There is something so fun about having a special drink to serve at a gathering, especially when it is easy enough to make in just a few minutes. This simple Apple Cider Mocktail is a delicious way to turn a few basic ingredients into a festive drink for fall and the holiday season.
Apple cider, orange juice, and ginger ale come together to make a lightly sweet, fizzy drink with plenty of apple flavor and a little citrus. Pour it over ice, add a few fresh apple slices, and don’t forget a fun straw!
This is a great drink for Thanksgiving, fall parties, Halloween, Christmas gatherings, or anytime you want a festive drink without alcohol. Kids love it, but adults will enjoy it, too.
And because it makes just one to two glasses, it is easy to make when you want something special without making a large batch. This recipe is simple to double!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Mocktail:
- Only three ingredients are needed.
- Quick and easy to make. Finished in just a couple minutes.
- Perfect for fall and the holidays.
- The ginger ale adds a fun, refreshing fizz.
- Non-alcoholic, so both kids and adults can enjoy it.
- Makes one to two servings (makes 22 ounces), so it’s easy to make for a couple of people. OR it is very simple to double or triple.

Cook’s Notes:
- Use chilled ingredients-Starting with cold apple cider, orange juice, and ginger ale makes this drink especially refreshing.
- Stir gently-Ginger ale is carbonated, so stir just enough to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz.
- Add the ginger ale last if you are preparing the drink ahead of time. This helps preserve the carbonation.
- For the prettiest presentation, add fresh apple slices just before serving.
- Use apple cider especially when serving this in the fall for a richer seasonal flavor.
Variations:
Make it extra festive:
Add a cinnamon stick to each glass for a pretty fall garnish.
Holiday Apple Cider Mocktail:
For Christmas, garnish with apple slices and fresh cranberries for a festive presentation.
Make it for a crowd:
Multiply the ingredients and serve it in a pitcher or punch bowl. Add the ginger ale shortly before serving so the drink stays bubbly.
Try different apple flavors:
Use apple cider for a deeper apple flavor or apple juice for a lighter version.
Make it sparkling:
Use extra ginger ale for a lighter, more bubbly drink.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Mocktails:
This drink would be especially good served with:
- Thanksgiving Appetizers
- Pumpkin Desserts-Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
- Apple Brickle Dip
- Hot Fudge Caramel Apple Dip
- Fall Cookies
- Carmel Apple Jack Treats
- Fall Snack Mix
- Holiday Appetizers
- Christmas Cookies
- Brunch-Cordon Bleu Puffs, Quiche
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes! Apple juice works well in this recipe. Apple cider will give the mocktail a richer, more pronounced apple flavor, while apple juice will have a lighter flavor.
Can I make Apple Cider Mocktails ahead of time?
You can mix the apple cider and orange juice ahead of time and refrigerate them. Add the ginger ale shortly before serving so the drink stays fizzy.
Can I make this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Simply multiply the ingredients based on how many servings you need. For a party, combine the apple cider and orange juice ahead of time and add the ginger ale just before serving.
What kind of apple slices should I use for the garnish?
Any apple you enjoy will work. Red apples make a pretty garnish, while green apples add a nice color contrast.
Is this Apple Cider Mocktail kid-friendly?
Yes! This is a non-alcoholic drink that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. A fun straw makes it especially appealing for kids.
Can I make this without ginger ale?
Ginger ale is what gives this recipe its fizz and subtle ginger flavor, so I recommend using it. If necessary, you could substitute another lemon-lime or ginger-flavored sparkling soda, although the flavor will be different.

Ingredients Needed For Apple Cider Mocktail:
Apple Cider or Apple Juice: You can use either apple cider or apple juice. Apple cider gives this drink a richer fall flavor, while apple juice has a lighter flavor.
Ginger Ale: Ginger ale adds sweetness, fizz, and a subtle ginger flavor to the mocktail.
Orange Juice: A little orange juice adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the apple cider.
Ice: Serve the mocktail over ice for a cold and refreshing drink.
Apple Slices: Apple slices make a simple and pretty garnish. This is optional but cute!
How To Make Apple Cider Mocktail:
- Add the apple cider or apple juice, ginger ale, and orange juice to a pitcher or large measuring cup. Stir gently to combine.
- Fill one or two glasses with ice. This small batch makes 22 ounces.
- Divide the apple cider mixture between the two GLASSES.
- Garnish with apple slices and add a FUN STRAW.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love: 💕
If you love the flavors of fall, here are a few more apple recipes to try:
Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake
More Drinks to Try: 😊
Looking for more easy drinks for your next gathering? Try these favorites:
Pomegranate Limeade-another beverage for everyone.
Watermelon Slushie-a cold summer beverage you will love.
Witch’s Brew-another fun fall beverage.
Grandma’s Hot Cocoa Mix-a must try for fall and winter.
Pina Colada Slushie-one of my favorite beverages.
Raspberry Italian Sodas-another of my favorite beverages.
Watermelon Lemonade-a flavorful combination.


Apple Cider Mocktail
A simple and delightful three ingredient beverage that is perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Apple Cider
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice
- 1 cup Ginger Ale
Instructions
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Mix the apple cider and orange juice together in a bowl or pitcher.
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Gently stir in the ginger ale.
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Fill two glasses with ice and pour the beverage over the ice.
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Garnish with apple slices and a fun straw. Enjoy!

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