Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail

The Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail is an elegant and complex non-alcoholic drink perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. It combines the sweetness of apple cider with the warmth of a cinnamon-infused syrup and the tang of fresh lemon. The experience is elevated by smoking the glass with a cinnamon stick, which imparts a delightful, fragrant aroma that complements the drink's flavors perfectly. It's a multi-sensory treat that proves mocktails can be just as intricate as their alcoholic counterparts.
Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a modern mocktail. It doesn't rely on classic cocktail structures but instead uses contemporary techniques like smoking to build complex, alcohol-free flavors. It's designed for those seeking a sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage experience.

Serving

Served cold in a smoked Rocks glass, this is a moderate-sized, completely non-alcoholic drink. The smoking of the glass is a key part of the preparation and presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 180 ml / 6 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks
Glass treatment
Smoked with a cinnamon stick

Backstory

This mocktail was inspired by the cozy scents of autumn and winter, reminiscent of apple pies and open fires. It was developed to offer a grown-up, non-alcoholic option that doesn't compromise on complexity or presentation. The use of smoke is a modern mixology technique applied here to add depth and an element of theater to the drink-making process.
Origin
This is a contemporary creation, likely originating from the modern craft mocktail movement of the 2010s. It doesn't have a single point of origin but is representative of the trend towards more sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages in North America and Europe.

Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail

The drink is primarily known as the Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail. Some variations of the name, like Apple Cinnamon Smoke Mocktail, emphasize the key flavor components. It might also be referred to as a non-alcoholic smoked toddy due to its warm, comforting notes.
Original name
Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail
Alternative names
  • Apple Cinnamon Smoke Mocktail
  • Non-Alcoholic Smoked Apple Toddy

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a complex aroma of smoke and cinnamon leading to a balanced sweet and tart flavor of apple and spice. It has a smooth texture, a lightly sparkling finish, and a warming character perfect for cooler seasons.
Flavor
Smoky, apple, cinnamon, sweet, tart, warming
Aroma
Smoke, cinnamon, apple, spice
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Lingering smoke, warm spice
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Amber, clear, golden hue
Texture
Smooth, light body
Seasonality
Warming, autumnal, wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a prominent fruitiness from the apple balanced by warmth from the spices. It is sweet and slightly sour with no alcohol and light carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need quality apple cider, fresh lemon juice, homemade cinnamon syrup, and sparkling water. A cinnamon stick is also crucial for both smoking the glass and for garnish.
  • Apple Cider120 ml / 4 oz
    Use a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor.
  • Cinnamon Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    To make, simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4 cinnamon sticks for 15 minutes. Cool and strain.
  • Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential.
  • Sparkling Water30 ml / 1 oz (to top)
    Or club soda.
  • Cinnamon Stick1
    Used for smoking the glass and for garnish.

Ice type

  • Large ice cube or sphere

Mixing equipments

Key equipment includes a cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling, and a way to smoke the glass, such as a smoking gun or simply a torch and a heatproof surface.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Smoking gun or a lighter/torch and a fire-safe surface

Instructions

The process involves smoking a Rocks glass with a cinnamon stick, shaking the main ingredients with ice, and straining into the glass before topping with sparkling water and garnishing.
1. Prepare the smoked glass. Place a cinnamon stick on a fire-safe surface and toast it with a lighter or torch until it begins to smolder and release smoke. Immediately place your Rocks glass upside down over the smoking stick to trap the smoke inside. Let it sit for a minute.
2. While the glass is smoking, add the apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Carefully turn the smoked glass upright, releasing the aromatic smoke. Place a large ice cube or sphere inside the glass.
5. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass over the large ice cube.
6. Top with a splash of sparkling water for a light effervescence.
7. Garnish with a thin apple slice and the cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh, thin slice of apple and a cinnamon stick to enhance the visual appeal and aroma of the drink.
  • Thin apple slice or apple fan
  • Cinnamon stick

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with around 100-120 kcal per serving. Most of the calories come from the carbohydrates and natural sugars in the apple cider and cinnamon syrup.
Calories
Averagely 100-120 kcal / 418-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 22-28 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for autumn and winter occasions, such as holiday parties or a quiet evening by the fire. Its warm, comforting flavors make it a festive and sophisticated choice for designated drivers or anyone abstaining from alcohol.
  • Autumn Gatherings
  • Winter Holidays
  • Cozy Night In
  • Designated Driver's Choice

Pairing suggestions

The smoky and sweet notes of this drink pair wonderfully with savory and rich foods. It complements a cheese board with aged cheddar, roasted nuts, or even main courses like roasted pork. For dessert, it's a natural match for apple or pumpkin pie.
  • Roasted nuts
  • Cheese board (especially with cheddar or brie)
  • Apple or pumpkin pie
  • Pork dishes

The Art of the Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail

The Smoked Cinnamon & Apple Mocktail is a masterful non-alcoholic creation that delivers a truly sophisticated drinking experience. It perfectly balances the sweet and tart flavors of apple and lemon with the warming spice of cinnamon. The defining characteristic is the aromatic smoke, which adds a layer of complexity and a touch of theater to the presentation. This mocktail is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a thoughtful, festive, and delicious alcohol-free beverage, especially during the autumn and winter months.

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