When the weather finally cools off, I find myself craving drinks that are cozy but still have a refreshing kick. There’s just something about fall flavors that makes everything feel a little more festive, you know?
A mocktail is honestly one of my favorite ways to enjoy that vibe without having to think about alcohol. This Maple Apple Cider Mocktail is simple but hits all the right notes—apple cider, a little maple syrup, and you’ve got a drink that’s warm, crisp, and totally seasonal.
I love that you really only need a handful of ingredients, and there’s zero fancy equipment involved. The maple syrup brings just enough sweetness, not too much, and the apple cider is basically autumn in a glass.
It’s great for a get-together, but I’ll admit, I’ve made it for myself on a random Tuesday night. Why not?
Maple Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe
Honestly, what I like most about this drink is how it balances the maple’s sweetness with the snap of apple cider. Ginger beer gives it a gentle fizz, and the cinnamon stick plus apple slices make it feel like you tried—without actually trying that hard.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps me keep the flavors right, especially with the syrup and lemon juice.
- Mixing glass or small pitcher – for stirring everything together before it goes in the glass.
- Bar spoon or wooden spoon – just something long enough to mix it all up.
- Citrus juicer – fresh lemon juice is way better, and no seeds.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing up apples to make it look cute.
- Serving glass – I usually grab a tall glass for the ice and bubbles.
- Ice cubes – gotta keep it chilly.
I keep the tools basic, honestly. I hate doing dishes, so if it all fits in a small kitchen, I’m happy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh apple cider
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup ginger beer
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Apple slices for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey if you like things a little sweeter.
I always go for fresh apple cider—there’s just no comparison to the bottled stuff. Pure maple syrup is key, too; skip the pancake syrup if you can.
Instructions
- Fill your tall glass about halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour in the apple cider, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Stir it up with your bar spoon until that maple syrup is totally mixed in.
- Add the ginger beer slowly—don’t want to lose all the fizz.
- Pop in a cinnamon stick for that cozy flavor.
- Garnish with some apple slices, either on top or tucked along the edge.
- Give it a taste and, if you want it sweeter, add a bit of honey.
I try not to stir too much after the ginger beer goes in—gotta keep those bubbles. Letting the cinnamon stick hang out for a few minutes really brings out the spice.
Notes
Chilled apple cider is the way to go, in my opinion. If you only have room-temp cider, just throw in more ice.
Maple syrup is subtle here, so it won’t overpower the apple. Honey can make it richer, but I don’t usually add much.
Thin apple slices look pretty and, honestly, I end up eating them after the drink’s gone. The cinnamon stick is both decoration and flavor boost.
If I’m making these for a group, I’ll mix up the cider, lemon, and maple ahead of time in a pitcher. I wait on the ginger beer and ice until right before serving—nobody likes flat fizz or a watery drink.
Equipment
- Mixing glass or small pitcher
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh apple cider
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup ginger beer
- 1 cinnamon stick
- apple slices for garnish
- ice cubes
- 1 tsp honey optional, for extra sweetness
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes.
- Add apple cider, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir until the syrup is fully mixed.
- Slowly add ginger beer to keep the fizz.
- Add a cinnamon stick and apple slices for garnish.
- Taste and add honey if a sweeter drink is desired.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take that first sip, the crisp apple flavor jumps out at me. It’s fresh and light—almost like biting right into a cold apple on an autumn afternoon.
There’s this gentle sweetness from the maple syrup that comes through next. It doesn’t try to steal the show, but just kind of smooths out the tartness in a really pleasant way.
I get a warm spice note that hangs around softly at the end. It’s got that cozy vibe, kind of like the flavors I crave when sweater weather rolls in.
The texture’s smooth, and if I go with sparkling cider, there’s a subtle fizz. Those little bubbles make the whole thing feel more lively—maybe even a bit playful?
Flavor highlights:
- Crisp apple at the start
- Smooth maple in the middle
- Warm spice finish
