Paul Kushner
The Citrus Apple Mocktail is a light and refreshing drink that highlights the crisp flavors of fall while keeping things simple and hydrating. Fresh apple juice provides a naturally sweet base, while citrus juice adds a bright, tangy layer that keeps the drink lively. Sparkling water gives it a gentle fizz, making each sip feel refreshing and clean. Served over ice with slices of apple or orange for garnish, it looks festive and colorful. This mocktail is an excellent choice for autumn gatherings, holiday dinners, or casual afternoons, offering a seasonal drink that everyone can enjoy without alcohol.
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Tasting Notes
The Citrus Apple Mocktail is refreshing, crisp, and layered with autumn-inspired flavors. Sparkling apple cider gives the drink a naturally sweet, fizzy base, while orange juice adds smooth citrus depth. Fresh lemon juice brightens the mix with tangy acidity, creating balance. Ginger simple syrup contributes gentle spice and warmth, giving the mocktail a cozy undertone that ties it to the season. Finished with a sugared rim, the drink has a subtle sweetness with every sip. Garnished with an orange peel curl or apple slice, this mocktail is aromatic, lively, and perfect for guests who want something festive without alcohol.
Equipment and Glassware
This mocktail is easy to prepare but benefits from using the right tools. A cocktail shaker allows you to combine and chill the ginger syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice thoroughly before topping with cider. A strainer ensures a smooth pour into the serving glass. A jigger provides precise measurements for each ingredient, maintaining the balance of sweet, citrus, and spice. A vegetable peeler helps create a long strip of orange peel for garnish, while a bar spoon is handy for the final gentle stir. A highball or stemless wine glass works best, leaving room for fizz and garnish.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Sparkling apple cider
- 1.25 oz Ginger simple syrup
- 1 oz Orange juice
- 0.5 oz Lemon juice
- 1-2 inch piece of orange peel
- Sugar for rimming
- Garnish: Orange peel curl or apple slice
Instructions
- Pour raw sugar into a shallow dish. Run a slice of lemon or orange around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the raw sugar to coat it evenly. Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
- Using a vegetable peeler, cut a long strip of orange peel from an orange. Set it aside for garnish.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the ginger simple syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice. Shake well to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Top with sparkling apple cider for a refreshing fizz.
- Hold the orange peel over the glass and gently squeeze it to release the oils into the drink, enhancing the citrus aroma and flavor.
- Garnish with the orange peel curl or a slice of apple. Stir gently, then sip and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this autumn-inspired mocktail.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Prepare ginger syrup at home for stronger spice and aroma.
- Chill the sparkling apple cider before adding to preserve fizz.
- Adjust ginger syrup for more or less sweetness depending on preference.
- A cinnamon-sugar rim can replace plain sugar for added warmth.
- Express the orange peel oils directly over the drink for enhanced aroma.
- Thin apple slices make an elegant garnish when fanned across the rim.
- Serve immediately after topping with cider to maintain carbonation.
When to Serve
The Citrus Apple Mocktail is an excellent non-alcoholic option for autumn gatherings and holiday events. Its combination of sparkling apple cider, citrus, and ginger spice makes it a refreshing yet cozy drink for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or seasonal parties. Because it’s bright and fizzy, it also works well at brunch or daytime celebrations, pairing beautifully with light dishes or appetizers. The sugared rim and festive garnishes make it visually striking, while the layered flavors ensure it feels special. Whether offered as a family-friendly option or as a crafted alternative to cocktails, this mocktail brings seasonal character to any table.
Which Brands to Choose
- Sparkling Apple Cider: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, Eden Organic
- Ginger Syrup: Liber & Co., Monin, homemade
- Orange Juice: Simply Orange, Tropicana, Florida’s Natural
Similar Cocktails
- Applejack Rabbit Cocktail
- Pear Martini with Elderflower Liqueur
- Maple-Bourbon Smash
- Apple-Brandy Hot Toddies
- Vodka Pear Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 oz Sparkling apple cider
- 1.25 oz Ginger simple syrup
- 1 oz Orange juice
- 0.5 oz Lemon juice
- 1-2 inch piece of orange peel
- Sugar for rimming
- Garnish: Orange peel curl or apple slice
Instructions
- Pour raw sugar into a shallow dish. Run a slice of lemon or orange around the rim of your glass, then dip the rim into the raw sugar to coat it evenly. Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
- Using a vegetable peeler, cut a long strip of orange peel from an orange. Set it aside for garnish.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the ginger simple syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice. Shake well to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Top with sparkling apple cider for a refreshing fizz.
- Hold the orange peel over the glass and gently squeeze it to release the oils into the drink, enhancing the citrus aroma and flavor.
- Garnish with the orange peel curl or a slice of apple. Stir gently, then sip and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this autumn-inspired mocktail.
Notes
Pro Tips
- To make ginger simple syrup, simmer equal parts water and sugar with fresh ginger slices until the sugar dissolves. Strain and cool before using.
- For a more intense citrus flavor, you can muddle the orange peel in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of ginger simple syrup to suit your taste.
