I love making fun drinks for parties and family nights, and the Curse of the Candy Apple Mocktail is always a big hit.
This easy, alcohol-free recipe tastes just like a sweet candy apple, and anyone can make it at home.
The deep red color and spooky name make it perfect for Halloween or, honestly, any time you want a festive treat.
Kids and adults can both enjoy this drink, and it only takes a few basic ingredients.
I like how simple it is to mix together, but the finished mocktail still looks and tastes special.
This post will help you make your own Curse of the Candy Apple Mocktail, with clear steps and helpful tips along the way.
Curse Of The Candy Apple Mocktail Recipe
This candy apple mocktail is sweet and tart, with a bold apple flavor and just a little spice.
I like to make it for parties, especially in the fall or for Halloween, since everyone can enjoy it and it looks fun in a glass.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix the mocktail really well and to chill it fast.
- Measuring jigger or small measuring cup: This helps me measure the juices and syrups correctly.
- Fine mesh strainer: This is useful to keep out any pulp or pieces of spice.
- Serving glass: I pick a clear glass so the color stands out.
- Spoon or muddler: I use this if I want to mash the star anise or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Small saucepan: I need this if I make the cinnamon syrup or want to infuse apple juice with spices.
- Ice: For shaking and serving, ice keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 3 oz apple juice (I prefer fresh-pressed for best flavor)
- 1 oz lemon juice (fresh-squeezed works best)
- 1 oz cinnamon syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 tsp star anise, crushed or 1 whole star anise pod
- 1/2 oz grenadine (for color and sweetness)
- Ice (enough to fill the shaker)
- Apple slices or cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- Optional: extra lemon slice (for a tart finish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the apple juice, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, and grenadine.
- Add the star anise (whole or crushed, as you like).
- Seal the shaker tightly and shake briskly for 15–20 seconds.
- Double strain the mixture into a serving glass to catch any bits of star anise or cinnamon.
- Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick, or lemon slice on the rim.
- Serve immediately while cold.
- If you want more spice, stir with the cinnamon stick before drinking.
Notes
I find that using fresh apple juice makes the mocktail taste brighter and less artificial.
Sometimes I make my own cinnamon syrup by simmering cinnamon sticks in equal parts water and sugar for about 10 minutes and letting it cool.
If the drink is too sweet, I add more lemon juice to balance it.
You can leave out the star anise if you don’t like the flavor, but I think it adds a nice licorice note that matches the candy apple theme.
This drink is alcohol-free, so it’s good for both kids and adults.
The red from the grenadine makes the mocktail look like a real candy apple, especially with apple or cinnamon stick garnish.
Curse of the Candy Apple Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Serving glass (preferably clear)
- Small saucepan (if making cinnamon syrup)
Ingredients
- Apple juice 3 oz Fresh-pressed for best flavor
- Lemon juice 1 oz Fresh-squeezed
- Star anise 1/4 tsp Crushed or 1 whole pod
- Grenadine 1/2 oz For color and sweetness
- Ice cubes As needed For shaking and chilling
- Garnish To taste Apple slice cinnamon stick, lemon
Instructions
- Add the star anise (crushed or whole, depending on preference).
- Shake well for 15–20 seconds.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slice, or lemon wedge.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
Tasting Notes
When I sip the Curse of the Candy Apple Mocktail, the first thing I notice is the bright apple flavor.
It’s both tart and a little sweet, much like a green apple candy.
There’s a light, fruity aroma that reminds me of fresh apples and a hint of citrus.
I can also taste a subtle note of caramel, which gives the drink a soft, creamy finish.
Here’s what stands out to me in each sip:
- Sweetness: Mild, not overpowering
- Sourness: Noticeable but balanced
- Mouthfeel: Light and bubbly
- Aftertaste: Faint apple and creamy caramel
I think the bubbles from the soda add a playful texture.
Each sip feels crisp and refreshing.
The drink looks bright and inviting.
The greenish-red color sparkles in the glass, especially with some ice cubes.
If I use a cinnamon stick or apple slice as a garnish, it adds a gentle spice or extra apple aroma, which makes the drink smell even better.
I find that the flavor changes a little as the ice melts.
It gets smoother and the tartness fades a bit, making it easy to drink slowly.
Substitute
Sometimes, I’m missing a few ingredients but still crave a tasty mocktail. Here’s how I swap things around for the Curse of the Candy Apple Mocktail.
Equipment:
- If I don’t have a cocktail shaker handy, I just grab a mason jar with a decent lid.
- No bar spoon? Honestly, a regular spoon works just fine.
Ingredients:
- Apple juice: I’ll reach for pear juice or even white grape juice if that’s what’s in the fridge.
- Lime juice: Out of lime? Lemon juice does the trick, though it’s a bit brighter.
- Grenadine: Sometimes I use cherry syrup or cranberry juice—they both add nice color and sweetness.
- Soda water: I like to mix things up with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for a different kind of fizz.
Instructions:
- If I’m working with pear juice, I shake it a bit more since it tends to be thicker.
- When I go with ginger ale, I usually cut back on the sweetener—otherwise it’s just too much.
- Using a mason jar? I stir gently so I don’t end up wearing my drink.
Improvising like this keeps things interesting, and honestly, it’s half the fun.
