This ginger beer apple cider mocktail is crisp, bright, and refreshing. It's perfect for fall, winter, and the holidays! You only need 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to make it.
If you're looking for the ultimate non alcoholic fall drink, this ginger beer mocktail with apple cider is for you. It's festive without being fussy, lightly spiced, and fizzy. Enjoy it throughout the "ber months" and into dry January!
I love making mocktails with ginger beer. The strong spicy ginger flavor gives the drink a zesty kick so it's not lacking any flavor. Want more mocktail recipes? Try my mojito mocktail, gimlet mocktail, aperol spritz mocktail, and mint julep mocktail next.
Why this mocktail works
- Sweet apple cider balances the spicy ginger beer.
- Fresh citrus cuts the sweetness and keeps the flavor crisp.
- Carbonation gives the mocktail a lively, bubbly finish.
Ingredient notes
This quick and easy recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients, see below for my recommendations and suggested substitutions.
Apple cider: Fresh apple cider is unfiltered and unsweetened. It's non-alcoholic and typically only available during the fall and winter months. If you can't find it year round, substitute with unfiltered apple juice for a lighter flavor.
Ginger beer: To avoid any confusion, ginger beer isn't actually beer! It's a bubbly soda made of fermented ginger root. Use your favorite brand, I prefer fever tree or reed's. You can substitute with ginger ale for a milder flavor.
Lime juice: Of course, fresh lime juice is best but you can use bottled in a pinch. Swap with fresh lemon juice for a slightly sweet citrus note.
Optional: Add sliced apple, star anise, and cinnamon sticks to your apple cider ginger beer mocktail for beautiful garnishes.
Suggested equipment
Double Cocktail Jigger with Measurements How to make an apple cider ginger beer mocktail
This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos how to make my apple ginger fizz mocktail. For measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.
Step 1: Fill a rocks glass with ice
Use a rocks, highball, or other tall cocktail glass for this mocktail, add ice. Optionally, prepare a cinnamon brown sugar rim. Stir together 1 tablespoon brown sugar and ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Run a lime or lemon wedge around the edge of the glass then dip into the mixture, turning to evenly coat.
Step 2: Add ingredients to glass
Pour in the apple cider, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to over-stir. Stirring gently preserves carbonation and keeps the drink lively instead of flat.
Optional: For a more traditional cocktail feel, stir the apple cider and lime juice in a mixing glass with ice using a bar spoon. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, then top with ginger beer.
Step 3: Garnish and enjoy
Garnish with apple slices, star anise, or cinnamon sticks, if desired. Serve immediately! If needed, you can mix the apple cider and lime juice ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add ice and ginger beer just before serving to avoid dilution and keep it fizzy.
How to customize this ginger beer mocktail
Here's how to adjust the sweetness and spice:
- For less sweetness, add a splash of sparkling water.
- For more spice, use a bold ginger beer or add a thin slice of fresh ginger to the glass.
- Use a spiced or cinnamon simple syrup for even more warmth and spice.
Make this fall mocktail for a crowd
To make a large batch, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix the apple cider and lime juice in a pitcher, then top with ginger beer just before serving. Add ice to individual glasses instead of the pitcher.
Example ratio
Follow this batch recipe for 8 servings or 48 ounces total:
- 24 ounces apple cider
- 16 ounces ginger beer
- 8 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
Recipe testing notes
Apple ciders can vary in sweetness and intensity. If the cider is very sweet, extra lime juice can help balance that out.
A spicy ginger beer gives the drink structure and prevents it from tasting flat. Mild ginger beers work, but the drink may need a touch more lime to stay bright.
Ginger ale can be used, but won't be as strong of a flavor. This might be a better option for kids who don't like ginger beer.
When scaling up, mixing the apple cider and lime juice ahead of time produces the most consistent flavor. Add ginger beer right before serving to maintain fizz. Avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher if batching.
I hope you love this sparkling apple cider mocktail. It's effortlessly seasonal, well balanced, and ideal for fall entertaining, cozy gatherings throughout winter, or easy happy hour at home. Cheers!
Apple Cider Ginger Beer Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces ginger beer
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice for serving
- Apple slices, star anise, or cinnamon sticks to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass or tall glass with ice and pour in the apple cider, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice.
- Gently stir to combine. Garnish with apple slices, star anise, or cinnamon sticks, if desired. Serve immediately!
Nutrition
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