This refreshing Cranberry Apple Mocktail brings the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors to any gathering.
The simple recipe needs just four ingredients: cranberry juice, apple cider, lime juice, and sparkling water.
The drink works great for holiday parties, baby showers, or any time you want a fancy non-alcoholic option.
The bright red color and fizzy bubbles make it look festive in any glass.
Kids and adults both enjoy this tasty drink that takes less than 5 minutes to mix up.
Adding fresh cranberries and apple slices as garnish creates an extra special touch that will impress guests.
Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Tall glasses for serving
- Knife and cutting board for garnishes
Ingredients
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz apple juice
- 1 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 oz ginger ale
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds until the mixture is cold.
- Fill tall glasses with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture into the glasses.
- Top each glass with ginger ale.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with apple slices, fresh cranberries, and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Tasting Notes
This cranberry apple mocktail offers a perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors. The crisp apple taste leads the way, followed by bright cranberry notes that dance on the tongue.
The drink’s gorgeous ruby-red color catches the eye first. Its appearance sparkles in the glass, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Fresh apple chunks and cranberries add visual appeal while enhancing the natural fruit flavors. These garnishes create a festive look that matches the drink’s cheerful character.
The carbonation brings a gentle fizz that makes each sip refreshing and light. Ice keeps the drink perfectly chilled without watering down the carefully balanced flavors.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Primary: Fresh apple, tart cranberry
- Secondary: Light citrus hints
- Finish: Clean, crisp, slightly sweet
The mocktail’s smooth texture comes from the proper mixing of ingredients. Each component blends together while maintaining its distinct taste profile.
A light foam forms at the top when you shake it properly, adding an elegant touch to the presentation. The aroma combines fresh fruit scents that enhance the drinking experience.
Substitute
You can swap several ingredients in this cranberry apple mocktail to match your taste or what you have on hand.
Instead of fresh cranberry juice, use store-bought cranberry cocktail or cran-apple juice blend. These options make the drink sweeter and less tart.
Apple cider can be replaced with apple juice. The drink will be lighter but still tasty. For extra flavor, try pear nectar or white grape juice.
Other substitutes include:
- Sparkling water → Club soda or ginger ale
- Fresh lime → Lemon juice
- Cinnamon stick → Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon)
- Fresh apple slices → Dried apple chips
To make a sugar-free version, replace simple syrup with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
If you want it fizzy, mix in some sparkling cider instead of regular apple cider. This adds bubbles and makes the drink more festive.
