How to make a sparkling apple cider mocktail
Apple cider smells like fall the moment you open the bottle. With this sparkling apple cider mocktail, you can turn that cider into a party-ready drink in just five minutes. Just use cold cider, a little ginger syrup for warmth, and mainelove with Bubbles instead of soda or sparkling water. This recipe makes one drink and works with any store-bought cider.
A quick history of apple cider
Before mocktails became popular, apple cider was a regular drink in America. In colonial times, cider was the most common drink, and even children drank a watered down version with their meals. Apples were easier to grow than barley or hops, so cider was the everyday choice.
There’s an interesting side to the story of Johnny Appleseed. John Chapman planted apple orchards from seed, and most of those apples were better for making cider than for eating. In those days, apples were usually made into cider instead of eaten fresh. Most cider back then was alcoholic, but today, the cider you find in U.S. grocery stores is non-alcoholic.
Cider and apple juice aren’t the same. Cider is unfiltered and looks cloudy, while apple juice is filtered and pasteurized so it lasts longer. Labels can be confusing, so always check the bottle.
Ingredients you’ll need to make an apple cider mocktail
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3 oz chilled nonalcoholic apple cider
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3 oz mainelove with Bubbles
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1/2 oz ginger syrup
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Ice
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Apple slice and cinnamon stick, for garnish
How to make an apple cider mocktail
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Fill a rocks glass with ice.
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Pour in the apple cider and ginger syrup, then stir until combined.
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Pour in the mainelove with Bubbles in a slow stream.
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Give it one gentle stir, then garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
How to make ginger syrup
Ginger syrup adds warmth to the drink. You can make it ahead or buy a bottle if you want a shortcut.
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Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and about 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced, in a small saucepan.
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Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
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Remove from the heat and let the ginger steep for about 15 minutes.
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Strain the syrup and let it cool before using.
More variants of the apple cider mocktail
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Add lemon: Stir in 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice with the cider and syrup if you want a more tart drink.
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Rim the glass: Wet the rim with a little maple syrup or a lemon wedge, then roll it in cinnamon sugar before you add the ice.
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Switch the garnish: A rosemary sprig or a star anise pod works alongside the cinnamon stick.
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More ACV: Try adding a little apple cider vinegar for a sharper taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon. You can add more if you want, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, you can. Unfiltered apple juice is closest to cider. Clear apple juice works too, but the drink will be a little lighter and sweeter.
Is apple cider alcoholic?
In the U.S., cider in the refrigerated section is non-alcoholic. Hard cider is different, and in many countries, ‘cider’ means the alcoholic kind. Fresh cider can start to ferment over time, so keep it cold and use it soon.
Is this sparkling apple cider mocktail safe for kids?
Yes, as long as you use pasteurized cider. The FDA says children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems should avoid unpasteurized cider. Always check the label before you buy.
Can I make this apple cider mocktail for a crowd?
Yes, you can. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix the cider and ginger syrup in a pitcher. You can keep the base in the fridge for up to a day.
Add the mainelove and ice just before serving. If the drink sits too long, the bubbles will go flat.
What can I use instead of ginger syrup?
You can use ginger beer or ginger ale, but the drink will be sweeter and you won’t have as much control over the ginger flavor. If you don’t want ginger, plain simple syrup works too.
Can I turn this apple cider mocktail into a cocktail?
Yes, you can. Add 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon or spiced rum to the glass before pouring in the mainelove. Bourbon goes especially well with apple and ginger.
