Maple Lemon Cider Mocktail Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Maple Lemon Cider Mocktail with this easy alcohol-free recipe. Combining fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup and apple cider with a dash of warming spices creates a perfectly balanced non-alcoholic drink that's ideal for fall gatherings or cozy evenings.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

2 mocktails

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml apple cider (non-alcoholic)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml pure maple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the rim: 1 tablespoon maple sugar (or brown sugar) mixed with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For garnish: Lemon wheel and apple slice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cinnamon stick (optional, for stirring)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 325 calories

🥑 Fat: 21 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 9 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g

🍭 Sugar: 18 g

🍗 Protein: 4 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 55 mg

🧂 Sodium: 170 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glasses</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small plate (for rimming)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare the rimmed glasses by running a lemon wedge around the rim of each highball glass. Pour your maple-cinnamon sugar mixture onto a small plate and dip the moistened rims into the mixture, rotating gently to coat evenly. Set aside to dry slightly for about 30 seconds.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In your cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, ground cinnamon and nutmeg. The acidity of the lemon will balance perfectly with the sweetness of the maple and cider, while the spices add warming complexity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add several ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also thoroughly incorporates the spices and creates a light frothiness that improves texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill your prepared glasses halfway with fresh ice cubes, then strain the shaken mixture into each glass, leaving about 2cm of space at the top. The liquid should appear amber-colored with tiny spice particles visible, indicating proper integration.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Top each glass with sparkling water, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. You'll notice the drink lightening in color as you add the sparkling water, creating an attractive gradient effect.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a lemon wheel and apple slice balanced on the rim, and add a cinnamon stick as an optional stirrer. The aromatic cinnamon stick will continue to infuse subtle flavor as the drink sits, enhancing the sensory experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the carbonation is fresh and the ice is still maintaining the ideal temperature. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully as you enjoy your drink, with the maple notes becoming more pronounced as it slightly warms.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Maple Lemon Cider Mocktail Recipe?

This autumn-inspired mocktail combines apple cider, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, sparkling water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It's garnished with a maple-cinnamon sugar rim, lemon wheel, apple slice, and optional cinnamon stick stirrer.

How to make Maple Lemon Cider Mocktail Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Maple Lemon Cider Mocktail at home by rimming glasses with maple-cinnamon sugar, shaking apple cider with lemon juice, maple syrup and spices, straining over ice, topping with sparkling water, and garnishing with fresh fruit. This beginner-friendly process takes just 10 minutes for a perfectly balanced autumn drink.

Can I prepare this mocktail in advance for a party?

You can pre-mix the apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup and spices up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Rim glasses and add ice, pre-mixed base and sparkling water just before serving to maintain carbonation and freshness. Garnish at the last minute for best presentation.

What's the best type of apple cider to use in mocktails?

Fresh, unfiltered apple cider provides the richest flavour profile. Look for cloudy, preservative-free varieties from local orchards during autumn. Avoid clear apple juice or alcoholic hard ciders as substitutes, as they'll significantly alter the intended taste and character.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of this maple mocktail?

Balance sweetness by adjusting maple syrup quantities - start with 20ml for less sweet, up to 45ml for sweeter preferences. The lemon juice acts as a counterbalance; increase by 15ml for a tangier profile or reduce slightly for a more maple-forward flavour experience.

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