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Gingerale, apple cider, fresh fruit, and cinnamon join together in this merry and bright Apple Cider Mocktail. See and taste the holiday-licious with one bubbly splash of this refreshing mocktail.
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The sweetness of the apple cider mixed with the spice of ginger ale and cranberry, with just enough fizz, and an added sangria-like fruit mix is the perfect combo to please anyone.
The holidays are my favorite time for entertaining with fancy drinks like this. One year we even started an open house on Christmas Eve.
Thinking we wouldn’t get too many takers on the busiest holiday of the year, we were surprised when friends, family, and neighbors joined us for a quick holiday treat.
This family-friendly festive drink is a fantastic go-to. It has all of the visual elements of a beautiful cocktail, and it tastes like pure joy.
It also pairs well with other holiday meals and appetizers. I especially recommend these two: Bacon Wrapped Apricots and Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites
Why you'll love this recipe
- Non-alcoholic holiday drink, everyone will love
- Quick and easy prep
- Gorgeous presentation
Key Ingredients
- Apples - Any apples can be used with this recipe. I used Honeycrisp
- Pears - Use whatever pears look the best at your grocer. I like D'Anjou because they are green and that compliments the red of the apples.
- Cranberries - I recommend fresh, but frozen can be used also. You'll want at least a few fresh ones for the garnish if you choose to do that.
- Cinnamon Sticks- These little sticks spice the drink perfectly!
- Canada Dry Cranberry Ginger Ale- I’ve had success with this brand before, plus it keeps things simple. For a more pure version, use ginger beer and cranberry juice. Or, substitute any ginger ale and cranberry juice combo.
- Apple Cider- I use fresh apple cider from the apple orchard, as it has the best flavor. If you can't get it from an orchard, you can find it in the grocery store.
Great for all ages, this non-alcoholic, Apple Cider Sangria, will please anyone in a festive gathering.
How To Make Apple Cider Sangria
This is an overview of the recipe, full details are in the recipe card below.
- Put the diced apples and pears in a pitcher, followed by the cranberries and cinnamon sticks.
- Add the apple cider and cranberry gingerale. Gently stir. Serve in a fancy cocktail glass or Moscow mule mugs, or even mason jars. Get as fancy as you feel like!
Expert Tips
- If you have the time, allow the fruit to infuse the cider for a few hours before adding the gingerale. This just adds more flavor to the drink.
- Apples and pears may be cut up ahead of time, but toss them in lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
- Keep it chilled- Frozen cranberries will act like ice and keep the drink chilled. But don't try to make the garnish with frozen or thawed berries, you'll need fresh.
- Oranges- makes a lovely addition for a twist on the original flavor.
Garnish like a pro
Adding a garnish really makes the drink stand out. Here are some easy-to-do ideas.
- Rim the glass in sugar
- Wet the rim of the glass with an apple slice. You can also use, citrus, simple syrup, honey, or even just water.
- Put some sugar (I'm using raw sugar here) in a saucer and then dip the edge of the glass in the sugar, rolling it a little if necessary.
- Add berries- Thread 3 fresh cranberries on a cocktail toothpick and lay it across the top. Then add a very thin apple slice inside the glass.
- Add Rosemary- Instead of a toothpick, you can thread the cranberries onto a sprig of rosemary (see the image below), so festive!
- Cinnamon sticks - You could also garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Garnishes are usually just fresh ingredients you have on hand because of the recipe. Have fun with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
In the United States, cider refers to a non-alcoholic, beverage made from fresh-pressed apples. It's unfiltered and unsweetened. Other parts of the world refer to cider as a fermented beverage that can contain up to 12% alcohol. In the U.S., this alcoholic beverage would be called "hard cider".
Whether sangria has wine or is a non-alcoholic mocktail, the fruit will soak up the sweetness of the ciders or other flavors used. Using a more tart apple like Granny Smith is suggested, but any apple will work.
The fruit in sangria is definitely edible and will be infused with all of the flavors of the drink.
Sparkling apple cider is best paired with fruits, cheeses, and holiday foods. Typical side dishes or desserts would include pumpkin or apple pie, gingerbread, sharp or blue cheeses, or turkey dinner types of food.
Storage
Apple Cider Sangria is best used on the same night as serving. However, it will last in the fridge for one day. Usually, after that, the carbonation will dissipate and the fruit will get mushy.
Related Recipes
Here are a few of my favorite Mocktail recipes.
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📋 Recipe
Sparkling Cider Sangria
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- cocktail glasses or any serving glass
Ingredients
- 2 apples diced
- 2 pears diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cups Cranberry Canada Dry® Ginger Ale
- 6 cups apple cider
- cocktail toothpicks and additional cranberries for optional garnish
Instructions
- Place apples, pears, cranberries and cinnamon sticks into a large pitcher or punch bowl
- Add Cranberry Canada Dry Ginger ale and apple cider
- Gently stir and serve cold.
- To garnish, thread cranberries onto a cocktail toothpick and lay on the edge of the glass. Add a thinly sliced apple to the drink.
Notes
- If you have the time, allow the fruit to infuse the cider for a few hours before adding the ginger ale. This just adds more flavor to the drink.
- Apples and pears may be cut up ahead of time, but toss them in lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
- Keep it chilled- Frozen cranberries will act like ice and keep the drink chilled. But don't try to make the garnish with frozen or thawed berries, you'll need fresh.
Nutrition
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Kathleen Pope
I adore your mocktails!! What a great idea to make a mock version of the fruity and beautiful sangria! Love this and all of the seasonal flavors!
Debra Needles
Love it! Thanks for sharing these great entertaining tips at the Funtastic Friday Blog Hop!
Kati
This is perfect for the season! All my favorite things in one place. Thanks for the recipe.
Sue - The World of Suzy Homemaker
This looks delicious. Your photography is stunning! So glad I found you via #CreateLinkInspire Sue x