Description
A refreshing and festive Thanksgiving mocktail combining pure cranberry juice, unfiltered apple cider, and sparkling ginger beer with warming spices and fresh citrus, perfect for a non-alcoholic celebration drink that delights the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Base
- 4 cups (32 fl oz) unsweetened 100% pure cranberry juice
- 4 cups (32 fl oz) unfiltered apple cider
- 2 cups (16 fl oz) sparkling ginger beer or sparkling water
Citrus and Fresh Ingredients
- 2 medium navel oranges (zest of one, slices for garnish)
- 1 medium lime (zest of half, juice)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1–2 firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), thinly sliced for garnish
- Plenty of ice
Spices
- 4–5 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 3–4 star anise pods
- 4–6 fresh rosemary sprigs
Sweetener (Optional)
- 2–4 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics and Citrus: Zest one orange and half a lime. Thinly slice both oranges, reserving half the slices for garnish; cut the remaining orange slices into quarters. Cut the entire lime into quarters.
- Combine Liquids and Spices: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice, 4 cups apple cider, orange zest, lime zest, quartered orange and lime pieces, 4-5 whole cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp whole cloves, 3-4 star anise pods, and 2 fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Simmer for Flavor Infusion: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Taste, and if desired, add 1-4 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar to reach preferred sweetness.
- Cool and Strain Base: Remove from heat. Discard spent cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary sprigs. Let the mixture cool to room temperature (30-60 minutes). Once cooled, strain the base through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or airtight container, pressing on solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
- Refrigerate for Optimal Flavor: Cover the strained base tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to chill thoroughly and allow flavors to deepen.
- Prepare Garnishes: Thinly slice reserved orange and apples; toss apple slices lightly with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning. Optionally, make sugared cranberries by dipping 1/2 cup fresh cranberries in frothed egg white or simple syrup and then rolling them in granulated sugar; dry on parchment paper for 30+ minutes. Rinse remaining fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Assemble Mocktails: Fill serving glasses generously with ice. Pour the chilled cranberry apple base into each glass, filling 2/3 to 3/4 full. Gently top off each glass with sparkling ginger beer or sparkling water.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a few thin orange and apple slices, a few sugared cranberries if using, and a fresh rosemary sprig to each glass. Serve immediately for maximum fizz and freshness. Encourage guests to stir gently.
- Storage & Customization Tips: Store leftover base (without sparkling component or ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For larger gatherings, offer the base, sparkling component, and garnishes separately for self-service along with extra maple syrup/agave nectar or lime wedges for customization.
Notes
- Use unfiltered apple cider for a richer, more authentic fall flavor.
- Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or agave nectar to suit taste preferences.
- To make sugared cranberries without egg whites, use simple syrup as a vegan alternative.
- For a non-alcoholic option that’s extra bubbly, use sparkling water instead of ginger beer.
- Toss apple slices with citrus juice immediately to prevent browning.
- Leftover base can be used for up to 3-4 days refrigerated; add sparkling component just before serving for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving mocktail, non-alcoholic drink, cranberry apple cider, festive beverage, holiday mocktail
