Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned Mocktail – A bold, cozy sip with warm spice, citrus, and classic old-fashioned depth

🎉 Introduction

The Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned Mocktail is a rich, sophisticated, alcohol-free take on the classic Old Fashioned profile — deep, warming, slightly bitter, gently sweet, and layered with fall spice. Instead of spirits, this version builds complexity using apple cider, toasted spices, citrus oils, and non-alcoholic bitters to create that slow-sipping, fireside feel.

It’s cozy, elegant, and perfect for fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or anyone who loves classic cocktail flavors without alcohol. This is not a sweet cider drink — it’s bold, balanced, and grown-up.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Citrus peeler
• Measuring spoons
• Fine mesh strainer
• Rocks glass
• Large ice cube (or regular ice)
• Stirring spoon

🛒 Ingredients

Old Fashioned Base

• ¾ cup apple cider (fresh, unfiltered preferred)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (dark amber recommended)
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice
• 2–3 dashes non-alcoholic bitters
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves

Optional Depth Boost

• 1 teaspoon brewed black tea (adds tannin & bite)
• OR 1 teaspoon pomegranate juice

Garnish

• Orange peel
• Cinnamon stick
• Apple slice

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Warm & infuse

In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
Warm gently over low heat for 5–7 minutes until fragrant — do not boil.

Step 2: Add complexity

Remove from heat.
Stir in orange juice, non-alcoholic bitters, and optional black tea or pomegranate juice.
Let sit 2 minutes, then strain.

Step 3: Build the drink

Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass.
Pour the strained cider mixture over the ice.

Step 4: Express citrus

Twist an orange peel over the glass to release oils, then drop it in.

Step 5: Garnish

Add a cinnamon stick or apple slice and serve immediately.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Serves: 1
• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: ~10 minutes

🧊 Storage

• The infused apple cider base can be refrigerated up to 3 days. ❄️
• Reheat gently or serve chilled over ice.

🥄 Variations

• Smoked Apple Old Fashioned Mocktail
  Add a single drop of liquid smoke or use a smoked cinnamon stick.
• Vanilla Apple Old Fashioned
  Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth.
• Winter Spice Version
  Add star anise or allspice while infusing.
• Cold Brew Twist
  Add 1 teaspoon cold brew concentrate for deeper bitterness.
• Batch for Guests
  Multiply ingredients and keep warm in a slow cooker on LOW.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Is this alcoholic?
   No — completely alcohol-free.
2. Does it taste like an Old Fashioned?
   Yes — bold, slightly bitter, citrus-forward, and not sweet.
3. What bitters should I use?
   Non-alcoholic aromatic bitters only.
4. Can kids drink this?
   Yes — though it’s more of an adult flavor profile.
5. Can I make it cold instead of warm?
   Absolutely — chill the base and serve over ice.
6. Why add tea?
   It adds tannins similar to spirits.
7. Is maple syrup better than sugar?
   Yes — it adds depth and warmth.
8. Can I skip bitters?
   You can, but they add classic Old Fashioned complexity.
9. What glass works best?
   A rocks glass keeps it traditional.
10. Is this good for holidays?
    Perfect — cozy, elegant, and festive.

🏁 Conclusion

The Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned Mocktail delivers everything you love about a classic Old Fashioned — depth, warmth, citrus, and slow-sipping elegance — without a drop of alcohol. With infused spices, rich apple cider, and subtle bitterness, it’s a refined, cozy drink made for autumn nights and winter gatherings. One sip and it feels timeless.

Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned Mocktail – A bold, cozy sip with warm spice, citrus, and classic old-fashioned depth

The Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned Mocktail is a rich, sophisticated, alcohol-free take on the classic Old Fashioned profile — deep, warming, slightly bitter, gently sweet, and layered with fall spice. Instead of spirits, this version builds complexity using apple cider, toasted spices, citrus oils, and non-alcoholic bitters to create that slow-sipping, fireside feel. It’s cozy, elegant, and perfect for fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or anyone who loves classic cocktail flavors without alcohol. This is not a sweet cider drink — it’s bold, balanced, and grown-up.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Servings: 1 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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Ingredients

  

Old Fashioned Base

• ¾ cup apple cider fresh, unfiltered preferred
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup dark amber recommended
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice
• 2 –3 dashes non-alcoholic bitters
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves

Optional Depth Boost

• 1 teaspoon brewed black tea adds tannin & bite
• OR 1 teaspoon pomegranate juice

Garnish

• Orange peel
• Cinnamon stick
• Apple slice

Get Our Best App for Daily Great Recipes 🍽️

Discover warm, delicious, home-style meals — fresh recipes added every day inside Jacky’s Kitchen.

Coming Soon

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Citrus peeler
• Measuring spoons
• Fine mesh strainer
• Rocks glass
• Large ice cube (or regular ice)
• Stirring spoon

Method

 

Step 1: Warm & infuse

1. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
2. Warm gently over low heat for 5–7 minutes until fragrant — do not boil.

Step 2: Add complexity

1. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in orange juice, non-alcoholic bitters, and optional black tea or pomegranate juice.
3. Let sit 2 minutes, then strain.

Step 3: Build the drink

1. Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass.
2. Pour the strained cider mixture over the ice.

Step 4: Express citrus

1. Twist an orange peel over the glass to release oils, then drop it in.

Step 5: Garnish

1. Add a cinnamon stick or apple slice and serve immediately.

Notes

🧊 Storage

The infused apple cider base can be refrigerated up to 3 days. ❄️

Reheat gently or serve chilled over ice.

🥄 Variations

Smoked Apple Old Fashioned Mocktail
Add a single drop of liquid smoke or use a smoked cinnamon stick.

Vanilla Apple Old Fashioned
Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth.

Winter Spice Version
Add star anise or allspice while infusing.

Cold Brew Twist
Add 1 teaspoon cold brew concentrate for deeper bitterness.

Batch for Guests
Multiply ingredients and keep warm in a slow cooker on LOW.

❓ 10 FAQs

Is this alcoholic?
No — completely alcohol-free.

Does it taste like an Old Fashioned?
Yes — bold, slightly bitter, citrus-forward, and not sweet.

What bitters should I use?
Non-alcoholic aromatic bitters only.

Can kids drink this?
Yes — though it’s more of an adult flavor profile.

Can I make it cold instead of warm?
Absolutely — chill the base and serve over ice.

Why add tea?
It adds tannins similar to spirits.

Is maple syrup better than sugar?
Yes — it adds depth and warmth.

Can I skip bitters?
You can, but they add classic Old Fashioned complexity.

What glass works best?
A rocks glass keeps it traditional.

Is this good for holidays?
Perfect — cozy, elegant, and festive.

🏁 Conclusion

The Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned Mocktail delivers everything you love about a classic Old Fashioned — depth, warmth, citrus, and slow-sipping elegance — without a drop of alcohol. With infused spices, rich apple cider, and subtle bitterness, it’s a refined, cozy drink made for autumn nights and winter gatherings. One sip and it feels timeless.