Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail (Two Ingredients!)

This sparkling apple cider mocktail recipe pairs sweet cider flavor with cozy spices for the perfect fun fall drink. It takes less than 2 minutes to throw together and it’s perfect for the entire family.

It’s a super delicious non-alcoholic beverage packed with the flavors of fall that you’ll love making all season long.

Why you’ll love it

Whether you’re totally alcohol-free, you’re trying to cut down a bit, or you’re just looking for some fun, delicious drink choices, mocktails are a great option for everyone. And this one is perfect for the fall season.

This apple cider mocktail in particular is super simple to make with just two simple ingredients: your favorite apple cider and cranberry seltzer water.

Paired with a simple cinnamon sugar rim, this one is super delicious with cozy fall flavors, refreshing, and a lower sugar way to enjoy apple cider.

While there is some natural sugar in apple cider, there are no other additional sweeteners like simple syrup used in the drink. Personally, I don’t like a drink that’s loaded with sugar, so this fall mocktail recipe is the perfect balance.

Let’s get into how to make it!

Ingredients

1. Apple cider: Any apple cider will work for this. Personally I love using a local fresh apple cider to use! If you have any local apple orchards, you’ll probably find fresh cider there.
2. Cranberry seltzer water: I love using the cranberry seltzer water from Waterloo, or this cranberry orange seltzer from Target.
3. Cinnamon and sugar: Adding a cinnamon sugar rim is so worth the extra minute it takes. It adds a super minimal amount of sugar to the drink overall but totally elevates it.

Optional: garnish with fresh apple slides (I like using McIntosh or honeycrisp apples).

How to make an apple cider mocktail

1. Add about 2 tbsp of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon to a small plate and mix well (keep in mind, most of the sugar will not adhere to the rim).
2. To make your cinnamon sugar rim, first dip the rim of your favorite glass (I like using a stemless wine glass or small mason jar) in water. Next, slowly roll the rim of the glass around in the cinnamon sugar mixture until you have your desired amount of rim.

3. Next, fill your glass with ice cubes. Then, pour in your apple cider and cranberry seltzer water. (Note: you can use a cocktail shaker, but make sure to shake super gently because of the carbonation).

4. Stir with a cinnamon stick, garnish with freshly sliced apples and enjoy.

Recipe FAQ

How can I make this lower sugar?

For a lower sugar option, use 1/4 cup apple cider instead of 1/2 cup, and 3/4 cup of cranberry seltzer water. You can also skip the cinnamon sugar rim, or use a lighter hand when you’re coating the rim.

Can I make this with apple juice?

If you can’t find apple cider or you’re in a pinch, you can definitely use 100% apple juice. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still have that sweet apple flavor!

Can I add alcohol to this?

Sure! This works great as a non-alcoholic drink, but it can be turned into a cocktail if you prefer, too! A shot of whiskey, bourbon, or vodka would all work great depending on what you prefer. You can even swap the apple cider for a hard cider instead.

Variations

• Instead of water, start your rim with caramel, honey, or maple syrup and then coat with cinnamon sugar.
• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
• Garnish with more fresh fruit like fresh orange slices, and fresh cranberries for some extra flavor and color.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a splash of orange juice or cranberry juice.
• Use ginger ale instead of cranberry seltzer for a ginger apple cider mocktail.
• Use tonic water instead of seltzer water if you prefer.

More fall recipe to try:

Quick & Healthy Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats

Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats (High Protein)

Easy Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix (No Bake)

Pumpkin Protein Balls (No Bake Energy Bites)

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