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Best Kid-Friendly Cinnamon Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe

kid-friendly cinnamon apple cider mocktail - featured image

A quick and easy kid-friendly mocktail made with apple cider, sparkling water, and cinnamon. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this drink is naturally sweet, refreshing, and made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water, plain or unflavored
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Apple slices, for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)
  • 12 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Prep your garnishes first. Slice one apple into thin rounds or half-moons. Set aside a few cinnamon sticks if using.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon with about 2 tablespoons of the apple cider. Stir until smooth to prevent clumps.
  3. Pour the remaining apple cider into a large pitcher. Add the cinnamon mixture and fresh lemon juice. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Taste and adjust with a little more lemon if needed.
  4. Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water. Stir gently to preserve carbonation.
  5. Taste again. If you want it sweeter, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Warm honey slightly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) for easier mixing.
  6. Fill serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the mocktail over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  7. Garnish each glass with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick (if using). Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the flavor. Mix cinnamon into a paste first to avoid clumps. Add sparkling water at the last minute to keep it fizzy. For a warm version, skip the sparkling water and ice, and gently heat the cider mixture on the stove. The base mixture (without sparkling water) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: kid-friendly mocktail, apple cider mocktail, cinnamon apple cider, non-alcoholic drink, fall drink, holiday drink, easy mocktail