After years of hosting Easter gatherings, I wanted to create something special that captured the essence of my favorite holiday treat - hot cross buns - in drinkable form. This creamy, spiced mocktail is the result, and it's become a family tradition!
I've perfected the balance of warm spices, natural sweetness, and that hint of espresso that takes it to the next level. The cinnamon cross garnish makes it Instagram-worthy. But trust me, you'll want to drink it quickly because it tastes even better than it looks!
The best part? It's alcohol-free so everyone from kids to grandparents can enjoy this special Easter treat.
Why I Love This
- All the Easter Flavors - Experience the nostalgic taste of hot cross buns in every sip with the perfect blend of spices, fruit essence, vanilla, and a hint of coffee
- Family-Friendly Indulgence - A sophisticated mocktail that everyone can enjoy, making it perfect for Easter brunches, family gatherings, or after-dinner treats
- Nutritionally Balanced - Uses natural sweetness from raisin-infused water instead of processed sugars, plus calcium and protein from milk
- Stunning Presentation - The signature cinnamon cross garnish creates a beautiful Instagram-worthy drink that will impress your guests
- Customizable - Easily adapt to dietary preferences with non-dairy milk options and adjustable sweetness levels
- Make-Ahead Components - Prepare the raisin water and espresso ahead of time for quick assembly when you're ready to serve
Ingredients
I carefully selected these ingredients to recreate the essence of hot cross buns in liquid form. The raisin water brings the natural fruit sweetness found in traditional buns, while allspice and cinnamon deliver those warm Easter spices we all love.
Milk and cream create the perfect velvety base, similar to the soft bread texture. The touch of espresso might seem surprising, but it adds depth just like the toasted notes in freshly baked buns.
Everything works in harmony to create a nostalgic Easter flavor that's familiar yet exciting in mocktail form.
- ¾ cup milk - Full cream (whole) milk provides the richest texture, but any variety works
- 2 oz raisin-infused water - Creates natural sweetness and fruity flavor reminiscent of hot cross buns
- 1 oz cream - Adds luxurious mouthfeel and velvety texture
- ¼ oz espresso - Provides depth and subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice - Delivers the warm, aromatic spice profile essential to hot cross buns
- 2-3 drops pure vanilla extract - Enhances the dessert-like quality of the drink
- Ground cinnamon - For the iconic cross garnish that makes this mocktail special
- Ice - For chilling and proper dilution
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker - Essential for properly mixing and chilling all ingredients (a mason jar with lid works in a pinch)
- Fine Mesh Strainer - Ensures a smooth, silky texture by removing any ice shards or raisin bits
- Coupe Glass - The traditional serving vessel that showcases the beautiful layers and garnish (martini glass works too)
- Measuring Tools - Jigger or measuring spoons for precise ingredient ratios
- Small Container - For soaking and preparing the raisin water
- Popsicle Sticks or Thin Strips - For creating the distinctive cinnamon cross garnish
- Espresso Machine or Small Pot - For preparing the coffee component (optional if using instant coffee)
How To Make
- The night before, prepare your raisin water by placing ½ cup raisins and ½ cup boiling water in a small container. Cover and let it steep overnight, then strain when ready to use. This makes enough for 2 drinks.
- When ready to make your mocktail, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the milk, raisin water, cream, espresso, allspice, and vanilla extract. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass for the prettiest presentation.
- For the signature cinnamon cross, lay two popsicle sticks in a cross pattern over your glass. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the surface, then carefully remove the sticks to reveal a perfect cross. (I used a different technique because I want the cinnamon to form the cross, but this one is easier)
- Serve immediately and enjoy! If making a larger batch for guests, simply combine all ingredients (except ice) in a blender on low speed and pour into individual glasses for garnishing.
Substitutions
- Milk options - Substitute with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for dairy-free versions
- Raisin water alternatives - If short on time, use 1.5 oz non-alcoholic whiskey or 2 oz apple juice mixed with ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- Cream substitutes - Coconut cream or cashew cream work well for dairy-free options
- Espresso options - Decaf coffee works perfectly, or substitute with 2 oz strongly brewed chai tea for a different flavor profile
- Spice variations - Create your own hot cross bun-inspired spice mix with a pinch each of nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom
- Sweetener adjustments - Add ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter mocktail
Pro Tips
- Temperature matters - Use well-chilled milk and cream for the best texture and flavor integration
- Shake with intention - A proper vigorous shake not only chills the drink but creates micro-bubbles that give the mocktail its silky mouthfeel
- Cinnamon cross technique - For a cleaner line, ensure your popsicle sticks are touching the rim of the glass on all sides
- Raisin water quality - Use plump, high-quality raisins for the best flavor infusion; golden raisins offer a slightly different flavor profile if you want to experiment
- Espresso balance - Start with ¼ oz and adjust up to 1 oz depending on how prominent you want the coffee notes to be
- Quick chill - If making for a crowd, store the coupe glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving
- Garnish variations - For special occasions, sprinkle a little edible gold dust over the cinnamon cross for extra elegance
FAQ
While the raisin water and espresso can be prepared ahead, the final mocktail is best when freshly shaken. You can pre-mix the liquid ingredients (without ice) up to 4 hours before serving and store in the refrigerator, then shake with ice when ready to serve.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the strained raisin water will keep for up to 5 days.
Absolutely! Replace the raisin water with 1.5 oz of spiced rum or bourbon for an adult version.
Yes, simply use decaffeinated coffee or substitute with a chicory coffee alternative.
While the cinnamon cross is traditional, you could also garnish with a light dusting of nutmeg, a small hot cross bun on a skewer, or dried orange peel.
Use reduced-fat milk and half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
Prepare a batch of the base mixture (scaled up appropriately) in a punch bowl or pitcher. Keep chilled, then pour into individual glasses over ice when serving. Add the cinnamon cross garnish to each glass for that special touch.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Hot Cross Bun Mocktail
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk - Full cream whole milk provides the richest texture, but any variety works
- 2 oz raisin-infused water - Creates natural sweetness and fruity flavor reminiscent of hot cross buns
- 1 oz cream - Adds luxurious mouthfeel and velvety texture
- ¼ oz espresso - Provides depth and subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice - Delivers the warm aromatic spice profile essential to hot cross buns
- 2-3 drops pure vanilla extract - Enhances the dessert-like quality of the drink
- Ground cinnamon - For the iconic cross garnish that makes this mocktail special
- Ice - For chilling and proper dilution
Instructions
- The night before, prepare your raisin water by placing ½ cup raisins and ½ cup boiling water in a small container. Cover and let it steep overnight, then strain when ready to use. This makes enough for 2 drinks.
- When ready to make your mocktail, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the milk, raisin water, cream, espresso, allspice, and vanilla extract. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass for the prettiest presentation.
- For the signature cinnamon cross, lay two popsicle sticks in a cross pattern over your glass. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the surface, then carefully remove the sticks to reveal a perfect cross.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! If making a larger batch for guests, simply combine all ingredients (except ice) in a blender on low speed and pour into individual glasses for garnishing.
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