Description
Hey friends! Fall is here—the air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a delicious drink. This Cranberry Apple Mocktail is tart, sweet, and sparkling, making it a festive, non-alcoholic treat for any occasion. It’s easy to make, looks gorgeous in a glass, and tastes like autumn in every sip!
Ingredients
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2 cups 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened or cocktail)
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1 cup apple cider or apple juice
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1 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
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1½ cups sparkling water or club soda, chilled
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Ice cubes (filtered water for the best clarity)
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Garnish: Apple slices, fresh cranberries, mint sprigs
Instructions
1. Make the Base
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In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, and lime juice.
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Stir well to mix the flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Tip: Prepare this base up to a day in advance and refrigerate.
2. Prepare Glasses
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Add ice cubes to each glass.
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Garnish with apple slices, cranberries, and a mint sprig.
Tip: For a crowd, pre-garnish all glasses and keep them in the fridge until serving.
3. Assemble the Mocktail
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Pour the base mix into each glass, filling about ¾ full.
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Slowly top with sparkling water to maintain the fizz.
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Stir gently once to combine.
4. Serve
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Present a pitcher of the base mix with extra sparkling water and garnishes so guests can customize their drinks.
Notes
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Spiced Cider: Heat ½ cup apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Cool and use in place of cider.
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Ginger Kick: Use ginger beer instead of sparkling water for a spicy twist.
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Herbal Notes: Muddle fresh thyme or rosemary into the pitcher for a sophisticated flavor.
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Pomegranate Swap: Replace half the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for deeper color and flavor.
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Frozen Fun: Pour the base mix into popsicle molds for fruity ice pops!