Easy Apple Cider Mocktail – Cozy Fall Drink
This Apple Cider Mocktail is a simple, refreshing fall drink made with apple cider, fresh lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup, finished with a cinnamon-sugar-salt rim. It takes just minutes to prepare and brings together sweet apple flavor, bright citrus, and warm cinnamon in one festive glass.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shake and serve
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Mocktail
- 1½ ounces apple cider
- 1 tablespoon lime juice — ½ ounce or ½ lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- For the Rim
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Optional Garnish
- Cinnamon stick
- Star of anise
- For the Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup if needed. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine a half cup of water and a half cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool or add ice to cool before mixing into the drink.
- Prepare the glass rim. Run a lime wedge over the lip of the glass or dip the rim onto a shallow plate of simple syrup. On a separate shallow plate, combine the cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Dip the glass into the mixture to coat the rim.
- Add ice. Fill the prepared glass with ice.
- Mix the mocktail. In a cocktail shaker or jar, combine the apple cider, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well.
- Serve. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star of anise if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use plain apple cider for the intended apple flavor.
- Let homemade simple syrup cool before adding it to the drink.
- Adjust the simple syrup carefully if you prefer a less sweet drink.
- Prepare the rim before adding ice so the glass is easy to handle.
- Shake the ingredients well so the cider, lime juice, and syrup are evenly combined.
- The prepared mocktail is best enjoyed shortly after mixing.
- Store homemade simple syrup in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a variation, replace apple cider with pear cider, substitute apple pie spice for cinnamon, or use caramel sauce in place of simple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass