As the holiday season approaches, many people are taking part in “Sober October,” a month-long challenge to stay away from alcohol. With all the parties and events coming up, it’s a great time to explore non-alcoholic drink options. This fall mocktail recipe is inspired by pumpkin pie spice and fresh Minnesota apple cider. It’s perfect for any autumn occasion, like tailgating, bonfires, or Halloween gatherings.
Why Try Sober October?
- Health benefits: Taking a break from alcohol can improve sleep, mood, and energy levels.
- Variety of options: Many new and seasonal non-alcoholic drinks are now available, including:
- Nozeco: A sparkling drink made from dealcoholized wine, offering the taste of wine without the alcohol.
- Sayso: Tea-like sachets you can steep in cold water (or alcohol) to make a tasty drink.
- Mingle RTD: Naturally infused, low-calorie botanical beverages in various cocktail flavors.
- Recess Zero Proof: Low-sugar mocktails with natural caffeine and calming adaptogens like L-theanine and lemon balm.
Sparkly Cider-Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe
Let’s make a festive, non-alcoholic drink inspired by the flavors of pumpkin pie and fresh apple cider. This recipe serves two.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 lemon wedge
- ½ cup fresh apple cider (preferably Minnesota-grown)
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon or bourbon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
- Ice
- Non-alcoholic sparkling wine (e.g., Nozeco), chilled
- Fresh apple slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glass rims:
- Mix the sugar, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and cayenne pepper on a flat dish.
- Rub the lemon wedge around the rim of two martini or coupe glasses, then dip the rims in the spiced sugar mixture. Set the glasses aside.
- Make the mocktail mixture:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, and the remaining pumpkin pie spice.
- Add ice until the shaker is two-thirds full, then shake well (about 30 seconds) to chill the mixture.
- Serve:
- Strain the mixture evenly into the prepared glasses.
- Top off each drink with cold non-alcoholic sparkling wine, then stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices.
Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful fall mocktail!
Tips for the Perfect Mocktail
- Adjust sweetness: You can add more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Experiment with spices: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Chill your glasses: Keep your glasses in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving for an extra frosty touch.
Why This Mocktail is Great for Fall
- Seasonal flavors: Combines the cozy tastes of pumpkin pie spice and fresh apple cider.
- Versatile occasions: Perfect for any fall event, whether you’re watching a football game, attending a party, or just relaxing at home.
- Non-alcoholic: A great choice for anyone participating in Sober October or looking for an alcohol-free drink.
Sources
- KARE 11 Staff article on Sober October and mocktail recipes.
- Information about non-alcoholic drink options from the original KARE 11 post.
With this recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of fall without the alcohol. It’s a festive, fun, and flavorful way to celebrate Sober October!