Apple Cider Mojito Mocktail

Apple cider is a fall favorite, and it makes a refreshing mocktail for the hot fall days when you pair it with fresh mint and lime. This Easy Apple Cider Mojito Mocktail has a little sweetness from honey syrup, a bright citrus flavor, and bubbles from sparkling water. It’s easy to mix up in just a few minutes and makes a nice non-alcoholic option for fall dinners, Thanksgiving, or holiday parties.

Here in Southern California the heat lasts well into November. That’s where a nice fall flavored but super refreshing and light apple cider mocktail comes in handy! It’s perfect for apple season with its bright and bubbly flavors. Serve this non-alcoholic apple cider drink at afternoon garden parties or Sunday brunch. It’s versatile enough for any time of day.

A few years ago, we visited Oak Glen, which is a Southern California institution for apple picking and fall festivals. It’s simply a must go. And they had spruced up the location really nicely. One of the new things I tried was an apple cider mojito, and I just fell in love with it. That sweet apple cider, the tart lime, fresh mint… it all works surprisingly well together.

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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.

How to make an apple cider mocktail

The full recipe is below with all the ingredients and instructions. I have tips and tricks as well as serving suggestions for you in the post. So, be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card below.

First, you’ll want to make the honey syrup, if you don’t have it already. Stir ¼ cup honey into ¼ cup warm water until dissolved. Refrigerate until chilled before using. This helps the honey blend into the drink, and keeps it from settling at the bottom of your glass. ½ ounce equals 1 tablespoon. The syrup recipe makes about ½ cup, much more than one drink needs, but the extra can be refrigerated for later use; there will be plenty left over for other drinks.

Muddle the mint gently. Press the leaves just enough to release their aroma. Over-muddling can make the mint taste bitter or grassy. You don’t want to shred the leaves.

One ounce of lime juice provides a noticeable tartness that balances the cider, but you can adjust it to taste, if desired.

Choose your apple cider. Fresh, unfiltered cider gives the drink a fuller apple flavor, while a clearer cider creates a lighter-tasting drink. Since cider sweetness varies, start with the listed amount of honey syrup and adjust to taste.

Apple cider can vary in sweetness, so you may need to adjust the honey syrup to taste.

Keep it bubbly. Chill the apple cider and sparkling water ahead of time. Add the sparkling water last and stir gently to preserve the fizz.

Make it your own. Plain sparkling water keeps the apple and lime flavors front and center. Lime-flavored sparkling water adds a little extra citrus. You can also adjust the lime juice for a tarter drink or add a little more honey syrup for extra sweetness.

Garnish just before serving. Fresh apple slices, a rosemary sprig, and a lime wheel make the drink look festive. Cut the apple slices shortly before serving to help prevent browning.

Serving suggestions

For fall and holiday gatherings: It’s the perfect non-alcoholic apple cider drink for Thanksgiving.  Serve the sparkling apple cider mocktail in a rocks glass or a clear highball glass with apple slices, a lime wheel, and a sprig of rosemary. For a party, prepare the garnishes in advance and assemble each drink to order.

With appetizers: Pair it with a cheese and fruit board with fruit wheels, tinned fish board, baked brie, smoked garlic almonds, savory puff pastry pepper jelly pinwheels, or a vegetable appetizer platter.

With a fall meal: The apple, mint, and lime flavors work well alongside roasted vegetables like my orzo with fall veggies, grain bowls, peach arugula salad, and acorn squash with persimmons.

What to serve at a fall party without alcohol?

Pumpkin Cream cold Brews are always welcome at my parties! Pair those with some yummy pumpkin cookies and some apple oatmeal muffins for a nice sweet day.

Storage tips

• Prepared easy fall mocktail: Best enjoyed immediately. The ice melts and the sparkling water loses its fizz over time.
• Honey syrup: Store in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator. Use within about 2 weeks for best quality, and discard if you notice any changes in smell or appearance.
• Leftover apple cider: Refrigerate according to the package instructions. Fresh, unpasteurized cider may have a shorter shelf life.
• Garnishes: Keep apple slices refrigerated in an airtight container and cut them close to serving time. Store fresh mint and rosemary refrigerated until needed.
• Batch preparation: For multiple servings, combine the cider, lime juice, and honey syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate. Add muddled mint and sparkling water shortly before serving for the best flavor and fizz.

Changes to the recipe

Want to make it vegan? Honey is not vegan. If you want to make it vegan, try agave syrup, maple syrup, or a simple syrup made with sugar and water. These will change the flavor profile a bit.

FAQ

Can I make an apple cider mocktail ahead of time?

You can prepare the honey syrup and chill the apple cider ahead of time. You can even mix the cider. Lime juice, and honey syrup a few hours in advance. For the freshest flavor and best carbonation, muddle the mint, assemble the drink, and add the sparkling water just before serving.