Fall Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe
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Fall mocktail season is here, and this ginger beer version is the one you’ll want to sip on repeat. Built on a crisp apple base with spicy ginger and a hit of citrus, it’s got all the sparkle of a cocktail without the alcohol. Ready in just 5 minutes, it works just as well for a quiet night in as it does for hosting friends!
Whenever I serve cocktails, I always make sure there’s a mocktail option too, so everyone has something fun to sip. Once autumn hits, ginger beer mocktail is always my pick. The mix of warming ginger, bright citrus, and cozy apple-cinnamon makes it a hit at bonfires, family dinners, or even a simple movie night on the couch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Loved by all ages
- Endlessly customizable: Switch up the juice, toss in fresh herbs, or add sparkling water for a new twist.
- Full of fall flavor
- Perfect for parties: Dress it up with apple slices or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
- Good any time of year: Comforting in fall yet bubbly and refreshing for warmer days too.
How to Make Fall Mocktail
In only 5 minutes, you can have a ginger beer fall mocktail ready to sip. All it takes is mixing the base, pouring it over ice, topping with ginger beer, and adding a garnish of your choice. No shaker? A small pitcher works perfectly.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Apple cider: Fresh-pressed is best, but store-bought works too.
- Orange and lime juice: Freshly squeezed adds the brightest flavor, though bottled is fine in a pinch.
- Honey: Maple syrup makes an easy swap and blends smoothly.
- Cinnamon sticks: Optional, but lightly toasting them first adds a stronger, warmer spice.
- Ginger beer: Provides the spice, bubbles, and kick that define the drink.
- Ice cubes
- Apple garnish: Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their crunch and color well. Slice thinly into rounds or fans so they look good floating on top.
Step-By-Step Instructions
All it takes is a quick stir and pour, then you’re ready to sip. Just follow the steps below to make this easy fall mocktail!
Step 1: Prep
Add ice cubes to two tall glasses.
Step 2: Mix the base
In a shaker or small pitcher, stir together the apple cider, orange juice, lime juice, sweetener, and two cinnamon sticks.
Step 3: Add ginger beer
Pour the mixture into the glasses and top with ginger beer.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Garnish with apple slices, lime slices, and a cinnamon stick, then serve right away.
Substitutions
Making a fall mocktail only takes a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, so one store stop is usually enough. If you’re short on something, here are some simple swaps you can use:
- Apple cider: Swap with pear juice or cloudy apple juice.
- Orange juice: Use blood orange for richer flavor and color, or pineapple.
- Lime juice: Lemon juice works fine.
- Honey: Agave syrup or simple syrup.
- Cinnamon sticks: Whole cloves or star anise add a different layer of spice.
- Ginger beer: Ginger ale gives the drink a gentler kick if ginger beer isn’t available.
Expert Tips
- Plan ahead: Mix the base ahead of time and refrigerate. Add ginger beer and ice just before serving for quick and easy prep.
- Pick a quality ginger beer: Look for one with strong spice and less sugar. Fever-Tree and Bundaberg are great choices for bold flavor.
- Soften the honey: If it’s thick or starting to crystalize, warm it briefly so it stirs in easily, even with cold liquids.
- Give it a seasonal spin: Use rosemary or cranberries in winter, or mint and cucumber in spring for a refreshing twist.
- Dress up the garnish: For parties, add apple slices, orange twists, or cranberries on a skewer to make it feel special.
- Serve it extra cold: Chill your glasses first or swap in frozen cider or juice cubes to keep the drink cold without watering it down.
How to Store This Recipe
Pour leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Remember to remove the cinnamon stick after day one so the flavor stays balanced.
What to Serve with Fall Mocktail
Fall mocktail goes with just about anything on the autumn table. I love this for fall brunch! Set it out with a cheese board, dried fruit, and spiced nuts for a relaxed spread. It’s a great refresher that goes well with a charcuterie board or charcuterie table at parties.
It’s also great with main dishes like roasted turkey, baked ham, or a fresh seasonal salad. And when it’s time for dessert, it pairs perfectly with classics like apple pie and other apple desserts, pumpkin bread or cake, or warm cinnamon rolls.
More Fall Drinks To Try
5-Minute Ginger Beer Fall Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces apple cider
- 4 ounces orange juice
- 1 ounces lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 4 cinnamon sticks divided
- 1 cup ginger beer
- 2 portions ice cubes
- 1 small apple sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice cubes to two tall glasses.
- In a shaker or small pitcher, stir together the apple cider, orange juice, lime juice, sweetener, and two cinnamon sticks.
- Pour the mixture into the glasses and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with apple slices, lime slices, and a cinnamon stick, then serve right away.
Notes
- Mix the base ahead and keep it in the fridge, then just add ginger beer and ice when ready to serve.
- Choose a ginger beer that has a strong, spicy flavor and isn’t overly sweet. Fever-Tree and Bundaberg are both excellent picks.
- If the mix is thick or starting to crystalize, warm it slightly so it blends smoothly, even with cold drinks.
- Try rosemary or cranberries in winter, or mint and cucumber in spring for a fresh seasonal twist.
- For parties, garnish with apple slices, orange twists, or cranberries on a skewer to make it extra fun.
- Chill your glasses first or use frozen cider or juice cubes to keep drinks cold without watering them down.
