The Best Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe

I’m sharing my Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe—a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that’s just as fun for weeknight dinners as it is for festive gatherings.

When I think of the holidays, I always remember the big family gatherings and all the food we’d share. But for me, the most fun was always helping my mom make a special drink for everyone.

There was something so cozy and celebratory about a beautiful punch bowl filled with a colorful beverage, and this Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe reminds me of those happy times.

It’s a drink that feels special without being complicated, and it’s become my go-to for holiday parties and cozy nights in.

This isn’t just a simple mix of fruit juices; it’s a drink with a perfect balance of tart and sweet, and a little sparkle to make it feel extra festive.

Have you ever wanted to serve something special at a party but didn’t want to mess with alcohol? Maybe you’re hosting a baby shower or just want a refreshing non-alcoholic drink for everyone to enjoy. This drink is the solution. It’s got all the fun of a cocktail without the fuss, and it’s absolutely delicious.

What Is A Mocktail?

A mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink. The name is a mix of “mock” and “cocktail,” and it means you can have a fancy, flavorful beverage that looks just like a cocktail but contains zero alcohol.

It’s a great way to enjoy a fancy drink at holiday parties, baby showers, or family dinners without worrying about alcohol.

They’re a fantastic way to include everyone in a toast and are perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Mocktail?

You’ll love this sparkling cranberry mocktail because it’s so easy to make and tastes amazing.

It’s a beautiful mix of classic flavors, pairing the tartness of Cranberry with the sweetness of Apple. The ginger ale and sparkling water give it a wonderful fizz, making it feel extra refreshing.

It’s the perfect mocktail recipe to serve at parties, and it’s a great choice for kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a stunning drink to look at with its deep red color and pretty garnishes.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe?

Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe Overview

This Easy Cranberry Apple Mocktail is a fizzy, flavorful, and festive non-alcoholic beverage that’s perfect for any get-together.

It combines apple juice and cranberry juice with a splash of lime and ginger ale for a zesty, bubbly finish.

 It comes together in minutes and is a great option for those who want a simple cranberry apple drink that can be made in a big batch.

This Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe with Sparkling Refreshment is one of my favorites for its simple elegance and bright flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Beverage
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 1 serving
• Calories per serving: 85 kcal (approximate)

Equipment:

• Pitcher or large jug
• Serving glasses
• Jigger or measuring cup

Ingredients

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz apple juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 oz ginger ale
• ½ cup (120mL) sparkling water
• Ice cube
• Apple slices for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Optional: Fresh mint leaves

Ingredient Notes:

• For the best flavor, use 100% juice without added sugars.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must here—it makes a big difference in the taste.
• I like a good quality ginger ale, but ginger beer works if you want a bolder ginger taste.
• You can use sparkling apple cranberry mocktail juice instead of the separate juices if you’re in a hurry. Just adjust the other ingredients to taste.

Instructions

1. Chill your ingredients.

For the best results, make sure your juices and ginger ale are chilled beforehand. This will keep the drink cold without watering it down too much with ice.

2. Combine the juices.

In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, apple juice, and fresh lime juice. Give it a good stir.

3. Add the fizz.

Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale and sparkling water. Stir gently to combine. You want to keep as much of the fizz as possible.

4. Prepare your glasses.

Fill your serving glasses with ice cubes. This is a good time to add garnishes like apple slices and fresh cranberries to the glasses.

5. Pour and serve.

Pour the sparkling cranberry apple cider mocktail over the ice in each glass. Add a sprig of fresh mint for a nice touch if you like.

Helpful Tips

✅Make it a big batch: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for large parties. Just be sure to add the fizzy drinks right before serving.

✅Adjust to your taste: If you want a sweeter drink, you can use less lime juice. If you prefer it more tart, add a little extra lime.

✅The fizz is key: The ginger ale and sparkling water give this cranberry and apple juice mocktail its bubbly lift. Don’t add them until you’re ready to serve so the drink stays fresh.

How to Decorate Your Rim with Sugar

1. Take a shallow dish and pour in about a quarter-inch of water.

2. On another shallow plate, pour a layer of coarse sugar. You can use regular granulated sugar, but the coarse kind looks nicer.

3. Dip the rim of your glass into the water first, just enough to moisten it.

4. Next, dip the wet rim into the sugar. The sugar will stick to the rim, creating a beautiful frosted effect. This is a great trick for any festive drink!

Variations and Substitutions

• Spice it up: For a warm, cozy twist, you can add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to your pitcher.
• Change the fizz: You can swap the ginger ale and sparkling water for club soda or lemon-lime soda for a different flavor. A cranberry apple spritzer mocktail is a fantastic twist.
• Garnish creatively: Try adding a rosemary sprig for a pine-like scent, or a few orange slices for a citrus boost.

How to Store Cranberry Apple Mocktail: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, you can store the base mix (the juices) in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to store it without the fizz.

When you’re ready to have another glass, just pour a serving from the pitcher and add fresh ginger ale and sparkling water. This keeps your drink bubbly and delicious every time.

Recipe Note

• This recipe is a great option for making a big batch in a punch bowl.
• The garnishes are what make this drink look extra special, so don’t skip them!
• The fresh lime juice balances the sweetness, so don’t leave it out.

Other Cranberry Drinks You Might Like

▶ Cranberry Apple Margarita Recipe

▶ Cranberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

▶ Cranberry Vodka Christmas Punch

▶ Festive White Cranberry Vodka Cocktail

▶ How to Make Cranberry Juice at Home

▶ Sparkling Cranberry Punch Recipe

▶ Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

FAQ Section

Conclusion

This Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe is my go-to drink when I want something fruity, fizzy, and fun without alcohol. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just treating yourself to a refreshing apple cranberry drink.

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this simple and delicious cranberry apple mocktail. It’s one of my favorite beverages to make for any gathering, big or small.

Give it a try and tell me what you think in the comments below. Do you have a favorite non-alcoholic drink you make for special occasions? I’d love to hear about it!