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Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider: Easy Holiday Mocktail Recipe

sparkling cranberry apple cider mocktail - featured image
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A festive and refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail combining tart cranberry juice, sweet apple cider, and sparkling water, finished with a fragrant rosemary sugar rim. Ready in 5 minutes, it’s the perfect crowd-pleasing drink for holiday gatherings or any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (preferably organic cane sugar)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or honey/agave for moistening rim)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
  • 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 1/2 cups sparkling water (chilled; plain or lemon-flavored)
  • Ice cubes (large, clear cubes recommended)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, 4-6)
  • Fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
  • Thin apple slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the rosemary sugar (can be done up to 2 weeks ahead): Combine granulated sugar and finely chopped rosemary leaves in a small shallow dish. Use your fingers to rub the rosemary into the sugar until fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Prep your glasses: Pour lemon juice into a second shallow dish. Dip the rim of each glass into the lemon juice, coating about 1/4 inch. Let excess drip off, then dip into the rosemary sugar, pressing gently to adhere. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to set.
  3. Mix the mocktail base: In a pitcher or large measuring cup, combine cranberry juice and apple cider. Stir gently until well blended. (Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.)
  4. Add the sparkle: Just before serving, pour chilled sparkling water into the cranberry apple mixture. Stir gently with a bar spoon to incorporate without losing bubbles.
  5. Fill the glasses: Add ice cubes to prepared glasses, filling halfway. Pour mocktail mixture over ice, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
  6. Garnish: Slide a fresh rosemary sprig into each glass. Drop in a few cranberries. If using apple slices, make a small slit and perch one on the rim.
  7. Serve immediately while bubbles are lively and sugar rim is crisp.

Notes

Fresh rosemary is essential; do not use dried. Dip rims lightly in lemon juice to prevent sugar from sliding off. For best results, serve immediately as the sugar rim will dissolve after about 20 minutes. The cranberry apple base can be made up to 24 hours ahead and actually tastes better on day two. Rosemary sugar can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: mocktail, cranberry apple cider, holiday drink, non-alcoholic, rosemary sugar rim, festive beverage, easy mocktail

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/sparkling-cranberry-apple-cider-easy-holiday-mocktail-recipe/