Looking for a drink to mark the seasonal transition from summer to fall? Caramel apple mocktail is not only a showstopping non alcoholic sweet treat, but it's also quick to assemble. Soon, you can be chillin' with your new favorite fall beverage!
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Questions
Is ginger beer alcoholic?
No, it's more like a very strong ginger soda, but it's shouldn't be substituted with ginger ale. Ginger beer is made with ginger juice and ginger extract and has a strong ginger taste.
It's meant to be mixed with other ingredients to make it more palatable, but if you choose to drink it plain, it definitely packs a punch with its zippy zing.
How should the glassware rim be decorated?
- dipped in caramel sauce
- dipped in caramel sauce, then in demerara sugar
- dipped in apple cider, then in turbinado sugar
- dipped in cider, then in a cinnamon sugar mixture
What kind of garnishes are popular?
- cinnamon stick resting on the top of the rim
- thin slices of tart apple floating in the drink
- cinnamon stick through the core of a whole apple slice resting on the rim
- fanned apple slices (thinly sliced but still attached at the base and fanned out)
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Yes--just remember to increase the ingredients because the recipe below is for one glass. The ratio for this mocktail is 2:2:1. This means it's equal parts cider and ginger beer with half as much homemade caramel sauce.
- Up to two days ahead, make the homemade sauce. Let it cool, pour into a glass jar, and refrigerate.
- On the day of the party, decorate the rims of the glasses, and prepare the cinnamon stick garnish (one per glass).
- Warm up the syrup in the microwave, then mix it with the cold cider in a glass pitcher. Stir until well combined, then refrigerate.
- Just before serving, stir the cider mixture in case there was any settling.
- Pour the cider mixture in each glass until half full, then top up with the sparkling ginger beer. Stir each glass with a long-handled spoon and top with a cinnamon stick.
How to Make
Start by making the homemade caramel sauce. (Click here to find out how.) Then measure out all your ingredients.
Next, dip the rim of the glass in the sauce.
Then take the plunge into the demerara sugar.
Pour the warm sauce into the glass.
Add the cold cider.
Finish off with the sparkling ginger beer.
Carefully stir until well combined with a long-handled spoon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Ready to try a cold drink to celebrate the arrival of fall? I encourage you to make this sweet treat for your family tonight.
Pro Tips
- Take the time to make the homemade sauce. It has a rich, buttery flavor you just can't get from store-bought.
- Keep the apple cider and ginger beer cold until you're ready to mix the drink.
- Experiment with different rim flavors. Try two different kinds for a dinner party and see which one is more popular.
- The ratio for this drink is 2:2:1. (apple cider, ginger beer, sauce)
- Don't substitute ginger ale, its flavor isn't strong enough.
Have a taste of autumn with these other special drinks.
The pleasure of a 5-star review would be greatly appreciated.
Recipe
Caramel Apple Mocktail
Ingredients
For the Rim
- ⅓ cup homemade caramel sauce, warmed
- ⅓ cup demerara sugar
For the Drink
- 2 ounces homemade caramel sauce, warmed (¼ cup)
- 7 ounces apple cider, chilled
- 7 ounces ginger beer, chilled
For the Garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Dip the rim of the glass in the sauce, then dip it in the demerara sugar.
- Pour the warm sauce into the glass, then the apple cider and finish with the ginger beer. Stir until well combined.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use homemade sauce. It has a rich, buttery flavor you just can't get from store-bought.
- Warm caramel sauce will dissolve quicker than cold.
- The ratios are 2:2:1 for the apple cider, ginger beer, and caramel sauce.
- Cutting the sauce in half will lower the calories by 200.
- Keep the apple cider and ginger beer cold.
Beth
Ginger beer does pack a punch, but it tastes good mixed with caramel sauce and apple cider. 🍎
Emma
Ginger and apple is such a great combination!