Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

No! Apple cider has a deeper, more concentrated apple flavor that makes this mocktail special.

Why do you add apple cider vinegar?

The vinegar adds a subtle acidity and complexity that keeps the drink from tasting too sweet. It mimics some of the depth you'd get from alcohol without any boozy flavor.

Can I make this without a cocktail shaker?

Yes! Muddle the mint and lemon in the bottom of a sturdy glass, add the apple cider, lemon juice, and vinegar, then stir well. Strain into your serving glass with ice and top with ginger beer.

How far ahead can I make this?

The rim and the apple cider base can be prepared ahead, but add the ginger beer just before serving to preserve the bubbles. See my storage tips above for specific timing.

Apple Cider Mocktail

Name: Apple Cider Mocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mocktail
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of flaky sea salt; Lemon wedge; Lemon peel; 4 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish; 2 oz apple cider (unfiltered); 2 oz ginger beer; ½ oz fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; Apple slices, lemon slice, and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Apple Cider Mocktail

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This sparkling apple cider mocktail combines fresh apple cider, ginger beer, and mint with a cinnamon sugar rim for a winter and fall drink that’s great for parties or holidays. Ready in just 5 minutes!

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink 1x
Category: Drink
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Mocktail
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

For the rim

1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Lemon wedge

For the drink

Lemon peel
4 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
2 oz apple cider (unfiltered)
2 oz ginger beer
½ oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Apple slices, lemon slice, and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the rim by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flaky sea salt on a small plate. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the sugar mixture to coat.
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon zest and mint leaves to release the citrus oils and mint flavor.
Add the apple cider, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar to the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Top with ginger ale and gently stir to combine. If desired, garnish with apple and lemon slices, a cinnamon stick, and more mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pitcher of 8 servings: In the bottom of a pitcher, muddle 1 large handful mint with 8 lemon peels. Add 2 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar. Refrigerate until serving. When serving, pour 2 1/2 ounces pitcher into a glass and top with 2 oz ginger beer.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/apple-cider-mocktail/