Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail

The Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail is a delightful and warming non-alcoholic beverage perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. It masterfully combines the crisp taste of apple cider with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. The drink is topped with sparkling ginger ale, which adds a pleasant fizz and a touch of zesty spice, creating a beautifully balanced and multi-layered flavor experience.
Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a mocktail, meaning it is a sophisticated, non-alcoholic mixed drink. Due to its warm spice and apple flavors, it falls into the seasonal category, being particularly popular during the autumn and winter months.

Serving

This non-alcoholic mocktail is served cold with ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. For an extra festive touch, the rim of the glass can be coated with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Serving size
Approximately 250 ml / 8.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Optional cinnamon-sugar rim

Backstory

This mocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the nostalgic comfort of homemade apple pie. It emerged from the growing trend of sophisticated, craft mocktails designed to provide a rich flavor experience without alcohol. It has become a popular choice for holiday parties and family-friendly events, particularly during the fall and winter seasons.
Origin
As a contemporary recipe, the Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail doesn't have a single point of origin but rather evolved within the craft mocktail movement in North America and Europe. Its rise in popularity corresponds with the 2010s, a decade that saw a significant increase in demand for creative non-alcoholic beverage options.

Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail

This drink is primarily known as the Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail, a name that perfectly describes its flavor profile. Alternative names like "Apple Pie Fizz" or "Autumn Apple Sparkler" emphasize its effervescence and seasonal character, making it appealing for fall festivities.
Original name
Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail
Alternative names
  • Apple Pie Fizz
  • Autumn Apple Sparkler

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a delightful aroma of warm spices and fresh apple, leading to a flavor that balances fruity sweetness with a hint of tartness and spice. Its bubbly texture and golden hue make it a visually appealing and refreshing choice for autumn and winter.
Flavor
Apple, Cinnamon, Spice, Vanilla, Ginger, Sweet, Tart
Aroma
Warm spices, Apple, Cinnamon, Sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour, Spicy
Aftertaste
Warming, Spiced, Clean
Fizziness
Bubbly, Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Golden brown, Clear, Bubbly
Texture
Smooth, Crisp, Effervescent
Seasonality
Warming, Autumnal, Wintery, Festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, defined by a pleasant fruitiness and sweetness from the apple, complemented by warm spices. It is completely non-alcoholic and has a medium level of carbonation for a crisp finish.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core of this mocktail is non-alcoholic apple cider, sweetened and spiced with cinnamon syrup. A touch of fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract adds complexity, while a topping of ginger ale provides a refreshing sparkle.
  • Apple Cider120 ml / 4 oz
    Use unfiltered, non-alcoholic apple cider for the best flavor. Not to be confused with hard cider or clear apple juice.
  • Cinnamon Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Can be store-bought or easily made by simmering cinnamon sticks, sugar, and water.
  • Lemon Juice5 ml / 0.15 oz
    Freshly squeezed is recommended to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract1/4 teaspoon
    Adds a subtle warmth and depth, reminiscent of pie crust.
  • Ginger Ale60 ml / 2 oz
    To top the drink. Adds fizz and a gentle spicy note.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

Basic bartending tools are needed, including a cocktail shaker to chill and combine the main ingredients, and a strainer to pour the drink over fresh ice. A jigger ensures the proportions are accurate for a balanced taste.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Strainer

Instructions

The preparation is simple: shake the cider, syrup, and flavorings with ice, strain into an ice-filled glass, and then top with ginger ale. Don't forget the garnish to complete the presentation.
1. Optional: Prepare the glass by running a lemon wedge around the rim and dipping it into a plate of cinnamon-sugar.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
3. Add the apple cider, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Fill your prepared Highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
6. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
7. Top with ginger ale and give it a gentle stir.
8. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice before serving.

Garnishing

Garnishing with a cinnamon stick and a fresh apple slice not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds to the aromatic experience, reinforcing the apple pie theme.
  • Cinnamon stick: Place one stick into the finished drink.
  • Apple slice: A thin slice or fan placed on the rim or floating on top.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally alcohol-free, caffeine-free, and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. It is also free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, though checking individual ingredient labels is always recommended.
✕ 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 but contains a moderate to high amount of sugar, primarily from the natural sugars in the apple cider and the added cinnamon syrup and ginger ale.
Calories
Approximately 100-130 kcal / 418-544 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25-32 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 24-30 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, and Christmas parties. Its non-alcoholic nature makes it an inclusive choice for guests of all ages, and it serves as a wonderful comforting beverage for a quiet, cozy evening at home.
  • Autumn Gatherings
  • Holiday Parties
  • Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Cozy Night In
  • Family Celebrations

Pairing suggestions

This mocktail pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory snacks. It complements the richness of a cheese board, the saltiness of roasted nuts, and the buttery flavor of shortbread cookies, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
  • Cheese platter with cheddar or brie
  • Roasted or spiced nuts
  • Shortbread cookies or biscotti
  • Savory pastries

The Comforting Charm of the Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail

The Spiced Apple Pie Mocktail is a fantastic non-alcoholic choice for anyone seeking a festive and flavorful drink. It perfectly balances the sweetness of apple with the warmth of cinnamon and the sparkle of ginger ale, creating a taste that is both comforting and refreshing. Easy to make and visually appealing, it's an ideal beverage for holiday gatherings, ensuring guests of all ages can enjoy a special treat. Its sophisticated character proves that a mocktail can be just as memorable as a classic cocktail.

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