After countless attempts to create the perfect fall drink that everyone could enjoy, I finally perfected this Apple Mimosa Mocktail. I wanted something special that captured the essence of autumn but didn't require alcohol to be delicious.
This simple yet elegant drink combines crisp apple cider with bubbly non-alcoholic sparkling wine, creating a refreshing mocktail that's ready in just 5 minutes. The optional caramel cinnamon rim adds a touch of sweetness that makes it feel truly special.
This mocktail brings all the fancy vibes without any of the fuss!
Why I Love This
- Quick & Simple - Ready in just 5 minutes with only 4 basic ingredients
- Crowd-Pleaser - Perfect for all ages and dietary needs (alcohol-free, can be made vegan)
- Customizable - Easy to adjust sweetness and flavors to your preference
- Elegant Presentation - Looks stunning with minimal effort (perfect for Instagram!)
- Health-Conscious - Contains beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols from apple cider
- Seasonal Favorite - Captures the essence of fall in every sip
- Perfect for Gatherings - Easily scaled up to serve a crowd in a pitcher or punch bowl
- Budget-Friendly - Affordable ingredients that deliver luxury taste
Ingredients
I chose these ingredients to create the perfect balance of fall flavors in a simple package. The unfiltered apple cider brings a rich, authentic apple taste that store-bought juice can't match. When paired with the dry, bubbly character of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, it creates a refreshing drink that isn't overly sweet.
The caramel and cinnamon rim adds a touch of decadence that transforms this easy mocktail into something special, mimicking the flavors of caramel apples at fall festivals but in a sophisticated way. Each ingredient plays its part without requiring anything fancy or hard to find.
- ½ cup fresh apple cider - The foundation of the mocktail that provides rich apple flavor (use unfiltered for best results)
- ½ cup non-alcoholic sparkling wine - Creates the signature bubbles and elegant mouthfeel
- Caramel sauce (optional) - For creating a decadent, sweet rim that complements the apple flavor
- Cinnamon sugar (optional) - Adds warming spice and textural contrast on the rim
- Dried apple slices or cinnamon stick (optional) - For an eye-catching garnish that enhances aroma
Equipment
- Champagne Flutes or Wine Glasses - For an elegant presentation that shows off the bubbles and layers
- Measuring Cup - For precise ingredient ratios (though eyeballing works too!)
- Small Plates (optional) - For creating the caramel cinnamon rim
- Cocktail Spoon or Stirrer (optional) - For gentle mixing without disturbing too many bubbles
- Pitcher (optional) - If making as a batch cocktail for a crowd
How To Make
- If using the caramel cinnamon rim, pour a small amount of caramel sauce onto a plate and mix cinnamon sugar on another plate. Dip the rim of your glass first into the caramel, then immediately into the cinnamon sugar mixture and set aside for 30 seconds.
- Pour the chilled apple cider into your glass until it reaches approximately halfway up the glass.
- Slowly pour the cold non-alcoholic sparkling wine down the side of the glass to maintain the bubbles, filling to about ¼ inch from the top.
- Let the bubbles settle for a few seconds, then gently stir once if needed to mix the flavors without losing too much carbonation.
- Garnish with a dried apple slice or cinnamon stick and serve immediately while the drink is still bubbly and the rim is fresh.
Substitutions
- Apple Cider Alternatives
- Cloudy or unfiltered apple juice works well (though it may be slightly sweeter)
- Spiced apple cider adds an extra dimension of flavor
- Pear cider or juice creates a lovely variation with a more delicate flavor profile
- Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine Options
- Sparkling grape juice (white) offers a sweeter alternative
- Sparkling water provides a lighter, less sweet version
- Ginger ale adds a spicy kick perfect for fall
- Alcohol-removed prosecco provides the closest match to traditional mimosas
- Caramel Alternatives
- Maple syrup creates a natural, less sweet rim
- Honey works beautifully (warm slightly for easier application)
- Date syrup offers a natural option with caramel notes
- Dietary Adaptations
- For vegan version: ensure your caramel sauce and non-alcoholic wine are vegan-friendly
- For lower sugar option: use unsweetened apple cider and dry sparkling alternatives
Pro Tips
- Chill Everything - Use cold apple cider and refrigerate your sparkling wine for at least 2 hours before serving for maximum effervescence
- Pour Properly - Add the sparkling wine slowly and at an angle to preserve the bubbles
- Rim Technique - For a cleaner rim, use a paper towel to wipe the inside edge of the glass after applying the caramel and cinnamon sugar
- Batch Preparation - When making for a crowd, mix gently in a pitcher at the last minute to maintain carbonation
- Garnish Timing - Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent them from affecting the flavor balance
- Glass Selection - Clear glasses showcase the beautiful golden color; flutes preserve bubbles longer than wide-mouthed glasses
- Ice-Free - Avoid adding ice which will dilute the flavors and diminish the bubbles
FAQ
Apple cider is typically unfiltered and less processed than apple juice, containing more of the apple's natural compounds, fiber, and a more complex flavor profile. The cloudy appearance comes from suspended apple particles that contribute to its richer taste.
Look for drier varieties like alcohol-removed prosecco or brut styles. Some recommended brands include Brown Brothers, Freixenet 0.0%, Thomson & Scott Noughty, and Sutter Home Fre Brut.
Customize by adding a splash of cranberry juice for color, infusing your apple cider with cinnamon sticks or star anise overnight, or creating an herb-infused simple syrup (rosemary or thyme work beautifully).
Yes! This recipe contains no alcohol and uses ingredients generally considered safe during pregnancy. Just ensure any store-bought apple cider is pasteurized.
Absolutely! For a pitcher serving 8-10 people, use one 750ml bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine and approximately 3 cups of apple cider. Combine gently just before serving and have garnishes ready separately.
Add a few pomegranate seeds for Christmas, rim with gold sugar for New Year's, or float edible flowers for spring celebrations.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Apple Mimosa Mocktail
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh apple cider - The foundation of the mocktail that provides rich apple flavor use unfiltered for best results
- ½ cup non-alcoholic sparkling wine - Creates the signature bubbles and elegant mouthfeel
- Caramel sauce optional - For creating a decadent, sweet rim that complements the apple flavor
- Cinnamon sugar optional - Adds warming spice and textural contrast on the rim
- Dried apple slices or cinnamon stick optional - For an eye-catching garnish that enhances aroma
Instructions
- If using the caramel cinnamon rim, pour a small amount of caramel sauce onto a plate and mix cinnamon sugar on another plate. Dip the rim of your glass first into the caramel, then immediately into the cinnamon sugar mixture and set aside for 30 seconds.
- Pour the chilled apple cider into your glass until it reaches approximately halfway up the glass.
- Slowly pour the cold non-alcoholic sparkling wine down the side of the glass to maintain the bubbles, filling to about ¼ inch from the top.
- Let the bubbles settle for a few seconds, then gently stir once if needed to mix the flavors without losing too much carbonation.
- Garnish with a dried apple slice or cinnamon stick and serve immediately while the drink is still bubbly and the rim is fresh.
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