🎉 Introduction
Celebrate the crisp autumn air with a drink that captures the warmth of fall flavor without any alcohol. This apple cider mocktail combines the tang of citrus, the sweetness of apple cider, and a hint of spice for a refreshing, festive sip. Inspired by the original Apple Cider Margarita, this version is perfect for family gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any cozy evening when you want something special and inclusive.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Cocktail shaker or large mason jar with lid
- Measuring jigger or tablespoon measure
- Citrus juicer (or fresh lime)
- Spoon or stirrer
- Shallow plate (for rim)
- Glass (rocks or margarita style)
- Ice cube tray
🛒 Ingredients
🍎 Liquids & Base
- 4 oz 100% apple cider (chilled)
- 1½ oz fresh lime juice (about ½ lime)
- 1 tbsp simple syrup (or substitute maple syrup/honey)
🍂 Rim & Garnish
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish
❄️ Serve-Chill
- Ice cubes
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. On a shallow plate combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Dip the rim of the glass into this mixture so it adheres.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a shaker or jar, pour in the apple cider, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add a handful of ice.
Step 3: Shake & Chill
Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill the mixture and slightly dilute for balance.
Step 4: Pour & Serve
Fill the rimmed glass with fresh ice. Strain and pour the mixture into the glass.
Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 1 drink (scale up for a pitcher)
- Prep Time: ~5 minutes
- Total Time: ~5 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: You can mix the apple-cider/lime/simple syrup base ahead and store in a jar for up to 1 day; add fresh ice and rim just before serving.
- Freezer: Not recommended for the full drink because the rim and garnish lose quality — freeze apple-cider cubes separately if desired.
- Reheating: This is a cold drink; serve chilled or over ice.
🥄 Variations
- Sparkling Version: Add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for fizz.
- Maple Rim: Substitute the sugar in the rim with maple sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Cran-Apple Twist: Replace half the apple cider with cranberry juice for tartness and color.
- Warm Fall Version: Heat the apple cider with cinnamon and serve warm, omit the lime and rim.
- Spiced Kick: Add a dash of ground nutmeg or a small piece of fresh ginger to the shaker.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use bottled apple juice instead of cider?
Yes — but 100% apple cider has a better autumn flavor (less filtered) and is preferred. Julie Blanner+1 - Is the lime necessary?
The lime provides brightness and balances sweetness; you could reduce it but the drink may taste flat. - What if I don’t have simple syrup?
Use maple syrup or honey — just stir well to dissolve. - Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes — multiply the ingredients and serve in a pitcher; rim each glass individually. - Can kids drink this?
Absolutely — it’s alcohol-free and full of fall fun. - How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the simple syrup or omit entirely and add more lime juice. - Can I top it with something fizzy?
Yes — add sparkling water or soda just before serving to maintain bubbles. - Is the cinnamon rim important?
It adds flavor and a festive look, but you can skip if desired. - Can I blend it to make frozen?
Yes — blend the base with crushed ice for a slush version, though the rim effect will differ. - How far ahead can I prep?
Mix the base up to 24 hours ahead. Rim glasses and add ice right before serving for best results.
🏁 Conclusion
This Fast + Easy Apple Cider “Margarita” Mocktail brings all the charm of fall — crisp apple cider, zesty lime, and a sweet-spiced rim — without any alcohol. It’s perfect for raising a glass to family, friends, and cozy seasonal gatherings.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, a harvest dinner, or simply a chilly evening by the fire, this drink feels elevated and festive but remains inclusive for everyone. Ready to mix, serve, and sip your way into fall?
Fast + Easy Apple Cider “Margarita” Mocktail — Fall Friendly & Alcohol-Free
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Ingredients
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Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.
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Equipment
Method
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. On a shallow plate combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Dip the rim of the glass into this mixture so it adheres.
- In a shaker or jar, pour in the apple cider, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add a handful of ice.
- Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill the mixture and slightly dilute for balance.
- Fill the rimmed glass with fresh ice. Strain and pour the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Notes
Yes — but 100% apple cider has a better autumn flavor (less filtered) and is preferred.
Julie Blanner
+1 Is the lime necessary?
The lime provides brightness and balances sweetness; you could reduce it but the drink may taste flat. What if I don’t have simple syrup?
Use maple syrup or honey — just stir well to dissolve. Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes — multiply the ingredients and serve in a pitcher; rim each glass individually. Can kids drink this?
Absolutely — it’s alcohol-free and full of fall fun. How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the simple syrup or omit entirely and add more lime juice. Can I top it with something fizzy?
Yes — add sparkling water or soda just before serving to maintain bubbles. Is the cinnamon rim important?
It adds flavor and a festive look, but you can skip if desired. Can I blend it to make frozen?
Yes — blend the base with crushed ice for a slush version, though the rim effect will differ. How far ahead can I prep?
Mix the base up to 24 hours ahead. Rim glasses and add ice right before serving for best results. 🏁 Conclusion This Fast + Easy Apple Cider “Margarita” Mocktail brings all the charm of fall — crisp apple cider, zesty lime, and a sweet-spiced rim — without any alcohol. It’s perfect for raising a glass to family, friends, and cozy seasonal gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, a harvest dinner, or simply a chilly evening by the fire, this drink feels elevated and festive but remains inclusive for everyone. Ready to mix, serve, and sip your way into fall?
