I really enjoy whipping up simple drinks that still feel a bit special, and this apple cider mocktail with a cinnamon stick is honestly one of my go-tos. It’s so easy—just a handful of ingredients, and suddenly you’ve got something that tastes like autumn in a glass.
You can enjoy a cozy, fall-inspired drink without any alcohol by mixing apple cider and a cinnamon stick.
When friends drop by or I’m just craving something different, I end up making this. The scent of cinnamon and cider fills my kitchen, and honestly, it just feels warm and welcoming.
It’s a nice pick if you want something tasty that everyone can enjoy.
Cider With Cinnamon Stick Mocktail Recipe
This mocktail is my favorite when I’m in the mood for something warm and cozy. It’s also just fun to serve at parties.
It’s got the sweetness of apple cider and citrus juices, plus that spiced kick from cinnamon sticks.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or a large mason jar with a lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glass or mug for serving
- Spoon for stirring
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, if you want the drink extra smooth)
- Knife and cutting board (for slicing oranges or limes)
- Small plate (if using cinnamon sugar for rimming the glass)
- Ice cubes
A shaker really helps bring the flavors together, but honestly, a jar with a tight lid works just fine if that’s what you’ve got.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (chilled or warm)
- 1 whole cinnamon stick (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon cranberry juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
- Cinnamon sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)
- Caramel sauce (drizzled inside the glass, optional)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sparkling cider (for topping, optional)
I like experimenting with different sweeteners. Maple syrup brings a deeper, richer flavor, and honey is a bit lighter and floral.
Instructions
- If you’re rimming the glass, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on a plate, dampen the rim with a little water, and dip until coated.
- Pour apple cider, orange juice, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, cranberry juice, and a pinch of ground cinnamon into your shaker or jar.
- Toss in a handful of ice cubes and a whole cinnamon stick.
- Close it up tight and shake for 15-20 seconds, or just stir if your cider’s warm.
- If you used ice, strain into your glass over fresh ice. You can leave the cinnamon stick in for more flavor if you want.
- Top with sparkling cider for a bit of fizz.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, and if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce inside the glass.
Cider with Cinnamon Stick Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider chilled or warm
- 1 whole cinnamon stick plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp cranberry juice optional
- Ice cubes as needed
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Optional garnishes: caramel sauce apple slice, orange slice, or cinnamon sugar rim
Instructions
- (Optional) Rim your serving glass with cinnamon sugar by wetting the edge and dipping it onto a small plate of sugar.
In a shaker or mason jar, combine:
- Maple syrup or honey
- Cranberry juice (if using)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- Add ice and shake for 15–20 seconds, or stir gently if using warm cider.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, or pour directly if serving warm.
- Top with sparkling cider for fizz (optional).
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or caramel drizzle, if desired.
Notes
Sometimes I skip the cranberry juice if I’m in the mood for a sweeter, less tart drink. Fresh-squeezed orange juice really does make a difference—totally worth the extra minute.
For kids or bigger groups, I usually leave out the sparkling cider and let people add their own if they want bubbles. I’ll sometimes toss in an orange slice or a little extra ground cinnamon on top.
You can serve this over ice, or gently warm it up if the weather’s chilly. Cinnamon sticks keep infusing flavor, so I leave one in my glass.
The caramel sauce is just for fun, but it does add a sweet little finish.
Tasting Notes
The first thing that hits me is the warm, spicy smell from the cinnamon stick. It mixes with the apple cider and just screams fall.
When I take a sip, the cider tastes crisp and fresh. The cinnamon is definitely there, but not overwhelming.
Here’s what stands out with each sip:
- Sweetness: It’s sweet, but not cloying.
- Spice: Cinnamon gives it a gentle kick.
- Texture: Smooth and refreshing, not fizzy unless you add the bubbles.
Sometimes I’ll add a slice of apple or a twist of orange—honestly, it just makes it look and taste even fresher.
The cinnamon stick keeps working its magic the longer it sits, so the flavor gets a bit bolder if you let it linger. I kind of love that.
Substitute
Sometimes I run out of ingredients or just feel like mixing things up. Maybe I don’t have apple cider, or maybe I’m in the mood for something a little different.
Here are some easy substitutes I like:
- Apple Juice: I’ll grab pure apple juice if cider’s missing. It’s not as spiced, but honestly, it keeps the drink fruity and sweet enough.
- Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale: Both are solid choices if you want a bit of a kick. Ginger beer is stronger and spicier, while ginger ale is sweeter and lighter. Personally, I lean toward ginger beer for more flavor, but hey, both work with cinnamon.
Quick Substitute Table
| Original Ingredient | Substitute Option |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider | Pure Apple Juice |
| Apple Cider | Ginger Beer |
| Apple Cider | Ginger Ale |
| Cinnamon Stick | Ground Cinnamon (a small pinch) |
If I want a warmer flavor, I’ll use a dash of ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick. It dissolves quickly, but I’m careful—too much and it gets overpowering fast.
Sometimes I’ll toss in an orange slice or squeeze in a little lemon juice to brighten things up. These tricks especially help if I’m using ginger ale or ginger beer instead of cider.
When I’m making swaps, I just taste as I go. That’s the only way to get the flavors where I want them, honestly.
