Cran-Apple Soda Mocktail Recipe

You know, it’s just nice having a drink around that everyone can actually enjoy. That’s why I keep coming back to this cran-apple soda mocktail.

It’s sweet, bubbly, and there’s not a drop of alcohol, so honestly, it works for both kids and adults. The flavors are bright and crisp, and you really only need a couple of steps to pull it together.

Whenever I make it, friends are always asking for the recipe. I guess it’s just that refreshing and, let’s be real, ridiculously easy.

With a handful of ingredients, you can whip up something that feels a little bit special. If you’re after a cool, flavorful drink that doesn’t take a ton of effort, I’ll show you how I do my cran-apple soda mocktail.

Cran-Apple Soda Mocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this one because it’s quick, has a punchy flavor, and honestly, it looks pretty great in a glass.

It’s just cranberry juice and sparkling water or apple cider, and the combo is tangy, sweet, and a little bit festive. I like to add apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to finish it off.

Equipment

• Tall glass: I usually grab a 12-16 oz glass—plenty of space for ice and whatever garnish I’m feeling.
• Measuring cups or jigger: Makes it easier to get the right balance.
• Mixing spoon or stirrer: You want to mix, but not kill the bubbles.
• Small plate or bowl: For the cinnamon sugar rim.
• Knife and cutting board: For slicing apples and lemons.
• Ice cube tray: Because nobody wants a warm mocktail.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice (I think 100% juice tastes best)
• 1/2 cup apple cider (or apple juice if you want it lighter)
• 1/2 cup sparkling water (or swap in sparkling cider for more apple flavor)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (I always reach for fresh)
• 1-2 thin apple slices (garnish, totally optional but pretty)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for the rim)
• Ice cubes (just fill up your glass)

Instructions

• Wet the rim of your glass with lemon juice and dip it in cinnamon sugar.
• Fill the glass halfway with ice.
• Pour in the cranberry juice.
• Add apple cider (or juice), then the lemon juice.
• Top it off slowly with sparkling water or cider.
• Gently stir—don’t go wild or you’ll lose all the fizz.
• Pop in a couple of apple slices for garnish.
• Serve right away while it’s cold and fizzy.

Notes

Sometimes I’ll use apple juice instead of cider if I’m not in the mood for something super sweet.

If you’re out of cinnamon sugar, plain sugar will do, but it’s just not as fun. Using 100% cranberry juice gives the drink more tartness—add a splash of simple syrup if you want to sweeten things up.

I go for sparkling cider when I want extra fizz or if it’s a special occasion. Lemon juice also keeps the apple slices from browning, which is a nice bonus.

If I’m serving a crowd, I’ll set out extra apple slices, lemon wedges, and a plate of cinnamon sugar so people can rim their own glasses. It’s a little thing, but it makes it more fun for everyone.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip, the first thing I notice is the crispness from the sparkling soda. That bubbly texture just lights up the whole drink and makes it super refreshing.

The cranberry juice hits with a little tartness that kind of wakes up my taste buds. Right after, there’s the apple juice—it’s gentle, sweet, and smooths everything out.

Here’s what stands out most for me:

• Tart cranberry flavor upfront
• Mild apple sweetness in the background
• Lively fizz throughout each sip

The color? It’s this bright, cheerful red that looks great in a clear glass. Honestly, I love tossing in a couple ice cubes and maybe a slice of apple on the rim—just for fun.

On my tongue, the flavors blend together really well. It’s not too sharp, not too sweet—just kind of sits in that nice middle ground.

If I throw in a squeeze of fresh lime or a few mint leaves, I get this fresh, cool note that adds a little twist. Makes the whole thing feel a bit more special, maybe even a tad fancy.

Each sip leaves a clean, slightly tangy aftertaste. It never feels heavy, so honestly, I could drink this pretty much any time.

---