Best Fall Mocktail Recipes

A roundup of simple, non-alcoholic drink recipes for a festive & hangover-free autumn

Fall is finally here, which means cinnamon in the air, PSL’s in our hands, and moms everywhere scrambling with back-to-school chaos. If you're trying to cut back on alcohol (without cutting back on fun), these fall-inspired mocktails are about to become your new BFF. 

Think cozy apple cider spritzes, pumpkin spice sippers, and sparkling creations that are easy enough to whip up while making a dinner no one is going to eat. Whether you’re hosting a girl’s night in or just want a festive drink that won’t leave you regretting it at soccer practice tomorrow, these 5 mocktail recipes will bring all the cozy vibes… no hangover required.

Pumpkin Cider Mocktail - Makes 2 Servings

Recipe:

• 1/2  C pumpkin puree

• 1 C apple cider (not just apple juice)

• 1/2 t pumpkin spice 

• 8 oz diet ginger beer or apple sparkling water (Waterloo has a flavor that works well, or Q Mixers “Light” Ginger Beer). 

• Optional garnish: slice of apple + star anise 

Instructions:

• Add puree, spice and apple cider to a cocktail shaker and add ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the pumpkin puree and liquids are well combined.

• Strain into two glasses and top with sparkling water or diet ginger beer.

• Add your garnish and enjoy! 

Autumn "Aperol" Spritz

Recipe:

• 2 oz N/A "Aperol" (I recommend this one by Free Spirt)

• 2 oz spiced cider, chilled

• 3 oz sparkling soda

Instructions:

• Fill a wine glass with ice and add all ingredients. Gently stir and top with a slice of orange or cinnamon stick before serving.

• Note: Normally a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz uses non-alcoholic sparkling wine and club soda but I think the sweetness of the cider helps carry the flavor so you don’t need as many expensive ingredients. Cheers!

Autumn "Sans"gria - 5 Servings

Recipe:

• 1 bottle non-alcoholic white wine (top picks here)

• 1 C chilled apple cider 

• 1 C diet ginger beer (I used Q Mixers “Light” which has a nice ginger punch with less sugar) 

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 C each cubed apples, oranges, plum & pear 

• 4-5 sticks cinnamon

• Optional garnishes: star anise, dash fresh cinnamon, rosemary stems, whole cranberries

Instructions:

• First, make sure all your chopped fruit is ready.

• Add all ingredients except diet ginger beer to a pitcher and stir gently.

• Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

• Add the diet ginger beer and stir again, then serve in wine glasses and top with seasonal garnishes.

Pear Thyme Mocktail - Makes 2 Servings

Recipe:

• 2 T fresh lemon juice

• 6 sprigs fresh thyme

• 6 oz pear juice (I recommend R.W. Knudsen Organic Pear Juice)

• 1 T maple syrup 

• 1/4 t of cinnamon

• Club Soda

Instructions:

• Optional Rim: Rim glasses with a little lemon juice then dip in brown sugar + cinnamon before filling with ice. 

• Add lemon juice and 4 thyme sprigs to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release the thyme flavor into the citrus.

• Add pear juice, syrup, cinnamon and ice and shake to combine.

• Pour into rimmed glasses with ice, then top with soda. Garnish with a thyme sprig and slice of pear (optional). Cheers! 

Cranberry Mojito Pitcher - Makes 5-6 servings

Recipe:

• 2 C cranberry juice

• 1/2 C agave

• 1/4 C packed fresh mint leaves, + extra stems for garnish

• 1/2 C fresh lime juice

• 3 C sparkling soda

• Garnish: lime slices, mint leaves and/or whole cranberries

Instructions:

• Combine the cranberry juice, agave and mint in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.

• Stir to combine, then cover and steep for about 5 min (until the cranberries have a slight mint flavor).

• Strain out the mint and pour the liquid into an air-tight container until chilled and ready to serve (can stay in your fridge for up to 3 days).

• To serve, fill a small pitcher with the cranberry-mint juice and fresh lime juice.

• Prepare glasses with ice, a fresh mint stem and a few cranberries. Pour in 3 oz of the chilled drink to each, then top with about 3 oz soda. Cheers!

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