3 Apple Cider-Inspired Mocktails for Fall

Here in the Willamette Valley, it is just beginning to look like fall. For the past few weeks, mornings have begun with dense fog rising from the valley floor; green lawns are now blanketed with colorful leaves; and aromas of petrichor and mushrooms fill the air.  This shift in seasons has us reaching for all things cozy, including these three apple cider-inspired mocktails. 

Apple Cider Versus Apple Juice

Minimally processed, apple cider is the unfiltered juice from freshly pressed apples. Apple juice, on the other hand, goes through more filtering and sometimes processing. Either will work for the recipes below, but we prefer apple cider for these recipe. 

3 Fall Mocktail Recipes

Autumn can bring a range of temperatures from warm, sunny days to cool nights.  For that reason, both cold and warm beverages are a treat this time of year. These recipes list organic sweet cinnamon sticks for their subtle cinnamon flavor, but they can be substituted with organic cassia cinnamon sticks if you prefer a stronger cinnamon taste. 

ORANGE SPICED APPLE CIDER SANGRIA

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

Ingredients

• 4 organic sweet cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 1 Tbsp. organic dried ginger root powder
• 1/4 tsp organic pepper powder of choice
• 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

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