✨ Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Mocktail – Sparkling Apple Cider Spritz – Crisp, Festive, and Kid-Friendly!
Elevate your holiday table with this bubbly, cinnamon-kissed apple cider spritz that’s perfect for all ages.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a drink that’s as joyful to sip as it is beautiful to serve. This Sparkling Apple Cider Spritz is a zero-alcohol wonder that blends crisp apple cider, effervescent water, and a sprinkle of cozy spices. It’s crowd-pleasing, quick to make, and requires no special equipment—just four ingredients and a spark of holiday cheer!
Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner with loved ones, this mocktail’s vibrant golden hue and aromatic cinnamon-clove scent will set the perfect festive tone. Kids love it for its sweet-tart balance, while adults appreciate the subtle warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Plus, with no preparation, cleanup is a breeze!
What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile. Swap out ingredients or add fun garnishes to match your Thanksgiving theme—cranberry accents for a rustic vibe, edible flowers for elegance, or cinnamon-stick stirrers for a cozy touch. The base recipe is simple but brimming with potential.
This is the ultimate “set-it-and-forget-it” mocktail. Pre-batched, chilled, and ready within a minute, it’s ideal for large groups or when you’re juggling dinner prep. Best of all? No compromises on taste or presentation. It’s a family-friendly sipper that everyone, including the designated drivers, will clamor for.
Let’s dive into how this magical mocktail comes together—no bartender skills required!
Ingredients
- 16 fl oz (475 ml) sparkling apple cider (pasteurized for best results)
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh apple juice or store-bought apple cider
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- 1 tsp orange bitters or ½ tsp orange extract
- 1 tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)
- 6 medium wine glasses or mugs
- Cranberries (fresh or dried), cinnamon sticks, and star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Begin by pre-chilling your glasses or cups in the refrigerator. This ensures your mocktail stays cold and maintains carbonation. If you forget, add ice directly to the glasses.
- Step 2: Pour ½ cup (120 ml) of sparkling cider and 2 tablespoons of apple juice into each glass over crushed ice. Top off with a cinnamon stick, cranberries, and a light dusting of nutmeg for a festive garnish.
- Step 3: For a sweeter finish, squeeze fresh apple wedges into the glasses before serving. Add a star anise or two for a dramatic visual and aromatic boost.
Sparkling Apple Cider Spritz
A festive, zero-alcohol mocktail that’s ready in seconds!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 16 fl oz (475 ml) sparkling apple cider
- - 1 cup (240 ml) fresh apple juice
- - 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1 tsp orange bitters
- - 6 wine glasses/cups
👨🍳 Instructions
Chill Glasses: Refrigerate glasses for 10 minutes or add crushed ice to each glass.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a thermometer to check for 40°F (4°C) for ideal coldness.
Mix Base: Combine ½ cup cider and 2 tbsp apple juice in each glass. Stir gently.
💡 Pro Tip: Stir clockwise to maintain foam for better presentation.
Garnish & Serve: Add cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and a dusting of nutmeg.
💡 Pro Tip: Lightly bruise the apple wedges for intensified aroma.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Sparkling Apple Cider
Choose pasteurized varieties for consistent flavor. For a non-sweet version, opt for dry cider.
Substitutions: Hard apple cider (non-alcoholic) or ginger ale with additional apple juice.
Orange Bitters
Impart a deep citrusy sweetness. You can substitute ½ tsp homemade orange zest or store-bought orange extract.
Substitutions: Replace with 1 tsp vanilla extract for a spiced apple twist.
Garnishes
Cranberries add tartness and visual pop. Replace with fresh rosemary for a botanical note or orange slices for tang.
Substitutions: Dried berries, apple chunks, or edible flowers like pansies.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sparkling Apple Cider Spritz
☕ Chilling Technique
Chill glasses in the fridge for 10 minutes or add crushed ice for a frosty texture. For extra drama, rim glasses with crushed cranberries or cinnamon before pouring.
🌟 Sparkling Secret
Pour the sparkling cider first for maximum effervescence. Stir gently to preserve bubbles—it’s the key to that refreshing "snap" every sip should have.
🍴 Batch Mixing
For large groups, pre-mix the non-carbonated base in a pitcher. Serve guests their own ½ cup cider portions in individual glasses—no watered down flavor!
📷 Presentation
Dust the rim of glasses with nutmeg or a sugar-cinnamon blend for a golden touch. For a themed event, match garnishes to the season—pinecones or evergreen tips for winter, citrus slices for spring.
Variations & Customizations
Apple Cinnamon Spice
Replace orange bitters with ½ tsp pumpkin spice and add a ½ tsp maple syrup blend. Perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving vibe.
Citrus Zing
Substitute orange bitters for lime or lemon juice, adding a zested citrus garnish. Ideal for a bright, summery twist on your holiday table.
Kids' Choice
Omit the cinnamon and replace with a splash of apple jelly. Add a candy corn garnish—this version will be a hit with younger guests.
Gourmand's Twist
Stir in ½ tsp aged balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp thyme oil for a sophisticated depth of flavor. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Sweet Potato Bites with Maple Dipping Sauce — the tartness balances their sweetness.
- Classic Cheese Board with Fresh Buns — the cider elevates the richness of dairy.
- Gingersnap Cookies for a spiced cookie duo — perfect for after-dinner treats.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with sparkling water to cleanse the palate. For a full meal, complement with apple-based pies or warm apple crisps.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Mix the non-carbonated base (apple juice + spices) up to 4 hours in advance. Store chilled in an airtight container. Serve with fresh pour of sparkling cider just before guests arrive.
Refrigerator Storage
The mixed base lasts up to 5 days. For 12+ months, freeze the unmixed components. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cider in ice cube trays for festive additions later. Thawed cider might lose some effervescence, so use within 24 hours of freezing.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating required. Serve chilled. To refresh, add fresh ice or a splash of sparkling cider.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why isn't my mocktail sparkling as expected?
A: Sparkling cider loses carbonation quickly once opened. Use it chilled and serve soon after pouring for maximum bubbles. Avoid shaking the bottle.
Q: Can I use store-bought apple cider?
A: Absolutely! Look for unpasteurized, organic brands for the best texture. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: My drinks taste too flat. How can I revive them?
A: Add a splash of sparkling water or fresh cider to top up. For a festive touch, garnish with star anise or candied ginger.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-energize with a quick pour of fresh cider before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Sparkling Apple Cider Spritz isn’t just a drink—it’s a celebration in a glass. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and universal appeal make it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table (and beyond!). Whether you’re crafting it with classic spices or letting your creativity shine, this mocktail ensures everyone can partake in the festive spirit.
Pin it now and come back next November for more holiday sipping ideas. Want to build a complete meal around it? Start with our family-roasted turkey, then add this spritz as a star centerpiece, and round out the menu with roasted vegetables and apple pie. Happy Thanksgiving, and cheers to mocktails love!
