Apple Cider Mocktail

This health-forward mocktail skips the alcohol, not the flavor. With tangy vinegar, spicy ginger, sweet apple cider, and bubbly club soda this non-alcoholic drink recipe offers flavors of fall in a fun cocktail with complex flavor and an adorable presentation!

WHAT’S NEW?

I was in a classroom today for the first time in a long time. Anatomy 2 started today and I’m not regretting my decision just yet. I didn’t quite realize how relaxed I’d gotten in the 2 weeks between semesters but being on-campus is a very different feel. My coworker and I raised the average age of the class by a solid half decade (and he’s 4 years younger than me…), but I figured as much would be the case. I’ve also been on a cooking hiatus because we had our last visitors of the summer and the soccer season is in full swing. Needless to say, I’m lacking in the kitchen.

​I’m not lacking in the creative drink department, however. Michigan has reached that between season time where we’re summer all day and fall all night and we’re basking in the glory that is this perfect weather. This delicious drink has been made several times and enjoyed by the entire family. The sweet apple flavor and tangy vinegar and kombucha make for a winning combination!

ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE

• Dry Lifestyle: Have you heard? Sober life is in! This mocktail is a great option for a non-alcoholic beverage to ring in the fall season!
• Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinners, game day, or a Halloween party, this apple cider vinegar fall mocktail recipe is the perfect drink to serve up fall flavors and fun!
• Adaptable: These simple ingredients can be used in different quantities and ratios to create any number of refreshing drink options for holiday season or any time.

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Ginger: Fresh ginger root (bought in “knobs”) is easy to peel and grate but also comes in paste forms commonly found in the produce section. It offers flavors of pepper and spice with some mild sweetness and intense but wonderfully strong flavor. A little goes a long way!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A high quality apple cider vinegar will include some cloudy components that accummulate at the bottom of the bottle, called “the mother”. I generally recommend Braggs apple cider vinegar, however any will do. You can also omit this ingredient, if preferred.
• Kombucha: This fizzy fermented tea offers a complex, perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Look for kombucha that is flavored with ginger or complimentary flavors, does not have excessive added sugar, and contains natural ingredients.
• Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is made from pressed apples that remains raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. It is simply…apples! You can often find apple cider in grocery stores or at an apple orchard near you (yum!). You can also sub in ginger beer, apple juice, cranberry juice, or any number of fruit juices, if preferred.
• Soda Water: This ingredient is also known as sparkling water, carbonated water, seltzer water, or. club soda. If you prefer, tonic water or coconut water can be used in place of soda water.
• Garnishes: Ice cubes are a must, however the rosemary sprigs and apple slices offer a fun seasonal touch. 

VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS

• To make a large batch, consider serving in a punch bowl, beverage dispenser, or fun pitcher.
• Don’t use a cocktail shaker for this recipe – the fizziness from the kombucha and soda water are best not shaken.
• This recipe is sweet but not overly sweet. You can reduce the amount of soda water added or consider adding a splash of maple syrup or simple syrup for additional layers of flavor and added sweetness.
• I recommend making this mocktail immediately before serving. You can prep the ginger root, vinegar, and apple cider, however the kombucha and soda water should be added immediately before serving.

FAQ 

Why does the apple cider vinegar variety matter?

Apple cider vinegars offer several health benefits when they include the mother. This portion of the cider contains raw enzymes and bacteria that promote digestive health by feeing the healthy bacteria in our digestive system.

What makes kombucha healthy?

Kombucha is a fermented product that offers probiotics and antioxidants. Most kombucha is considerably lower in sugar than juice.

What other garnishes would you recommend using?

There’s no shortage of ways to change up how you serve this cocktail! I would recommend trying out cinnamon sticks or star anise for some cozy spices in a fall drink offering. You can always change up the shape of ice cubes used with a unique ice cube tray or adding a fun addition to the rim of the glass. Simply swipe lime juice or lemon juice over the rim of the glass and dipping into a small plate of raw sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even coconut sugar.

If you want to make this into a cocktail, what alcohol would you recommend?

To turn this mocktail into a cocktail, you could add a dry white wine such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio or a spirit such as bourbon, rum, or vodka. If you’re feeling really wild, you can add both wine and spirits such as in a sangria.

NUTRITIONAL MERITS

• This recipe is vegan and gluten-free
• At only 77 calories per serving, this mocktail is relatively low in calories
• This mocktail offers several ingredients that promote a healthy gut

Seeking more ways to serve up flavors of fall? 

• Old Fashioned Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
• Perfect Pumpkin French Toast
• Cranberry Gin Mule Cocktail
• Applesauce Chia Muffins
• Pumpkin-Oat Bars with Chocolate Chips
• Pumpkin Pie Bars
• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
• Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Be well,