There’s something about apple crisp that just feels like fall. It’s warm, spiced, sweet, and comforting. So when I wanted to capture those same cozy flavors in a drink — without the alcohol — I came up with this apple crisp mocktail. It’s festive, flavorful, and easy to make, whether I’m hosting a holiday brunch, a family-friendly gathering, or just treating myself to a special sip on a chilly day.
This drink has all the warmth of baked apples and cinnamon, with a sparkling finish that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler. Let me show you why I love this recipe so much and how you can make it part of your fall traditions.
Why This Recipe Works
This apple crisp mocktail is all about balance and comfort. Here’s why it works so well:
- Captures the flavor of apple crisp in liquid form
- Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give it depth
- Sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz
- Kid-friendly and perfect for gatherings
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 2 servings | Prep Time: 5 minutes)
- 1 cup apple cider (chilled)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, if you prefer)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Optional rim:
- Brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for dipping the glass rims
How I Make This Apple Crisp Mocktail (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Glasses
I like to start by rimming my glasses with a cinnamon-brown sugar mixture. I dip the rims in a bit of maple syrup and then into the sugar-cinnamon blend for a sweet, spiced finish.
2. Mix the Base
In a shaker or large glass, I combine the apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I stir or shake well until everything is fully combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Add the Sparkle
I divide the mixture between two glasses filled with ice and top each one with sparkling water.
4. Garnish
I garnish each glass with a few fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a pretty and festive presentation.
5. Serve and Sip
It’s ready to enjoy immediately — the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced with a little fizz.
My Favorite Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp Mocktail
- Chill your ingredients: Everything tastes better cold and crisp.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Add a little more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Use fresh apple cider: It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Try sparkling apple water: For an extra apple-forward fizz.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract: For a bakery-style warmth.
What I Serve with This Mocktail
This festive drink pairs beautifully with fall-inspired snacks and desserts, such as:
- Warm apple fritters or cinnamon donuts
- Pumpkin bread or spiced muffins
- Cheese and charcuterie boards with dried fruits and nuts
- A simple apple crisp or crumble for double the apple goodness
- Roasted nuts or maple-glazed pecans for snacking
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A: Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients, mix in a large pitcher (minus the sparkling water), and add the fizz right before serving.
Q: Can I make this warm?
A: Yes! Just heat the apple cider mixture gently on the stove and skip the sparkling water for a cozy hot drink version.
Q: Can I add fresh ginger for a twist?
A: Definitely! A small slice of fresh ginger adds warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with the apple flavors.
Q: What’s the best type of apple cider to use?
A: I love using unfiltered, fresh-pressed cider for the most authentic, rich flavor.
Why This Apple Crisp Mocktail Deserves a Spot on Your Fall Table
This mocktail feels like the best parts of fall in a glass — cozy, warm, and festive without being overly sweet or complicated. Whether you’re hosting friends, sharing a drink with family, or simply want a non-alcoholic option that feels special, this apple crisp mocktail hits the spot every time.
I hope you give it a try — it’s a simple little moment of autumn comfort that I come back to again and again.
The Perfect Non-Alcoholic Apple Crisp Mocktail That Tastes Like Autumn in a Glass
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (chilled)
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Apple slices (for garnish)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the chilled apple cider, sparkling water (or club soda), fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve over ice in glasses, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
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