This Spiced Cranberry Apple Mocktail is a refreshing and festive drink perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and autumn celebrations. Made with cranberry juice, apple cider, and warm spices, it offers a delightful non-alcoholic option for holiday festivities.
The recipe is simple to prepare and can be easily scaled for larger gatherings, making it an ideal choice for fall parties and family get-togethers.
Festive Non-Alcoholic Mocktail for Fall
The Spiced Cranberry Apple Mocktail is the ultimate autumn beverage that captures the cozy, heartwarming essence of fall in every refreshing sip.
With a perfect balance of tart cranberry, sweet apple, and a gentle kick of holiday spices, this vibrant pink mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that truly celebrates the season.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, a fall dinner party, or simply sipping by the fireplace, this mocktail brings festive cheer without the need for alcohol.
Its glowing crimson color and garnishes of fresh apple, cranberry, and cinnamon make it a stunning drink your guests will remember.
Ingredients That Shine
This easy mocktail comes together with a handful of ingredients that highlight the flavors of fall.
You’ll need 1½ cups cranberry juice, preferably 100% juice for a bold tartness.
1½ cups apple cider adds natural sweetness and autumn warmth.
Add ½ cup fresh lime juice to brighten the blend and introduce a zesty contrast.
Enhance the flavors with 2 cinnamon sticks, a pinch of ground cloves, and optional star anise for a deeper, spiced aroma.
Top it off with 1½ cups sparkling water for fizz and refreshment just before serving.
Don’t forget fresh cranberries, apple slices, lime wheels, and cinnamon sticks for garnish—they add both fragrance and festive flair.
This mocktail is wonderfully flexible: adjust the spices or use maple syrup instead of cider for a more rustic twist.
Preparation Made Simple
The process is quick and easy—perfect for busy holiday prep.
In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, apple cider, lime juice, and whole spices.
Stir everything together and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
If you’re short on time, 10–15 minutes will still give a wonderful result.
Just before serving, add sparkling water slowly to the chilled mixture.
Give it a gentle stir to preserve the bubbles, creating a light and fizzy texture.
Taste and adjust for sweetness or spice if needed—this mocktail is easy to personalize.
Garnishing for a Festive Touch
To serve, fill each glass with ice cubes and pour the mocktail mixture until about three-quarters full.
Top off with more sparkling water for extra fizz if desired.
Garnish with a slice of apple, a lime wheel, and a few floating cranberries for pops of red.
Add a cinnamon stick stirrer to enhance both presentation and aroma.
You can even rim glasses with sugar and cinnamon for extra flair—just dip the rims in lime juice and roll in the spiced sugar blend.
A few mint leaves also offer a surprising freshness and color contrast, perfect for daytime events.
Perfect for Any Gathering
The Spiced Cranberry Apple Mocktail serves 4 generous glasses and is ideal for gatherings of all kinds.
It works beautifully as a welcome drink at Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving brunch, or even fall-themed baby showers and Halloween parties.
Because it’s alcohol-free, everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy this festive drink together.
It’s a great alternative to spiced cider or punch for those who want something crisp, fizzy, and bold with fall flavors.
Pair it with autumn appetizers like baked brie, roasted nuts, or even apple pie for a complete seasonal experience.
A Toast to the Season
Autumn is a time for slowing down, reconnecting, and savoring comforting flavors—and this mocktail embodies all of that.
Its warming spices, fruity balance, and lively fizz make it more than just a beverage—it’s an invitation to celebrate togetherness.
Raise a glass of Spiced Cranberry Apple Mocktail and toast to the golden leaves, cool breezes, and treasured moments of the season.
Whether you’re gathered around the table or curled up under a blanket, this drink brings the cozy joy of fall right to your glass. 🍎🍁🥂
Festive Non-Alcoholic Mocktail for Fall
This mocktail combines tart cranberry juice and sweet apple cider, enhanced with cinnamon and cloves for a warm, spiced flavor. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people, making it a quick and enjoyable addition to your holiday menu.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Sparkling water or club soda to top off
- Fresh cranberries and apple slices for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Juices: In a large pitcher, mix together the cranberry juice, apple cider, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and fresh lime juice.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the spiced mixture over the ice. Top off with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish: Add fresh cranberries, apple slices, and a cinnamon stick to each glass for an attractive presentation.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 glasses
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g