Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail

The Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail is a vibrant and refreshing alcohol-free beverage perfect for any season, especially autumn. It brilliantly combines the coolness of fresh mint and the tang of lime with the sweet, crisp taste of apple juice. A hint of spiced simple syrup adds a warm, aromatic depth, all topped off with a lively splash of soda water for a delightful fizz.
Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is categorized as a mocktail, being a completely non-alcoholic beverage. It falls into the refreshing category due to its crisp apple, zesty lime, and cool mint flavors, making it an invigorating choice.

Serving

This is a cold, non-alcoholic drink served over ice in a tall Highball glass to accommodate its volume and showcase the garnishes.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This mocktail is a modern creation, born from the growing desire for sophisticated, alcohol-free drink options. It's designed to capture the festive spirit of autumn and the holiday season, offering a complex and satisfying alternative to traditional cocktails for everyone to enjoy.
Origin
As a contemporary recipe, the Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail does not have a single point of origin but is part of the 21st-century craft mocktail movement popular in North America and Europe.

Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail

The name "Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail" is descriptive of its character as a non-alcoholic, spiced apple version of a Mojito. It is also known by simpler names like Apple Nojito, highlighting its connection to the classic mocktail.
Original name
Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail
Alternative names
  • Apple Nojito
  • Virgin Spiced Apple Mojito
  • Autumn Mojito Mocktail

Characteristics overview

It features a refreshing balance of sweet apple and tart lime, with an aromatic bouquet of fresh mint and warm spices. The texture is light and bubbly with a clean, crisp finish, making it a perfect autumnal refresher.
Flavor
Apple, mint, lime, cinnamon, spiced, sweet, tart
Aroma
Minty, fruity, spicy, citrusy
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, lingering spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Pale golden, slightly cloudy, green flecks of mint
Texture
Light, crisp, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, autumnal, festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a fruit-forward drink with a good balance between sweetness and sourness, complemented by gentle spice and moderate carbonation. It is entirely non-alcoholic and has no creamy or salty notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need fresh mint and lime, apple juice, and soda water. The key to the flavor is a homemade spiced simple syrup infused with cinnamon and cloves.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves8-10 leaves
    Use fresh, vibrant mint for the best aroma and flavor.
  • Lime Wedges2 wedges
    From about half a lime.
  • Spiced Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    To make, simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 4-5 whole cloves for 10 minutes. Let cool and strain.
  • Apple Juice90 ml / 3 oz
    Unfiltered apple cider can also be used for a more rustic flavor.
  • Soda Water90 ml / 3 oz, to top
    Chilled sparkling water or club soda works perfectly.

Ice type

  • Crushed or Cubed

Mixing equipments

Basic bar tools are needed, including a muddler to press the mint and lime, and a cocktail shaker to chill the mixture properly before serving.
  • Muddler for releasing flavors
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Strainer for a clean pour

Instructions

The process involves muddling mint and lime with spiced syrup, shaking with apple juice and ice, and then straining into a glass. The drink is finished with a top of soda water and a fresh garnish.
1. In the base of a cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves and two lime wedges.
2. Pour the spiced simple syrup over the mint and lime.
3. Gently muddle the ingredients to release the mint oils and lime juice without shredding the leaves.
4. Add the apple juice to the shaker and fill it with ice.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
6. Fill a Highball glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
7. Top with chilled soda water, stir gently to combine, and garnish with a fresh mint sprig, an apple slice, and an optional cinnamon stick.

Garnishing

Garnish generously with a fresh mint sprig and a thin slice of apple to enhance the drink's aroma and visual appeal. A cinnamon stick can be added for an extra touch of spice.
  • Mint sprig for aroma and visual appeal
  • Thin apple slice placed on the rim or in the drink
  • Cinnamon stick as an optional, aromatic stirrer

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also vegan, vegetarian, caffeine-free, and entirely alcohol-free.
✕ 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 its sweetness and carbohydrate content coming primarily from the apple juice and simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 90-120 kcal / 377-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 22-28 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is exceptionally versatile, fitting for cozy autumn gatherings, festive holiday parties, or as a sophisticated brunch beverage. It's also a perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon when you crave something special without alcohol.
  • Autumn Gatherings
  • Holiday Parties
  • Brunches
  • Relaxing Afternoon

Pairing suggestions

This drink pairs wonderfully with autumnal flavors. Consider serving it alongside a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar and apple slices, light appetizers, or main courses like roast pork or chicken.
  • Light appetizers and canapés
  • Cheese boards with apple and cheddar
  • Roast pork or chicken dishes

The Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail: Autumn in a Glass

The Spiced Apple Mojito Mocktail is a thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic beverage that delivers complexity and refreshment. Its foundation of muddled mint and lime is elevated by crisp apple juice and a warming spiced syrup, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and aromatic notes. Topped with soda for a lively fizz, it's an elegant and inclusive choice for festive occasions or a simple moment of indulgence, proving that you don't need alcohol to enjoy a sophisticated drink.

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