Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make holiday mocktail blending mint, cranberry, apple cider, and a splash of lime, topped with sparkling water or ginger beer for a festive non-alcoholic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Mocktail Base
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz apple cider or apple juice
- ½ oz lime juice
Toppings and Garnish
- To top: sparkling water or ginger beer
- A splash of apple cider vinegar (optional)
- A pinch of icing sugar (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Cranberries, mint, and/or lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Mint: Clap your mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma, then add them to a shaker along with the maple syrup. Press down gently a couple of times with a muddler to lightly bruise the mint without tearing it.
- Add Juices and Ice: Pour in the lime juice, cranberry juice, and apple cider or apple juice into the shaker. Add a handful of ice cubes to chill the mixture.
- Shake the Mocktail: Shake the mixture well until chilled and combined, ensuring the flavors meld together effectively.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with your choice of sparkling water or ginger beer to add fizz.
- Garnish and Finish: Add cranberries, fresh mint sprigs, and/or lime slices to garnish. For a festive touch, lightly dust the top with icing sugar if desired.
Notes
- To reduce sugar content, use low-sugar cranberry juice and replace maple syrup with a low-sugar sweetener like monkfruit syrup.
- Both sparkling water and ginger beer work well for topping; for a more sophisticated flavor, try non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- Apple cider vinegar adds a pleasant bite reminiscent of alcohol but should be used sparingly due to its potency.
- Use icing sugar dusting for a snow effect, but avoid if monitoring sugar intake.
