Description
Thanksgiving Mocktail: Festive & Non-Alcoholic Delight
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (720ml) 100% pure cranberry juice, unsweetened or low sugar
- 1.5 cups (360ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large piece (4 inches) fresh ginger, peeled & thinly sliced
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks (approx. 3 inches each)
- 5–6 whole star anise pods
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 cups (480ml) sparkling water, unflavored or ginger-flavored
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (a handful, for garnish)
- 1–2 oranges, thinly sliced or cut into wedges (for garnish)
- 4–6 fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Fine granulated sugar or sanding sugar (for rim)
- Lemon or orange wedge (for rimming glasses)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves to create a clear syrup base.
- Add the thinly sliced fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and whole cloves to the simmering syrup.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered to steep for at least 30-60 minutes, or longer for more intense flavor. Cool to room temperature.
- Strain the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, airtight container, pressing on the solids to extract all liquid. Discard spent spices. Refrigerate until ready to use (can be made several days in advance).
- Pour a quarter-inch layer of fine granulated sugar (or sanding sugar) onto a small, flat plate. Moisten the rim of each serving glass with a lemon or orange wedge, then gently dip into the sugar, twisting slightly for an even coat. Set glasses aside.
- Rinse fresh cranberries. Prepare thin orange slices or wedges. Wash rosemary sprigs; gently bruise them by clapping them between your hands to release fragrance.
- Into each prepared, sugared-rim glass, pour 2-3 tablespoons of the chilled spiced cranberry-ginger simple syrup (adjust to sweetness preference).
- Add 4-5 ounces (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup) of 100% pure cranberry juice, followed by 2-3 ounces (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup) of freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Generously fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top off the glass with 2-3 ounces (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup) of sparkling water (plain or ginger-flavored). Pour slowly to maintain fizz.
- Give the mocktail a very gentle stir with a bar spoon or long spoon, just enough to combine ingredients without losing too much fizz.
- Float a few fresh cranberries in the drink or thread them onto a small cocktail skewer. Add an orange slice or wedge to the rim or directly into the drink. Gently tuck a fresh rosemary sprig into the glass.
- Serve immediately for the best experience, ensuring fizz, chill, and vibrant garnishes. For batch serving, prepare syrup and juices in advance and combine in a pitcher (without sparkling water or ice). When guests arrive, pour over ice in prepared glasses, top with sparkling water, and garnish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg