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Apple Cider Mocktail

A warm and cozy alcohol-free spiced apple cider mocktail featuring cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and ginger ale for a perfect fall beverage.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • Apple cider: 6 ounces fresh or store-bought, not the clear juice
  • Ginger ale: 4 ounces chilled, for sparkle and bite
  • Fresh lemon juice: 0.5 ounce about half a lemon
  • Honey syrup: 0.5 ounce equal parts honey and warm water, stirred together
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 pinch
  • Whole cloves: 2 cloves or 1 pinch ground clove
  • Star anise: 1 piece optional, for depth
  • Fresh nutmeg: 1 small grating optional but recommended
  • Cinnamon sticks: 2 sticks for garnish
  • Ice: Enough for chilling glasses

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe mug
  • Cocktail shaker or jar with tight-fitting lid
  • Jigger or small measuring cup
  • Barspoon or regular teaspoon
  • Glasses (8 to 10-ounce capacity)
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Mix equal parts honey and warm water in a small cup and stir until fully combined.
  2. Fill two glasses with ice and let them sit while you prepare the drink.
  3. Place the cloves and star anise in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. Pour 6 ounces of apple cider and 0.5 ounce of honey syrup into a cocktail shaker and fill halfway with ice.
  5. Add 0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice and the toasted cloves to the shaker.
  6. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  7. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared ice-filled glasses, discarding the spices.
  8. Divide 4 ounces of ginger ale among the glasses, pouring gently to preserve carbonation.
  9. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a light grating of fresh nutmeg, then serve immediately.

Notes

Make the base mixture up to two days ahead and refrigerate in a sealed container. Add ginger ale and ice just before serving to preserve carbonation.