This Gingerbread Mocktail is a fun and festive drink that will warm your heart. It’s a blend of spicy ginger, sweet molasses, and a hint of cinnamon—all without any alcohol!
Mixing this drink is like making a cozy hug in a glass. Pour it over ice, adding some whipped cream on top, and you’re set for a cheerful gathering!
I love serving this mocktail during the holidays. It’s a perfect way to toast with friends while keeping things light and cheerful. Cheers to tasty treats! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer: This is the star ingredient! I prefer ginger beer for its spicier kick. If you want it less fizzy, choose ginger ale. You can also use homemade ginger syrup with soda water if you want a DIY approach.
Apple Cider: Unsweetened apple cider adds a lovely depth. If you can’t find it, apple juice works too, but it’s sweeter. For a twist, try pomegranate juice for some tart goodness!
Molasses: This gives the mocktail its signature gingerbread flavor. If you don’t have it, try dark brown sugar mixed with a bit of water. Maple syrup is a sweet alternative, but it changes the flavor profile a tad.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are must-haves. For fresh flavors, you can use fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks instead. Don’t hesitate to adjust the amounts based on your taste preference!
How Do I Perfectly Mix the Spices?
Mixing spices properly is key to achieving a consistent flavor throughout your gingerbread mocktail. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with molasses—it’s sticky. Whisk it with lemon juice first to loosen it up.
- Add the ground spices directly to the mix. Stir vigorously until no lumps remain.
- Then, gradually stir in the apple cider. This helps the spices blend well without clumping.
Remember, taste as you mix! If you want it spicier, add a bit more ground ginger. The goal is a balance of sweetness and spice. Enjoy your festive drink!
Gingerbread Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup ginger ale or ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- 1/4 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Mini gingerbread cookies (for garnish)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Gingerbread Mocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend just a few minutes gathering and mixing the ingredients, and then you can enjoy your delicious drink right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Spices:
In a mixing glass, combine the molasses, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well until the molasses dissolves a bit and all the spices are mixed together evenly. This step is key to getting those warm gingerbread flavors!
2. Add the Apple Cider:
Pour in the unsweetened apple cider and stir to combine everything. The cider adds a lovely fruity sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
3. Prepare Your Glass:
Take a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes. This will keep your mocktail nice and chilled while you mix the flavors.
4. Pour and Top Off:
Carefully pour the spiced molasses and cider mixture over the ice in your glass. Then, top off the glass with ginger ale or ginger beer, giving it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients without losing too much fizz.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy finish. It’s a nice touch that makes the drink look festive!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your mocktail with a mini gingerbread cookie on the rim and place a cinnamon stick into the glass for extra flair. Serve it immediately to your guests and enjoy the festive, spicy-sweet flavors in every sip!
This Gingerbread Mocktail captures the cozy essence of the holiday season with its warm spices and fizzy sweetness. Enjoy this delicious treat during holiday gatherings or whenever you need a festive drink! Cheers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Soda?
Absolutely! While ginger ale and ginger beer are the best choices for the mocktail, you can use other sodas like lemon-lime soda for a sweeter taste or club soda if you prefer something less sweet. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall flavor a bit!
Can I Make This Mocktail Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spiced molasses mixture and the apple cider in advance, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just mix in the ginger ale right before serving to keep the fizz intact!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have any mocktail left, it’s best to drink it fresh. However, if you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The carbonation will decrease, so give it a stir before enjoying again!
What Are Some Alternative Garnishes?
Instead of gingerbread cookies, you can garnish with a slice of fresh apple or a star anise for a different flavor twist. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or some crushed graham crackers on top of the whipped cream for added texture!