There are so many things I love about autumn. Like a dear friend I haven’t seen in far too long, I’m refreshed, comforted, and inspired by the season. I look forward to the addition of warming spices in my foods, vibrant bursts of colors, mushroom-scented walks in the forest, and fresh apple cider. Usually, I immediately drink the newly pressed, sweet cider. All notions of sharing go out the window; the cider barely makes it home from the store. But this year, in the giving spirit of the fall season, I resolve to save some apple cider to savor and share with family and friends.

Here are some of my favorite spiced apple cider-inspired fall mocktail recipes for cultivating good vibes and happy taste buds no matter what age your friends are. If your friends happen to be 21+, whisky or bourbon can be added for additional deliciousness and extra social lubrication. However, these mocktails are so flavorful you may not even miss the booze.

What Is a Mocktail?

You may be asking, what even is a mocktail? Deriving its name from cocktail, a mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that resembles its booze-filled cousin in appearance and taste—but keeps you sober. Often, they include fresh fruits, interesting botanicals, and unique spice combinations. Delicious and complex in flavor, these ‘zero-proof’ drinks are perfect for any time of the day and for the entire family (unless they include honey, in which case do not give to a child under one year old).

Apple Cider Versus Apple Juice

Minimally processed, apple cider is the unfiltered juice from freshly pressed apples. If you have an apple tree and are feeling ambitious, I highly recommend making your own apple cider—it’s truly the best. But if this isn’t available to you, apple cider can often be found at farmers’ markets or natural foods stores. While apple juice (or other juice of choice) can be substituted in the recipes below, the flavor and body of apple cider make it an ideal choice.

3 Fall Mocktail Recipes

Autumn can bring a range of temperatures from warm, sunny days to cool nights and I often find myself oscillating between wanting a cold beverage or a warm one. To cover all bases, I’ve included spiced recipes fit for both warmer weather and for when there is a chill in the air. I also chose organic sweet cinnamon sticks for their subtle cinnamon flavor, but they can be substituted with organic cassia cinnamon sticks for a stronger cinnamon taste. Feel free to experiment based on your spice preferences!

ORANGE SPICED APPLE CIDER SANGRIA

Traditionally from Spain, sangria is made by soaking fruit in red or white wine but can also contain fruit juice, sweeteners, sparkling water, and flavored liqueurs. A drink with a wide range for experimentation, this non-alcoholic version features bright citrus flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. organic cardamom pods (or more to taste)
• 2 organic sweet cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 3 Tbsp. organic dried orange peel
• 2 1/2 cups organic apple cider
• Sliced, organic apples, oranges, and lemons

Directions

1. Lightly crush organic cardamom pods to release their aromatics.
2. Add the crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and dried orange peel to a quart jar.
3. Add the apple cider to the spices in the jar.
4. Cap with an airtight lid, shake, and set in the fridge for 4 to 5 hours. Shake the brew every hour or so to ensure the spices are well incorporated.
5. Once desired flavor is achieved, strain the ‘sangria’ from the spices.
6. Fill a rocks glass with a couple ice cubes and slices of organic apple, orange, and lemon.
7. Pour in ‘sangria’ and enjoy!

Pro Tips

1. Taste your brew at the 3-, 4-, and 5-hour marks. I enjoyed the strong orange flavor that came through after 5 hours but if you enjoy the taste at 3 hours, strain then.
2. This will keep in the fridge for a couple days—but I doubt it will last that long!

SPICY CINNAMON & GINGER APPLE CIDER

A popular fall time drink I recently saw involves mixing a strong cinnamon-flavored liquor with apple cider. I decided to make a mocktail version of this spicy and sweet beverage using a simple syrup which can then be mixed with the apple cider.

Ingredients

• 4 organic sweet cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 1 Tbsp. organic dried ginger root
• 1/4 tsp organic cayenne powder
• 1/2 cup filtered water
• 1/2 cup organic sugar
• Organic apple cider

Directions

1. First make the simple syrup by adding spices, filtered water, and organic sugar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved (approximately 5 minutes).
2. Take saucepan off heat and set aside to let the flavors continue to infuse for 5–10 minutes.
3. Strain the simple syrup into a jar and let cool completely.
4. Add a couple ice cubes to a rocks glass. Pour 1 Tbsp. simple syrup over ice (for a kiss of spice). Fill remainder of glass with apple cider.
5. Stir & enjoy!

Pro Tips

1. Adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on how spicy you like your drink.
2. Simple syrup will keep in fridge for up to two weeks.
   
   

ROSEMARY APPLE CIDER HOT TODDY

Traditionally made with hot water, lemon, honey, and a little whisky, hot toddies are often sipped at the onset of winter crud. This spin-off of the classic toddy is delicious and supportive.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tsp. organic dried rosemary leaf
• 2 cups organic apple cider
• 1 fresh organic lemon wedge
• 1 dollop of local organic honey
• Splash of organic apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Organic star anise pod (optional)

Directions

1. Add rosemary and organic apple cider to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and slowly heat over medium-low for 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. Squeeze lemon wedge into a mug, adding the entire slice once squeezed.
3. Add honey and optional apple cider vinegar. This adds a nice tangy flavor to the hot toddy and has additional health benefits.
4. Strain warm apple cider infusion into the mug and stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
5. Garnish with an organic star anise pod or simply drink as is.

Pro Tips

1. Try substituting organic dried thyme for rosemary as another effective and delicious wellness-boosting culinary herb.
2. Honey can be substituted for another sweetener of choice including organic maple syrup or organic sugar.

Looking for an apple cider recipe with a kick?

Try This Hard Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

Try these other seasonal mocktail favorites:

Fall Cocktails: Elder Bellini Recipe with a Mocktail Option
Maqui Berry Mocktail for the Holidays
Homemade Hop Ginger Brew