Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail Recipe

If you love the flavors of fall but want something everyone can enjoy, you’re in the right place. My apple cider sangria mocktail offers all the crisp, sweet taste of traditional sangria without any alcohol.

It’s perfect for family gatherings or when you want a cozy drink that feels festive but isn’t a hassle to whip up.

When I started making this non-alcoholic apple cider sangria, I was honestly surprised by how simple the ingredients are and how quickly you can throw it together. This apple cider mocktail is a hit with both kids and adults who just want a fun, fruity drink.

I like how every glass is packed with apples, oranges, and a splash of sparkling flavor. It makes each sip feel refreshing and, well, a little special.

Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail Recipe

This apple cider sangria mocktail is a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink loaded with the flavors of fresh fruit and seasonal spices. I love how easy it is to put together—just a few tools, bright fruit, and some bubbly mixers.

Equipment

• Large pitcher (about 2 quarts or more)
• Sharp knife for cutting fruit
• Cutting board
• Long spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Glasses for serving
• Small bowl for separating seeds or garnishes

A big pitcher lets me mix the mocktail and make sure the fruit flavors blend well. A sharp knife and cutting board are all you need to slice apples, pears, or limes.

The spoon is handy for stirring everything without smashing the fruit. Measuring cups and spoons keep the juices, syrups, and sparkling drinks balanced.

Sometimes I use a citrus juicer for fresh lime juice, but honestly, squeezing by hand works fine too. Glasses make the drink look inviting, and a small bowl catches any seeds or holds garnishes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh apple cider
• 1 cup white grape juice or pear juice
• 1 cup cranberry juice or pomegranate juice
• 1 medium honeycrisp apple, sliced
• 1 medium pear, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1-2 sticks cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or simple syrup (to taste)
• 1 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
• 1 cup sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
• Ice cubes

These ingredients make the mocktail taste sweet, tart, and fizzy. I find that honeycrisp apples and pears stay crisp in the pitcher.

Cranberries and pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and flavor. Ginger beer or ginger ale brings a gentle spice and those fun bubbles.

Maple syrup or simple syrup lets you adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some days I want it less sweet, other days a little more.

Instructions

• Wash and dry all fresh fruit before slicing.
• Chop the apple and pear into thin slices or small cubes.
• Add the fruit, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds to the pitcher.
• Pour in apple cider, white grape juice (or pear juice), and cranberry juice (or pomegranate juice).
• Stir in the maple syrup or simple syrup and the fresh lime juice.
• Add the cinnamon sticks.
• Before serving, pour in the ginger beer (or ginger ale) and sparkling water. Stir gently.
• Fill glasses with ice cubes and ladle in the mocktail, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
• Garnish with extra fruit slices or a cinnamon stick if you like.

I let the mixed juice and fruit sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours before adding the fizzy drinks. This helps the flavors blend, and the fruit soaks up the cider and juices.

Notes

I always pay attention to how sweet the cider and juices are before adding more syrup. If I use sweet apple cider, I go lighter on the syrup or honey.

For a tarter taste, I pick unsweetened cranberry or pomegranate juice. I like to switch up the fruit, tossing in grapes or oranges when I have them.

For a sparkling, lighter drink, sometimes I use only sparkling water instead of ginger beer or soda. If someone has allergies to apples or pears, I just swap in extra berries or even peaches if it’s summer.

To keep the drink chilled but not watered down, I freeze some fruit slices and use them instead of regular ice. It adds color and keeps the mocktail tasty.

If I’m serving kids, I skip the spicy ginger beer and go for ginger ale for a sweeter, milder flavor.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of my Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail, the crisp apple flavor jumps out first. It’s a bit tart, but honestly, the natural sweetness pulls it all together.

The aroma? It’s this cozy mix of apples, oranges, and just a touch of cinnamon. I can catch the spices right away, and it kind of makes me want to curl up with a blanket.

When I drink it, the mocktail feels smooth—and if I’ve used sparkling water, it’s got that little bit of fizz. The spice hangs around for a second, leaving my mouth feeling warm, but not in a fiery way.

I really like how refreshing it is. The fruit pieces floating in my glass look great, and every sip has its own burst of flavor.

It’s not too sweet or heavy, so honestly, I could see myself having more than one glass without feeling weighed down.

If you’re curious how it stacks up against regular sangria, I’d say it’s lighter and definitely less sweet. The apple cider gives it this autumn vibe, and you don’t even miss the alcohol.

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