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Treat your taste buds to a zesty apple + ginger beer mocktail. Made with crisp apple juice and ginger beer, this mocktail is bursting with flavor, and is perfect for both kids and adults.
When it comes to mocktail recipes, the sky is the limit. I love combining any kind of fruit juice with a sparkling beverage to make a delicious and very fun non-alcoholic drink. This apple and spicy ginger beer mocktail tastes amazing, and it’s also really beautiful.
Why This Recipe Works
Mocktails have been growing in popularity, and for good reason. These alcohol-free beverages offer many benefits, they have simple ingredients, and they are a great option for those who prefer not to drink alcohol. A good mocktail provides a refreshing and flavorful alternative that can be enjoyed by everyone. They are perfect for any special occasion, family gatherings, parties, or simply as a treat for yourself. With a mocktail, you get all the taste and excitement of a cocktail, without the alcohol.
Ingredient Notes + Variations
- Any brand of ginger beer can be used. To cut a few calories, use diet ginger beer.
- Any kind of apple juice or apple cider can be used for this delicious mocktail.
- Sweet pineapple juice or fresh orange juice can be used in place of the apple juice.
- Another option is to make a sparkling ginger cranberry mocktail. Simply use unsweetened cranberry juice instead of the apple juice.
- Fresh lime juice is best, but the bottled variety works as well.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fun twist.
- Ginger beer has a strong ginger flavor, so anything fizzy can be substituted. Ginger ale, club soda, sparkling water, or 7 Up are good choices.
- The agave blends really well in cold beverages, but simple syrup or maple syrup can be used instead.
- I love the complex flavor that the thyme adds, but a fresh sprig of mint is a perfect substitute. Make sure to let the fresh mint leaves steep for the specified time.
- Of course, this mocktail recipe can be used to make a regular cocktail. Just add a shot or two of your favorite liquor per serving.
How To Make
- Several hours in advance of serving, pour apple juice into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer.
- An hour before serving, combine apple juice, ginger beer, lime juice, and agave in a small pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Add several sprigs of fresh thyme to the pitcher, and place in refrigerator.
- To serve: remove spent thyme from the pitcher.
- Add several apple juice ice cubes to two clear glasses.
- Add 3 springs of thyme and several thin slices of apple to each glass.
- Divide the liquid between the glasses. Serve immediately.
Tips For Serving and Presentation
- Use a clear glass. The colors of this refreshing drink will shine through.
- A great way to serve this flavorful drink is in a copper mug. Use a slice of fresh lime as a garnish. Make your own personal version of a Moscow Mule mocktail!
- Make apple juice ice cubes. This is a great way to keep the drink cold without watering it down with regular ice cubes.
Is Ginger Beer Alcoholic?
No! Ginger beer definitely has the delicious tingle of a traditional beer, but there is no alcohol. The spicy flavor and refreshing fizz make it a great mixer for mocktails and cocktails alike.
Pairing With Fall-Inspired Dishes
This apple + ginger beer mocktail pairs perfectly with a variety of favorite seasonal flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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- Clear beverage glasses (I love to serve mocktails in these stemless wine glasses. They are easy to hold, and are the perfect size.)
- Ice cube trays with lids
- Agave In The Raw
Spice up your next party with this perfect, alcohol-free drink. Customize it to your taste, experiment with different variations, and impress your family and friends. Cheers to a season filled with flavor and fun!
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Apple and Ginger Beer Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz. apple juice
- 12 oz. ginger beer (I used diet ginger beer.)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- thyme sprigs
- apple juice ice cubes
- 1 Honeycrisp apple for garnish
Instructions
- Several hours in advance of serving, pour apple juice into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer.
- An hour before serving, combine apple juice, ginger beer, lime juice, and agave in a small pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Add several sprigs of fresh thyme to the pitcher, and place in refrigerator for 1 hour. This will allow the thyme to steep into the liquid.
- To serve: remove spent thyme from the pitcher.
- Add several apple juice ice cubes to two clear glasses.
- Add 3 springs of thyme and several thin slices of apple to each glass.
- Divide the liquid between the glasses. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The nutrition facts are calculated using diet ginger beer.
- The nutrition facts are for the beverage only. I did not count the apple juice ice cubes or the apple slice garnish.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!
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I made this last summer with apple juice and it was great. Making it again for Thanksgiving using apple cider. And maybe a version using cranberry juice.
Exactly what I want! Thank you and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Hi Ann,
This mocktail sounds so nummy. Love all the recipes you post.
Question… I have always loved your sofa. Thought I wrote down the source long ago but I cannot find it. We are in the process of looking for a downsized home. I need a new sofa. Do you recall where you purchased?
Thanks.
june
Hi June…my sofa came from a chain here in Ohio that actually went out of business. So it’s definitely no longer available. I wish I could be more helpful! Good luck with your downsizing. XO
Thanks Ann! Your downsizing ideas have been inspiring.
I made this recipe this week (I didn’t have any thyme so left it out). I served it to my husband who is a middle-of-the-road, nothing fancy kind of person when it comes to food. He rarely says anything more than “It’s okay!” to any of my cooking—but this drink….oh my goodness! I was so surprised to hear him rattle on about how delicious it was (instead of just the “okay” approval)! He even had two servings. Ann, your recipe was delicious and wonderful! We both enjoyed it immensely! Thank you!