Fireside Spiced Ember Mocktail – A warm, cozy, smoky-sweet sip perfect for winter nights

Fireside Spiced Ember Mocktail – A warm, cozy, smoky-sweet sip perfect for winter nights

The Fireside Spiced Ember Mocktail is everything you want in a winter drink — warm, comforting, gently spiced, and layered with deep cozy flavors reminiscent of sipping something special by a crackling fire. This alcohol-free cocktail blends tart apple cider, smoky cinnamon, warm spices, citrus brightness, and a hint of maple sweetness. Served warm or chilled, it feels luxurious, sophisticated, and soothing — the perfect drink for holiday evenings, winter gatherings, or unwinding under a blanket on a chilly night.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Servings: 1 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Fireside Base

1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cranberry juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup more to taste
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
Small strip of orange peel

Optional Smoky Finish

1 drop liquid smoke optional but gives true “fireside” aroma
OR a smoked cinnamon stick
OR a pinch of smoked paprika

Garnish

Dehydrated orange slice
Cinnamon stick
Fresh cranberries
Star anise optional

Equipment

Small saucepan
Heatproof mug or cocktail glass
Fine mesh strainer
Stirring spoon
Citrus peeler
Measuring cups & spoons

Method

Step 1: Warm the base

In a small saucepan, combine:
Apple cider
Cranberry juice
Lemon juice
Maple syrup
Cinnamon stick
Cloves
Orange peel
Warm over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes, just until steaming.
Do not boil — this preserves flavor and aroma.

Step 2: Add smoky element (optional)

Remove from heat.
Add one drop of liquid smoke (or a smoked cinnamon stick).
Stir gently.

Step 3: Strain & pour

Strain into a heatproof mug or cocktail glass.
If serving chilled, pour over ice.

Step 4: Garnish

Top with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, cranberries, or star anise.

Notes

🧊 Storage

The spiced cider base can be stored 3–4 days in the refrigerator. ❄️

Reheat gently on low heat — do not boil.

🥄 Variations

Maple Fireside Latte (Non-Coffee)
Add ¼ cup steamed milk or oat milk.

Cran-Apple Fireside Mule
Serve chilled over ice and top with ginger beer.

Fireside Old-Fashioned Mocktail
Add extra maple and a dash of bitters (non-alcoholic bitters only).

Sparkling Ember
Chill the spiced base and top with sparkling water.

Pumpkin Spice Campfire
Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree + pinch of pumpkin spice.

❓ 10 FAQs

Is this mocktail served warm or cold?
Either! Warm is cozy; cold is refreshing.

Is liquid smoke safe to use?
Yes — just a drop adds aroma without overpowering.

Can I make a big batch?
Easily — multiply ingredients and warm in a pot.

Can kids drink this?
Yes — it’s fully alcohol-free.

Can I sweeten it more?
Add more maple syrup or a splash of apple cider.

Can I make it spicy?
Add fresh ginger slices while warming.

What if I don’t have apple cider?
Use apple juice, but reduce the maple slightly.

Can it be dairy-free?
Completely — no dairy in the base recipe.

Can I chill it and use as a base for mocktail spritzers?
Yes — excellent for sparkling mocktails.

What makes it taste “fireside”?
The warm spices + citrus peel + optional smoky note.

🏁 Conclusion

The Fireside Spiced Ember Mocktail is warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting — everything a winter drink should be. With its layered spices, citrus brightness, apple depth, and subtle smoky touch, it captures the feeling of relaxing beside a glowing fire. Elegant enough for holiday gatherings and simple enough for a quiet night at home, this mocktail will quickly become a winter favorite.