The arrival of fall means apple harvest season and finding new ways to incorporate apples into practically everything, like this Apple Cider Mocktail, a non-alcoholic apple cider drink that’s perfectly poised to be a new fall favorite!
This drink is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and a little bit of spice, making it a cozy, non-alcoholic treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want to sip on something special, this mocktail is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love this Apple Cider Mocktail
Crisp apple cider pairs perfectly with a hint of cinnamon and non-alcoholic bourbon, creating a delightful apple cider mocktail that captures the essence of autumn in every sip.
- Seasonal Flavor—When fall is in the air, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with non-alcoholic apple cider. It’s like drinking fall in a glass, with all the warm, cozy flavors you crave.
- Quick and Easy—Ready in minutes with just a few simple ingredients, so you can whip it up in no time.
Versatile—Dress it up with garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary - Alcohol-free—Transforming traditional bourbon cocktails into mocktails is easy with alcohol-free whiskey alternatives. There are many brands producing high-quality non-alcoholic spirits, making it possible to mimic the flavor, depth and complexity of an original bourbon cocktail. (Recommended brands are listed in the next section.)
Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh apple cider—If you can get it from a local orchard, you’re in for an absolute treat.
- Non-alcoholic bourbon—Try Kentucky 74 by Spiritless or award-winning bourbon alternative The Spirit of Bourbon by The Free Spirits Company.
- Apple cider vinegar—Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it, friends! Unfiltered apple cider vinegar adds a tinge of tartness to this apple cider mocktail while bringing a wealth of health benefits that include improved digestion, blood sugar control and antimicrobial properties.
- Cinnamon—I use cinnamon sticks but a dash of ground cinnamon is equally as delicious.
- Garnishes—Try a slice of apple or a sprig of fresh thyme.
Tasty Tip
The key to an absolutely delicious apple cider mocktail is fresh apple cider. If you’re blessed to live in close proximity to an apple orchard, make the drive! The fresh cider is so worth it.
If that’s not an option, check out the refrigerated section of your grocery store where the fresh juices are kept. Some grocers sell local seasonal products, including fresh ciders, during the autumn months. Unfiltered apple juice is an alternative if you’re in a real pinch.
Looking for more fall recipes?
How to Make an Apple Cider Mocktail
This is the good part!
Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes and combine the non-alcoholic bourbon, fresh apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Shake, shake, shake until thoroughly mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Fill a cocktail glass or 8-ounce mason jar with ice and, using a strainer, pour the non-alcoholic apple cider drink mixture over the ice.
Step 3: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of thyme and serve.
That’s it! Happy Fall, y’all.
Apple Cider Mocktail: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sparkling apple cider instead of regular apple cider?
Yes, sparkling apple cider adds a fun, fizzy twist to the mocktail. It works great if you’re looking for something a bit more festive.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mocktail mix in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Remember that unfiltered fresh apple cider tends to separate, so give it a good stir before serving. And, wait to add any sparkling juice and ice until just before serving. We don’t want a fizzled out, watery apple cider mocktail.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
It’s non-alcoholic, so technically it’s family friendly, but I don’t recommend serving the alcohol-free bourbon and apple cider vinegar to children. Both are an acquired taste. For a kid-friendly non-alcoholic apple cider drink, I recommend simply serving the fresh cider hot or cold and dressing it up with garnishes like cinnamon sticks and apple slices. This way they’re in on the fun, but they can enjoy pure apple cider without the adult-friendly extras.
Can I add alcohol to this mocktail?
If you prefer alcohol in this drink, replace the non-alcoholic bourbon with your preferred bourbon or rye whiskey. Alternatively, replace the bourbon concept altogether and use spiced rum instead.
Apple Cider Mocktail
This Cider Bourbon Smash – Apple Cider Mocktail calls for fresh apple cider, non-alcoholic bourbon and … wait for it … apple cider vinegar! Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it, friends. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar adds health benefits plus a tinge of tartness to this apple cider mocktail that is perfected by the quick stir of a cinnamon stick, a slice of apple and a sprig of fresh thyme.
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- Handful of ice cubes
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) non-alcoholic bourbon or whiskey alternative
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) fresh apple cider
- 1 teaspoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- Dash of cinnamon or garnish with cinnamon stick
- Thinly sliced apple and a sprig of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes and combine the alcohol-free bourbon, fresh apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Shake, shake, shake until thoroughly mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Fill a cocktail glass or 8-ounce mason jar with ice and, using a strainer, pour the Apple Cider Mocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of time and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Drinks, Juices and Smoothies
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
*Originally published 10/29/2022; Last updated 8/16/2024
