This Spiced Apple Cranberry Mocktail Spritz tastes like a crisp winter walk wrapped in a scarf—bright, warming, and refreshing all at once. It balances tart cranberry, mellow apple, and gentle spices, then tops it with bubbles for a festive finish. It’s perfect for Dry January, but honestly great any time you want something special without alcohol.
Simple to make, pretty to serve, and easy to scale for a crowd. Think holiday vibes, minus the hangover.
What Makes This Special
- Layered flavors: Tart cranberry and sweet apple meet cinnamon, clove, and citrus for cozy depth without being heavy.
- Light and bubbly: Sparkling water or zero-proof sparkling wine gives it a lively spritz.
- Make-ahead friendly: The spiced base can be prepped in advance, then topped with bubbles just before serving.
- Beautiful presentation: A rosemary sprig, orange peel, or fresh cranberries make it look party-ready in seconds.
- Alcohol-free (but flexible): Keep it zero-proof or add a splash of zero-proof aperitif for extra complexity.
What You’ll Need
- 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- Apple cider (or unfiltered apple juice)
- Fresh orange (zest and juice)
- Cinnamon stick
- Whole cloves (or a pinch of ground clove)
- Star anise (optional, for a soft licorice warmth)
- Fresh ginger slices (or a pinch of ground ginger)
- Maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- Sparkling water or zero-proof sparkling wine
- Ice
- Garnishes: rosemary sprigs, fresh cranberries, orange peel, thin apple slices
Instructions
- Make the spiced base: In a small pot, add 1 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 2–3 ginger slices, 1 cinnamon stick, 2–3 whole cloves, and 1 star anise (optional). Add a strip of orange peel and a squeeze of orange juice (about 1 tablespoon).
- Gently heat: Warm over low heat for 8–10 minutes until fragrant.
Do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes more. Strain and cool.
- Sweeten to taste: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey while still slightly warm.
Taste and adjust—remember the spritz will dilute sweetness.
- Chill: Refrigerate the spiced base until cold (at least 30 minutes). Cold base + cold bubbles = best fizz.
- Build the spritz: Fill a wine glass or rocks glass with ice. Add 3 ounces chilled spiced base and 1 ounce extra cranberry juice if you like it tarter.
- Top with bubbles: Add 3–4 ounces sparkling water or zero-proof sparkling wine.
Gently stir once to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Add a rosemary sprig, a curl of orange peel, and a couple of cranberries or apple slices. Serve immediately.
How to Store
- Spiced base: Keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for later: Pour into an ice cube tray. Store cubes in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Drop cubes into sparkling water when needed.
- Don’t store assembled spritz: The bubbles go flat quickly. Always combine right before serving.
Health Benefits
- Cranberry: Naturally tart and rich in antioxidants that support urinary tract health and reduce oxidative stress.
- Apple cider: Provides polyphenols and a touch of natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Spices: Cinnamon and ginger may help with digestion and blood sugar balance.
- Alcohol-free: A festive choice that’s easier on sleep, hydration, and overall well-being.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the spices: High heat can turn the flavors bitter. Keep it low and gentle.
- Skipping the chill: Warm base + cold bubbles equals lost fizz and a lukewarm drink.
- Over-sweetening: Apple cider and maple already add sweetness.
Start small, taste, and adjust.
- Using cranberry cocktail: It’s often loaded with added sugar. Choose 100% cranberry juice for clean flavor and better balance.
Alternatives
- Citrus twist: Swap orange for lemon for a brighter, sharper profile.
- Herbal notes: Add a few thyme sprigs or swap rosemary for a piney, wintery aroma.
- Ginger-forward: Use ginger beer (alcohol-free) instead of sparkling water. Reduce sweetener to compensate.
- Berry swap: Replace cranberry with pomegranate juice for a softer tartness and ruby color.
- Zero-proof aperitif: For extra complexity, add 1/2–1 ounce of a nonalcoholic aperitif with bitter orange notes.
FAQ
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes.
Multiply the spiced base and chill in a pitcher. Pour 3 ounces per glass over ice and top with cold sparkling water or zero-proof bubbly right before serving.
What if I can’t find apple cider?
Use unfiltered apple juice. If it’s very sweet, add a bit more cranberry or a squeeze of lemon to balance.
How do I make it less sweet?
Skip the maple syrup and use more unsweetened cranberry or a splash of lemon.
You can also top with extra sparkling water.
Is there a way to make it caffeine-free and kid-friendly?
It already is. Just be sure to use 100% juices and sparkling water. Kids love the color and the bubbles.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes, skip the bubbles and serve the spiced base warm in mugs with a cinnamon stick.
It becomes a cozy mulled mocktail.
In Conclusion
The Spiced Apple Cranberry Mocktail Spritz brings cozy spice, fresh tartness, and bubbly lift to any gathering. It’s easy to batch, easy to customize, and feels festive without the alcohol. Keep a jar of the spiced base in the fridge, and you’re one pour away from a bright, winter-ready refreshment.
Cheers to feeling good tomorrow, too.
Spiced Apple Cranberry Mocktail Spritz (Cozy Dry Jan Alternative) - Bubbly, Bright, and Warming
Ingredients
- 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- Apple cider (or unfiltered apple juice)
- Fresh orange (zest and juice)
- Cinnamon stick
- Whole cloves (or a pinch of ground clove)
- Star anise (optional, for a soft licorice warmth)
- Fresh ginger slices (or a pinch of ground ginger)
- Maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- Sparkling water or zero-proof sparkling wine
- Ice
- Garnishes: rosemary sprigs, fresh cranberries, orange peel, thin apple slices
Instructions
- Make the spiced base: In a small pot, add 1 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 2–3 ginger slices, 1 cinnamon stick, 2–3 whole cloves, and 1 star anise (optional). Add a strip of orange peel and a squeeze of orange juice (about 1 tablespoon).
- Gently heat: Warm over low heat for 8–10 minutes until fragrant.Do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes more. Strain and cool.
- Sweeten to taste: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey while still slightly warm.Taste and adjust—remember the spritz will dilute sweetness.
- Chill: Refrigerate the spiced base until cold (at least 30 minutes). Cold base + cold bubbles = best fizz.
- Build the spritz: Fill a wine glass or rocks glass with ice. Add 3 ounces chilled spiced base and 1 ounce extra cranberry juice if you like it tarter.
- Top with bubbles: Add 3–4 ounces sparkling water or zero-proof sparkling wine.Gently stir once to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Add a rosemary sprig, a curl of orange peel, and a couple of cranberries or apple slices. Serve immediately.
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