Name: Sparkling Rosemary Apple Cider Mocktail
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½ cup water; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 fresh rosemary sprigs; 3 ounces apple cider ((NOT apple cider vinegar or hard apple cider)); 2 ounces sparkling water or club soda; ½ ounce fresh lemon juice ((1 tablespoon)); ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup ((1 tablespoon)); 1 or 2 dashes Angostura bitters; rosemary sprig; thin apple slice

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: Apple cider, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, a hint of rosemary, and sparkling water come together in this crisp, refreshing rosemary apple cider mocktail. It’s the perfect addition to any fall party!

How long it takes: 30 minutes (including steeping time)
Equipment you’ll need: small saucepan, fine mesh strainer, measuring jigger or measuring spoons
Servings: 1

A glass of iced apple cider mocktail garnished with a fresh apple slice and a sprig of rosemary.

The Perfect Fall Mocktail

Apple cider season is my favorite season. But I’ve been thinking about apple cider differently lately. It’s not just a warm, cozy drink, but it’s an ingredient that actually has a lot of range (like in this apple cider pulled pork – so good!).

This sparkling rosemary apple cider mocktail is further proof of that. Instead of the typical cinnamon and spice, it’s bright and herbaceous. It’s bubbly, beautiful, and exactly what I want to serve at every holiday gathering this year. (And it converts to a cocktail just as easily, so everyone is happy.)

What makes it special:

A mocktail with layers and actual flavor: Some mocktails are basically just juice. This one is layered and interesting (we tested it 6 times!).
Bubbly and festive: Sparkling water gives this mocktail effervescent champagne vibes, without the alcohol.
Get a head start: Prepare the rosemary simple syrup in advance so assembling the drinks takes just minutes.

Ingredient Notes

You’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card, but here’s an overview of what you’ll need.

Rosemary simple syrup: It’s so easy to make your own herb-infused simple syrup. All you’ll need is sugar, water, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. Rosemary adds a resinous note to the mocktail, slightly reminiscent of pine trees. This recipe makes enough simple syrup for 8 mocktails.
Apple cider: Be sure to use fresh apple cider, not hard cider or apple cider vinegar.
Sparkling water, seltzer, or club soda: Any of these carbonated beverages will add fizzy bubbles but they aren’t sweetened.
Fresh lemon juice: Tangy lemon juice provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the cider and simple syrup. You don’t need much but you definitely miss it if it’s not present.
Angostura bitters: We tested six iterations of this recipe and the addition of bitters really makes a difference, adding a nice complexity. Note that traditional bitters do contain alcohol (similar to vanilla extract), but if you want a completely alcohol-free option, you can find alcohol-free bitters online.
Optional garnishes: A lightly bruised fresh rosemary sprig really drives home the herbal flavor, and a thin slice of apple is just plain pretty!

Set of six angular clear glass tumblers, two of which are filled with amber and red liquids.

Get The Glasses

Love these glasses? Me too! They’re so pretty and turn your drink into something really beautiful. They also make everyday drinks like sparkling water feel really special.

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How to Make A Rosemary Apple Cider Mocktail

Make the rosemary simple syrup. I always make the simple syrup a few days ahead since it takes a little time to infuse and cool down. Combine the water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer.

Steep and cool. Remove the pan from the heat and let the rosemary steep for about 15 minutes to infuse the syrup. Discard the rosemary and allow the syrup to cool completely before using. Put it into the refrigerator to chill if you’re not using it right away. It will keep for up to a week.

Two sprigs of rosemary, a measuring cup with water, and a measuring cup filled with sugar.

Fresh rosemary sprigs submerged in a pot of simple syrup.

Recipe Tip

Don’t over-steep the rosemary. Fresh rosemary is a fairly potent woody herb, so about 15 minutes gives the syrup a pleasant herbal flavor without being too assertive.

Assemble the mocktail. Fill a glass generously with ice. Pour in the apple cider, lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup, and bitters. Top with the sparkling water and stir gently to combine. Don’t overstir it; you don’t want to stir out all the carbonation.

Garnish and serve. Finish with a fresh rosemary sprig tucked into the mocktail. I like to squeeze the rosemary gently between my fingertips so the aroma is released. Perch a thin apple slice on the edge of the glass or submerge it in the mocktail. Serve immediately while the drink is cold and bubbly.

A bottle of Angostura bitters, a whole lemon, a metal jigger, and two small bowls containing clear and amber liquids on a light surface.

An empty geometric glass filled with ice cubes on a white coaster, surrounded by apple slices and a rosemary sprig.

Recipe Variations

Make it a cocktail. Add a splash of vodka, blanco tequila, or white rum.
Serve a crowd. Mix the cider, lemon juice, rosemary syrup, and bitters in a pitcher ahead of time. Add ice and sparkling water to individual glasses just before serving to keep everything fizzy.
Try different herbs. Fresh thyme makes a nice substitute for rosemary if you’d like a slightly different flavor profile.
More apple cider beverages: Try my apple cider mule which is a variation of the popular Moscow mule. This apple cider mocktail is served like a martini, chilled in a shaker and poured into an elegant martini glass.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday get-togethers: Serve alongside fall appetizers like butternut squash crostini with ricotta and baked brie with cranberries. It would go well with sausage pinwheels or spiced pecans, too. For an easy entrée, consider serving slow cooker apple cider pulled pork sandwiches or bowls.
Brunch: This mocktail would be perfect with apple pancakes or brioche French toast! Warm apple cider muffins are a guaranteed hit, too. Air fryer apple fritters are a healthier take on this popular bakery treat.
Thanksgiving: A light mocktail leaves more room for homemade pumpkin pie or cranberry pecan pie!

Two glasses of iced apple cider cocktail garnished with apple slices and rosemary sprigs.

Storage

Rosemary simple syrup: Store in a covered container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Mocktail: This drink is best assembled just before serving so the sparkling water stays bubbly.

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Sparkling Rosemary Apple Cider Mocktail