Thanksgiving Mocktails: Apple, Cranberry and Gentle Spice

Thanksgiving mocktails can pair apple, cranberry and gentle spice with a savoury meal. A clear juice base is easier for a group than many individually blended drinks.

A practical recipe

For six glasses, combine 500 ml cloudy apple juice, 250 ml cranberry juice drink and 50 ml lemon juice. Add 400 ml soda when serving. This makes 1.2 litres. A thin apple slice and small rosemary tip per glass are enough for garnish.

Plan the preparation

Choose a drink that does not feel like a second dessert alongside the meal. With several sweet dishes, slightly reduce the juice and use more soda. Slice apples close to serving time so they look fresh.

Flavour and variations

For a warm version, replace soda with water, gently heat with a small piece of cinnamon and serve in mugs. Remove spices before pouring. For a ginger variation, replace some soda with non-alcoholic ginger beer.

Preparation and serving

Chill the ingredients before mixing. Keep the juice base and sparkling ingredients separate until serving. Put ice in individual glasses where possible so a large pitcher does not dilute throughout the event. Stir any fruit-purée base before dividing it between glasses.

Make a small trial serving first. Juices, nectars and sodas vary in sweetness; once the ratio works, scale it up. Record the final quantities so the next pitcher tastes consistent.

Common question

Must the cranberry be unsweetened? No, but the product changes the balance. This recipe uses a juice drink; start with less if using very tart pure juice.

More ideas: apple and ginger and winter mocktails .

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