As the heat of the summer finally starts to burn off and the leaves begin to turn, it’s the perfect time to indulge in cozy, comforting flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a cozy get-together with friends, or simply seeking a relaxing drink for yourself, this fall-inspired mocktail is the ideal way to embrace the season’s best flavors. Featuring the rich, sweet notes of apple cider, the warmth of cinnamon, and a touch of clove, this drink will have you feeling the fall magic in every sip.
Apple Cinnamon Spice Mocktail
Ingredients:
3 cups apple cider (preferably fresh-pressed and local!)
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 whole cloves
1 tablespoon local honey
Juice of half a lemon
Sparkling water or club soda (for a fizzy touch)
Ice cubes
Apple slices, fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Heat over medium-low heat, allowing it to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the spices to infuse the
cider with rich, warming flavors. Stir occasionally.
2. Once the cider is infused with the spices, remove it from the heat and strain out the cinnamon stick and cloves. If desired, stir in honey or maple syrup to sweeten the cider. Let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate for a quicker chill.
3. Once cooled, pour the spiced cider into a glass filled with ice. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
4. For a fizzy twist, top the drink with sparkling water or club soda, giving it a refreshing effervescence that elevates the autumn spices.
5. Garnish with a slice of apple, rosemary and a cinnamon stick for that extra seasonal flair.
Serve chilled for a refreshing, fall-inspired mocktail.
Serving Suggestions:
Large Gatherings: To make this mocktail in bulk, simply scale the recipe and keep a pitcher of the spiced cider base on hand. Guests can pour their own and top it off with sparkling water as desired. You can prepare a big batch ahead of time, and simply add ice and fizzy water when it’s time to serve.
Family-Friendly Version:
This recipe is great for families. The sweetness of the apple cider combined with the warm spices makes it appealing to kids and adults alike. Feel free to reduce the amount of honey or syrup for a less sweet option.
Tips for Customizing Your Mocktail:
Add More Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a few more cloves, star anise or even a dash of ground ginger to the mix.
Make It a Hot Drink:
For those cooler evenings, enjoy this as a warm beverage by skipping the sparkling water and serving it straight from the pot.
Flavor Variations:
Swap out apple cider for pear cider for a twist, or use a splash of cranberry juice for a more festive fall look.
