Maple Pecan Mocktail Recipe

Sometimes, I just want a festive drink that feels special—without any alcohol. My Maple Pecan Mocktail is sweet, nutty, and honestly, it tastes like fall in a glass.

It’s easy to make and perfect for those times when I’m craving something cozy but a little different. Real maple syrup and pecan flavors make this drink simple, yet surprisingly rich.

I love how everything blends together for a warm, comforting taste that’s hard to beat. If you’re into trying new drinks or want something the whole family can sip, this one’s a winner.

Maple Pecan Mocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this Maple Pecan Mocktail because it brings together sweet maple syrup, toasted pecans, and a hint of orange. The tools are basic, the ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward—no fuss.

Each part of the process matters to get those flavors just right, though. Let’s get into it.

Equipment

• Rocks glass
• Jigger (for precise measuring)
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Cocktail pick (to garnish)
• Small saucepan (for pecan syrup, if making fresh)
• Spoon (for stirring)

I like a sturdy rocks glass—it keeps the drink cold and shows off that deep, rich color. The jigger? Super handy for measuring maple syrup and apple cider so nothing’s off-balance.

A shaker helps everything blend smoothly, and a strainer keeps the texture clean. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a toasted pecan on a cocktail pick for a little flair.

Ingredients

• 2 oz apple cider
• 1 oz pecan syrup (or maple syrup for a twist)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters (alcohol-free)
• Large ice cube
• Toasted pecans (for garnish)
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

I always start with apple cider for that fruity base. Pecan syrup brings a nutty sweetness, but if I’m out, maple syrup does the trick and adds a deeper flavor.

A splash of vanilla and some bitters finish things off with a little extra aroma. For garnish, I love using toasted pecans, a twist of orange peel, and sometimes a cinnamon stick—just depends on my mood.

Instructions

• Add apple cider, pecan syrup (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the shaker.
• Toss in two dashes of aromatic bitters.
• Fill the shaker halfway with ice, then shake gently.
• Strain the mix into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
• Twist the orange peel over the drink to release those oils, then drop it in.
• Skewer a toasted pecan on a cocktail pick and rest it across the top.
• If you want, add a cinnamon stick for extra aroma.
• Serve right away and enjoy.

Shaking with ice chills everything down and gets those flavors mingling. Straining into a rocks glass with a big ice cube keeps things cold but not watered down.

I always finish with the toasted pecan and orange peel—those little details really make it pop.

Notes

For the best flavor, I toast the pecans in a dry pan until they smell amazing before using them as garnish or for the syrup. If pecan syrup isn’t handy, mixing maple syrup with a few crushed toasted pecans works in a pinch.

Sometimes, I skip the bitters if I’m craving something a bit sweeter. And please, use fresh orange peel—bottled zest just doesn’t cut it. I think a rocks glass keeps the drink at the right temp and, honestly, just looks great for serving.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of the maple pecan mocktail, the maple flavor jumps out right away. It’s gentle—definitely not too strong—and brings this natural sweetness that feels smooth and kind of cozy.

Then there’s the nutty pecan syrup. That flavor mixes in with the maple, adding a warm, almost dessert-like vibe that honestly reminds me of autumn.

There’s also a little hint of vanilla running in the background. It works with the other flavors, making the drink feel richer, but thankfully, it doesn’t get heavy.

The sparkling water brings some fizz to the party. It keeps everything light and stops the sweetness from getting out of hand.

Honestly, this mocktail goes down easy. The flavors just kind of play off each other, making every sip feel a bit special.

After I finish, there’s this soft, sweet aftertaste that hangs around. It lingers, but not in a way that’s sticky or cloying—just enough to make you want another sip.

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