When I’m craving something sweet and cozy, but want to skip the booze, I usually whip up a caramel apple mocktail.
It’s smooth and packed with apple flavor, basically a fall treat in a glass.
With just a few ingredients, I can throw together a caramel apple mocktail that feels perfect for family gatherings, an easy party drink, or just a chill night at home.
I like how simple it is to make, and honestly, everyone can enjoy it—kids, adults, whoever’s around.
It just looks festive, you know? Like an instant celebration in a glass.
If you’re in the mood to try something new, here’s my go-to recipe.
Caramel Apple Mocktail Recipe
This Caramel Apple Mocktail is a favorite of mine because it blends sweet caramel, crisp apple, and fizzy ginger beer.
It’s nonalcoholic, super easy, and works for parties or just a cozy evening at home.
Equipment
- Tall glass: I usually grab a 12-16 oz glass.
- Cocktail shaker (optional): Handy if you want everything really mixed, but stirring is fine too.
- Measuring spoons: For caramel or sugar, just to keep things balanced.
- Spoon: For mixing and swirling in that caramel.
- Small plate: Makes rimming the glass easier.
- Ice cube tray: Gotta have cold ice for this.
- Paring knife: For slicing apples and maybe the cinnamon stick.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup cold apple cider (apple juice works in a pinch)
- 1/2 cup sparkling ginger beer (or ginger soda if you want less spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (mix in or sprinkle on top)
- 1 small apple (thinly sliced for garnish)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
- Demerara or turbinado sugar (optional, for rimming)
- Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
- Splash of sparkling water (optional, for some extra fizz)
Instructions
- Rim your glass with caramel sauce, then dip it in sugar.
- Drop in some ice cubes to get things nice and cold.
- Add caramel sauce to the bottom of your glass and swirl it around.
- Pour in the cold apple cider or juice.
- Add the ginger beer or ginger soda for that little sparkle.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top it off with a splash of sparkling water if you like it lighter.
- Garnish with apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and maybe a cinnamon stick.
- Drizzle more caramel sauce on top if you’re feeling extra.
Notes
I love rimming the glass with turbinado sugar—it gives a sweet crunch and works so well with caramel.
If I only have apple juice, I use that, but honestly, cider brings out a richer flavor.
Ginger beer adds a bit of a spicy kick, but ginger soda is good for a milder version.
Fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick make this look fancy and add a bit more flavor.
Sometimes I go a little wild with caramel sauce on top, just to make it dessert-like.
It’s best served icy cold, so I don’t skimp on the ice, and sometimes I’ll add a splash of sparkling water for more bubbles.
Tweak the sweetness and spice however you like—there’s really no wrong way.
Caramel Apple Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Tall glass (12-16 oz)
- Spoon (for mixing)
- Small plate (for rimming the glass)
- Paring knife
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup cold apple cider or apple juice
- 1/2 cup sparkling ginger beer or ginger soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 small apple thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 cup ice cubes or enough to fill your glass
- 1 tablespoon Demerara or turbinado sugar optional, for rimming
- 1 cinnamon stick optional, for garnish
- Splash of sparkling water optional, for extra fizz
Instructions
- Rim the glass with a thin layer of caramel sauce, then dip it in sugar to coat the rim.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the bottom of the glass and swirl to coat.
- Pour in 1 cup of cold apple cider (or apple juice).
- Add 1/2 cup of sparkling ginger beer (or ginger soda).
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Add a splash of sparkling water if you prefer a lighter, fizzier drink.
- Garnish with thin apple slices, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick.
- Drizzle more caramel sauce on top if desired.
- Serve immediately, chilled.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip, the first thing that hits me is the crisp apple flavor.
It’s bright and fresh, kind of like those apple drinks you get at fall parties.
The caramel brings in this smooth sweetness without being too much. Honestly, it’s kind of like drinking a caramel apple on a stick, but way easier to enjoy.
Sometimes I catch a hint of cinnamon spice that makes it feel extra autumn-y.
If you’re looking for a festive, non-alcoholic drink that’s easy and fun, I think this one really captures the spirit of fall.
The balance of sweet and tart works for me, and it goes well with snacks or desserts—definitely a good pick for parties or family nights.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have all the original ingredients for my caramel apple mocktail. No big deal—I use simple swaps that still taste awesome.
Here are some easy substitutes I reach for:
-
Apple juice:
If I’m out, I’ll grab pear juice or even white grape juice. Both give a mild, pleasant flavor. -
Caramel syrup:
When caramel’s missing, butterscotch sauce or a splash of maple syrup does the trick. -
Sparkling water:
I like to use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. It keeps things fizzy and honestly, it’s just more fun that way.
Equipment swaps I sometimes make:
-
Cocktail shaker:
If I can’t find mine (which happens), a mason jar with a tight lid works fine. -
Fancy glasses:
Usually, I just grab whatever regular cups are clean in my kitchen.
Instructions for using substitutes:
- Pour your substitute juice in first.
- Next, add whichever syrup or sauce you’ve got.
- Top it off with your fizzy drink of choice, then give it a gentle stir.
- Taste before serving—sometimes you need a little tweak.
