Spooky Halloween Mocktail with Cherry and Cinnamon
This Spooky Halloween Mocktail with Cherry and Cinnamon is a festive, alcohol-free drink bursting with rich cherry flavors and the warm aroma of cinnamon. Perfectly balanced with sweetness from honey or maple syrup and a bright touch of lemon juice, this mocktail is a delightful sip for Halloween gatherings, family-friendly celebrations, or cozy fall evenings. Its vibrant red color and cinnamon stick garnish create an eye-catching presentation that embodies the Halloween spirit.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan (if maple syrup/agave used instead of honey)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Prepare the Cherry Base: Gently heat fresh or frozen cherries in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow them to soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, creating a thick, rich cherry puree.
- Infuse with Cinnamon: Add cinnamon sticks to the simmering cherries and let them steep for several minutes to infuse the drink with warm, authentic seasonal spice and aroma.
- Sweeten and Brighten: Remove the mixture from heat, then stir in honey or maple syrup to add sweetness, followed by a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance richness.
- Chill and Carbonate: Allow the cherry-cinnamon base to cool completely in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, pour the base over ice and top with sparkling water for a festive fizz.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a few whole cherries for a spooky and elegant presentation your guests will love.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries if possible for natural sweetness and better texture.
- Let the cinnamon steep long enough to extract full flavor without overpowering the drink.
- Adjust sweetness by starting with less sweetener, then add more if needed after tasting.
- Ensure the mocktail is well chilled before serving for best refreshment.
- Experiment with the amount of sparkling water to control fizz and flavor intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Halloween mocktail, cherry cinnamon drink, festive non-alcoholic beverage, fall drinks, holiday mocktail