance of flavors, taste the base mixture before adding the ginger beer and adjust the sweetness or citrus levels. You may need a touch more lime or sweetener.

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