Celebrations always feel a little more exciting when you have a drink in hand that matches the energy of the moment, and that is exactly what the New Year’s Sparkler delivers. I first tried this mocktail while planning a small New Year’s Eve gathering, and it quickly became a favorite because of how uplifting and fresh it tastes. The mix of sparkling apple cider, citrus juices, and Tattersall Functional Beverages’ Uplift creates a drink that feels both spirited and balanced.

This drink shines at midnight toasts but also fits well throughout the winter season when you want something crisp and celebratory. The sparkling cider adds a cheerful fizz, while cranberry and orange give the mocktail color and depth. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet countdown at home, the New Year’s Sparkler adds a lovely touch of brightness to the moment.

Why You’ll Love This

The New Year’s Sparkler brings together a fruity, refreshing blend that suits any celebration. It is simple enough for quick prep but flavorful enough to feel like a crafted drink. The citrus notes pair beautifully with the sparkle of apple cider, creating a lively mocktail that fits all ages and settings.

A few reasons this drink stands out:

Balanced fruit flavors that feel light and refreshing.
No alcohol, making it perfect for inclusive gatherings.
Uplift adds a unique twist with focus supporting adaptogens.
Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Beautiful color that looks great in tall glasses.

These perks come together to create a mocktail that feels festive, upbeat, and completely celebration ready.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a meaningful role in building the flavor and mood of the drink. The cranberry juice adds tartness and color, the orange juice provides brightness, and the sparkling apple cider brings bubbles that make the drink feel lively. Uplift ties everything together with a citrus forward profile that enhances the fruit elements.

1 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 oz. Orange Juice
2 oz. Sparkling Apple Cider
1 oz. Tattersall Functional Beverages’ Uplift
Ice
Orange Slices garnish

Together, these ingredients create a mocktail that feels crisp and festive. The sparkling cider adds natural sweetness, and the cranberry juice gives the drink a jewel toned color that looks beautiful in a tall glass. The garnish adds a simple but cheerful finishing touch.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Since this is a mocktail, there are no spirits required. The only brand that truly defines this drink is Tattersall Functional Beverages’ Uplift, which is the heart of the recipe. You can substitute some of the juices depending on your taste, but the overall structure stays the same.

Tattersall Functional Beverages’ Uplift: The essential component that adds citrus flavor, natural energy, and adaptogen support.
Cranberry Juice Option: Use white cranberry juice if you want a lighter, less tart drink.
Orange Juice Swap: Fresh squeezed orange juice adds a brighter taste.
Sparkling Apple Cider Substitute: Sparkling pear juice also works and adds a softer sweetness.
Garnish Variation: Use fresh cranberries or a twist of lemon in place of orange slices.

These substitutions help you personalize the drink without changing its uplifting spirit.

Equipment and Glassware

The New Year’s Sparkler requires very little equipment, which makes it ideal for parties or quick preparation before midnight. A tall glass helps show off the sparkling cider and garnishes, making the drink look festive with minimal effort.

Helpful tools include:

Tall glass or highball glass
Stirring spoon
Measuring jigger
Ice scoop

A clear glass is best because it highlights the bright colors and bubbles in the drink.

How to Make It

This mocktail is incredibly simple to make and works well when you need something quick but special. The combination of juices and cider blends easily, and the ice keeps everything chilled and refreshing. Once you add the garnish, the drink looks celebration ready in seconds.

Add cranberry juice, orange juice, sparkling apple cider, and Uplift to a tall glass.
Add ice and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh orange slices and serve.

Some people like to add a splash of extra sparkling cider at the end for a bit more fizz, so feel free to adjust to your liking.

Pro Tips

A few small tweaks can take this mocktail from simple to spectacular. Because the drink relies on freshness and fizz, paying attention to details will help you get the best possible flavor and presentation.

Use chilled ingredients to keep the sparkler crisp.
Add the sparkling cider last to preserve its bubbles.
Fresh orange juice gives the drink a brighter color.
Avoid over stirring to keep the drink fizzy.
Garnish just before serving to maintain freshness.
Serve in a tall glass for the prettiest presentation.
Add a rosemary sprig for a winter touch if you like herbal aromas.

Variations

One of the nice things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can make the drink sweeter, more tart, or more sparkling depending on your taste. Small additions can also change the look of the drink to suit themed celebrations.

Add pomegranate seeds for color and crunch.
Use sparkling water for a lighter, less sweet version.
Add ginger ale for a spicy, warming twist.
Blend with ice for a frozen New Year slush.
Use blood orange juice for a deeper red hue.

These variations make it easy to enjoy the drink year round while keeping the celebratory feel.

When to Serve and Pairings

The New Year’s Sparkler is ideal for New Year’s Eve parties, holiday gatherings, or any event where you want a fun, uplifting mocktail. It fits well in winter settings because of its festive fizz and fruit forward flavors. It also works nicely as a welcome drink when guests arrive.

Try pairing it with:

Cheese boards featuring brie or goat cheese
Citrus based desserts like lemon bars or orange cookies
Sparkling holiday mocktails like a Frosty Toddy
Light appetizers such as crostini or fruit skewers

These pairings highlight the citrus sparkle of the drink and keep the mood fresh and bright.

Storage and Serving Notes

Because this drink includes sparkling cider, it is best served right after mixing. The bubbles fade over time, so you will get the best flavor and texture when it is freshly assembled. If you want to prepare ahead, you can pre measure the juices and keep them chilled, then add the cider and Uplift just before serving.

Avoid storing leftovers since the fizz will disappear. For parties, consider creating a self serve station so guests can build their own Sparkler easily.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions about the New Year’s Sparkler that may help you as you prepare it for your celebration. Since this drink includes sparkling ingredients and citrus, understanding how they interact can help you get the best results.

Does Uplift make the drink sweet?
Uplift adds citrus brightness more than sweetness, so the sparkling cider and juices still control the overall flavor.

Can I make this without sparkling cider?
Yes, sparkling water or ginger ale works, but the flavor will be lighter and less fruity.

Does the drink work without ice?
It can, but the ice keeps the drink cold and refreshing. Without it, the flavor may taste more concentrated.

Is this safe for kids?
Because Uplift contains cannabinoids and adaptogens, do not serve this drink to children. Offer a kid friendly version with extra sparkling cider instead.

Can I batch this for a group?
Yes, mix the juices in advance and add the cider and Uplift to each glass individually to keep the drink fresh.

More Cocktails to Try

If you love festive mocktails and winter drinks, here are a few more recipes that fit well alongside the New Year’s Sparkler. Each one brings fun flavors and seasonal charm.

TFB Toddy: A warm chamomile based mocktail with calming notes.
Cranberry Limoncello Spritz: A bubbly, tart drink perfect for gatherings.
Citrus Breeze Cocktail: A bright, refreshing party drink.
Smoky Apple Cider Paloma Mocktail: A crowd pleasing blend of winter fruits.
Spiced Orange Gin Punch: A citrus drink with a cozy spice twist.