This refreshing appletini mocktail recipe is perfect for when you want a refreshing, laid back drink that feels like fall. You'll love this non-alcoholic version and will constantly come back for more.
Sometimes, I can’t resist making fall-inspired drinks when preparing my gingerbread casserole or baking pumpkin spice cookies. The aroma fills the house and naturally has me mixing up this appletini mocktail.
This drink is the perfect balance of tart apples with pumpkin pie spices and aromatic non-alcoholic vodka (I love using Seedlip Grove 42 or Strykk Not Vodka Alternative for this). It feels like sipping on a slice of apple pie, if that pie was cold and elegant.
Ready in just five minutes, the appletini mocktail is an excellent choice for dinner parties or whenever you’re in the mood for fall flavors—which, for me, happens almost weekly.
Though I started making this in autumn, I’ve kept it in rotation through winter and I'm sure I'll keep making it in spring. The sparkling cinnamon-sugar rim always draws compliments, and my guests frequently tell me it’s one of the things they most look forward to when visiting. It’s a reminder that mocktails can be every bit as special as traditional cocktails.
Ingredients Highlights for My 5-Minute Mocktail
- Non-alcoholic vodka - provides a clean, neutral base for the drink without the alcohol. I love using Seedlip Grove 42 or Strykk Not Vodka Alternative for this.
- Simple syrup - sweetens the drink, complementing the other flavors. You can use my easy vanilla simple syrup or ginger simple syrup to complement the bitters.
- Non-alcoholic bitters - adds depth and complexity with a hint of spice. For more bitter-based drinks, try my amaretto sour mocktail or easy Arnold Palmer mocktail.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Instructions to Make Appletini Mocktail
If you're craving an appletini but don't want to drink alcohol, this mocktail recipe is the perfect drink to satisfy your cravings! Just follow these easy steps and you'll have your appletini mocktail in just a few minutes!
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim
Start by preparing the cinnamon sugar rim for your appletini mocktail. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them together until well combined. Once mixed, spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on a plate. This will create a sweet and spiced rim for your glass.
Chill the Glass
While you’re preparing the rim, place your martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Chilling the glass will help keep your mocktail cold and refreshing when served.
Rim the Glass
After the glass has chilled, take it out of the freezer. Carefully dip the rim of the glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture, make sure that the edge is coated evenly. This adds a sweet and spicy flavor to each sip of your mocktail.
Combine Ingredients in a Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice to help chill the ingredients. Then, add the non-alcoholic vodka, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and non-alcoholic bitters to the shaker. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for the best flavor balance.
Shake the Mixture
Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. This step is important as it combines all the ingredients thoroughly and chills the mixture, creating a refreshing drink.
Strain into the Glass
After shaking, double strain the mixture into your prepared chilled martini glass. Double straining helps remove any ice shards and ensures a smooth pour, giving your mocktail a clean appearance.
Garnish
To finish your appletini mocktail, garnish it with a thin slice of apple. Place the apple slice gently on top of the drink so it floats. This not only adds a decorative touch but also enhances the apple flavor.
Optional Spiced Version
If you prefer a spiced version of the appletini mocktail, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the shaker before mixing the other ingredients. This will infuse the drink with a warm spice that complements the apple flavors.
Serve
Your appletini mocktail is now ready to enjoy. Serve it immediately while it’s cold and refreshing. Enjoy this delicious non-alcoholic beverage!
Top Tips
Try different apple varieties: While this appletini is best with unfiltered apple cider, you can experiment with different types of apple cider, such as tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp, to find the flavor profile you enjoy most. Each variety brings its own unique taste, which can significantly change the mocktail's overall flavor.
Use flavored simple syrup: Instead of regular simple syrup, consider making a flavored version using ingredients like orange simple syrup or cinnamon simple syrup. This adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple and enhances the overall mocktail experience.
Garnish creatively: Get creative with your garnishes by adding a twist of lemon peel or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the apple slice. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a nice aroma as you sip your drink.
From Mocktail to Cocktail
I've discovered that adding a splash of vodka can turn a simple appletini mocktail into a refreshing cocktail.
To make it a cocktail, I add vodka, which enhances the apple notes and gives the drink a nice kick. I've found that using a quality vodka really improves the overall taste.
For an extra touch, I like to rim the glass with a mixture of sugar and finely grated lemon zest. This adds a sweet and citrusy element that pairs well with the appletini.
To prepare the drink, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka to the apple cider and lemon juice mixture. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine everything well. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a thin slice of apple or a twist of lemon peel.
This appletini cocktail has become a favorite, perfect for any occasion that calls for a refreshing drink!
The Forest is Full of Mocktails
The thyme cranberry orange mocktail combines herbal notes with tart cranberries and citrus for a drink that feels balanced and vibrant. If you're craving something tropical, the non-alcoholic pina colada delivers creamy pineapple and coconut that bring you to sunny shores.
For fans of spice and warmth, the spiced cranberry juice is a comforting option with its hints of cinnamon and clove. Alternatively, the blackberry moscow mule mocktail brings a pop of berry sweetness balanced by ginger's slight heat.
Celebrate any occasion with the citrusy sparkle of a non-alcoholic mimosa, or explore festive flavors in the Christmas gin mocktail for a refreshing mix of botanicals and fruit. Lastly, for a unique mango twist, the mango mule mocktail provides a tropical tang with ginger’s bold finish.
What to Serve with Appletini Mocktail
For a savory option, try the tofu stuffed mushrooms, which are packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. If you’re in the mood for something seasonal, a fall charcuterie board brings autumnal charm with its selection of fruits, cheeses, and cozy snacks, while this other charcuterie board features berries and olives for a mix of sweet and savory bites.
For a hint of sweetness, the apple crisp and cheese skewer combines crisp apples with creamy cheese for an easy-to-serve option. Dessert lovers will appreciate the spiced flavor of pumpkin spice cookies or the comforting richness of the gingerbread loaf casserole, both of which bring a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the apple-forward drink.
Appletini Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz non-alcoholic vodka e.g., Seedlip Grove 42 or Ritual Zero Proof Vodka Alternative
- 1 ½ oz apple cider
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes non-alcoholic bitters
- Thin green apple slices for garnish
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread on a plate for rimming.
- Chill martini glass in freezer for 10 minutes.
- Rim glass with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine non-alcoholic vodka, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, and non-alcoholic bitters.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Double strain into chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a floating thin apple slice.
- Optional: For a spiced version, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the shaker before mixing.
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