Paul Kushner
As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air sets in, the Fall Sunrise Mocktail brings a burst of seasonal refreshment to your glass. This non-alcoholic drink layers the comforting flavors of apple cider and cranberry with the brightness of orange juice, then lifts everything with sparkling water for a lively fizz. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and tangy flavors, making it the perfect sipper for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or as a daytime refresher. Whether you’re hosting family or simply craving something seasonal, this mocktail captures the essence of fall in every sip.
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Tasting Notes
The Fall Sunrise Mocktail offers a crisp, refreshing balance of fruit flavors with a sparkling finish. Apple cider provides a natural autumn sweetness, while cranberry juice introduces tartness that keeps the drink bright and lively. Orange juice rounds out the profile with citrus notes that tie the flavors together. Topped with cranberry apple sparkling water, the drink becomes light and fizzy, refreshing the palate with each sip. The combination of sweet, tart, and citrus elements creates a layered flavor that feels seasonal yet uplifting, making it an excellent alcohol-free option for both casual sipping and festive occasions.
Equipment and Glassware
Making this Fall Sunrise Mocktail requires only a few tools, making it simple yet rewarding. A cocktail shaker ensures the juices are well blended and thoroughly chilled, while a jigger helps maintain accuracy when measuring the cider, cranberry, and orange juice. Ice is essential both for shaking and serving, keeping the mocktail crisp. A strainer is helpful for a smooth pour into the serving glass, leaving behind excess ice. For presentation, a rocks glass is ideal, providing space for the sparkling water and allowing the layered colors to shine through. A bar spoon is optional for gently stirring before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Cranberry juice
- 1.5 oz Apple cider juice
- 4 oz Cranberry apple unsweetened sparkling water
- 1 oz Orange juice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and a handful of ice. Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
- Top the drink with 4 oz of cranberry apple unsweetened sparkling water with caffeine for a fizzy finish.
- Stir gently to combine, and enjoy your refreshing Fall Sunrise Mocktail.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh-pressed apple cider for the richest seasonal flavor.
- Choose unsweetened cranberry juice for a sharper tartness.
- Double strain for a smoother pour with less pulp.
- Always add sparkling water last to maintain fizz.
- Pre-chill the serving glass for a longer-lasting cold drink.
- Adjust orange juice to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- Garnish with an orange slice or a few cranberries for visual appeal.
When to Serve
The Fall Sunrise Mocktail is perfect for seasonal gatherings, providing a refreshing alternative to cocktails. Its light fruit profile makes it suitable for brunches, family dinners, and holiday events where alcohol-free options are appreciated. The crisp, fizzy finish ensures it pairs well with hearty fall meals, but it’s also refreshing enough for afternoon sipping. Its colorful appearance makes it a festive choice for Thanksgiving tables or Friendsgiving celebrations. With citrus, apple, and cranberry all in balance, this mocktail can be enjoyed any time of day, offering seasonal flavor without heaviness.
Which Ingredients to Choose
- Apple Cider: Local orchard cider or unfiltered options for natural flavor.
- Cranberry Juice: Lakewood or Ocean Spray 100% cranberry juice.
- Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed juice for brightness.
- Sparkling Water: Spindrift or Waterloo cranberry apple sparkling water for fizz and clean taste.
- Ice: Large cubes to slow dilution and keep the drink crisp.
Similar Cocktails
- Autumn Harvest Rum Punch
- Autumn Spiced Mocktail
- Georgia Peach
- Orange Pomegranate Mocktail
- Citrus Apple Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz Cranberry juice
- 1.5 oz Apple cider juice
- 4 oz Cranberry apple unsweetened sparkling water
- 1 oz Orange juice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and a handful of ice. Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
- Top the drink with 4 oz of cranberry apple unsweetened sparkling water with caffeine for a fizzy finish.
- Stir gently to combine, and enjoy your refreshing Fall Sunrise Mocktail.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use freshly pressed apple cider for the richest flavor.
- Garnish with an orange wheel or a few cranberries for extra fall flair.
- If you prefer a sweeter mocktail, add a splash of honey or maple syrup before shaking.
