Cranberry Apple Mocktail: Festive, Refreshing, and So Easy to Make
Cranberry apple mocktail is the perfect drink when you want something festive, refreshing, and alcohol-free that still feels special. In just a few simple steps, you can turn basic juices and sparkling water into a gorgeous ruby-red drink that fits holiday dinners, fall gatherings, baby showers, or cozy nights in.
Because this cranberry apple mocktail relies on simple ingredients like unsweetened cranberry juice, crisp apple cider or apple juice, citrus, and herbs, it delivers big flavor without a lot of fuss. You can even prep the base in advance and assemble it right before serving, which makes it a great option for busy hosts. If you already love fresh, vibrant drinks like a homemade strawberry banana smoothie, this mocktail is going to fit right into your routine.
As you read through this guide, you will learn how to balance sweet and tart flavors, how to batch the drink for a crowd, how to adjust the recipe for kids or low-sugar diets, and how to pair it with seasonal dishes. By the end, you will have a go-to cranberry apple mocktail recipe plus all the variations and tips you need to customize it for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Cranberry Apple Mocktail Basics and Flavor Profile
What Makes a Great Cranberry Apple Mocktail?
A great cranberry apple mocktail balances tart, sweet, and sparkling elements so every sip feels bright and refreshing instead of cloying. The base usually starts with 100% cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail, because real cranberry juice gives deep color and that signature tang without loads of added sugar.
You then blend it with apple juice or apple cider, which softens the acidity and adds natural sweetness plus a subtle autumn flavor. Next, you layer in something bubbly like club soda, sparkling water, or ginger ale for lift and texture. Fresh citrus juice, often lemon or orange, keeps the drink from tasting flat and brings out the fruitiness in both the cranberry and apple.
Finally, garnishes like apple slices, fresh cranberries, and herbs such as rosemary or mint add aroma and visual appeal. When you follow this structure, the cranberry apple mocktail becomes a flexible template that you can tweak for the seasons, your guests, or the ingredients in your pantry. The goal is always the same: a drink that feels as special as a cocktail but keeps everyone included.
How Cranberry and Apple Flavors Work Together
Cranberry and apple pair beautifully because they balance each other naturally. Cranberries have a sharp, mouthwatering tartness and a deep ruby color from anthocyanins, while apples bring mellow sweetness, gentle acidity, and comforting aroma.
When you combine them in a cranberry apple mocktail, you get layers of taste instead of simple sugary juice. The cranberry provides backbone and structure, so the drink tastes grown-up, while apple softens the edges and makes it more sippable for kids and adults alike. Different apples change the personality of the drink: a tart Granny Smith gives extra brightness, while a sweeter Honeycrisp or Gala makes the mocktail rounder and dessert-like. The science behind it is straightforward: the fructose and natural pectins in apple juice counterbalance the sharper organic acids in cranberries.
Adding a touch of citrus ties everything together by boosting aromas and lifting flavors. Because of this beautiful synergy, the cranberry apple combination shows up in many winter salads and sides, like a cranberry apple quinoa winter salad, and it translates perfectly into a drink that feels seasonal yet versatile all year.
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5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy a Cranberry Apple Mocktail
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 mocktail 1x
Description
This cranberry apple mocktail is festive, refreshing, and easy to make. Made with cranberry juice, apple juice or cider, fresh citrus, and sparkling water, it’s the perfect alcohol-free drink for holidays, parties, and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
2 oz 100% cranberry juice
3 oz apple juice or apple cider
1/2–1 oz fresh lemon or orange juice
1/2 oz honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup (optional)
2–3 oz sparkling water or club soda
Ice cubes
For garnish:
Apple slices
Fresh cranberries
Rosemary or mint sprigs
Instructions
1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Combine cranberry juice, apple juice, and citrus juice
3. Add sweetener if desired and stir
4. Pour mixture over ice
5. Top with sparkling water
6. Gently stir and garnish with apple slices, cranberries, and herbs
Notes
Use unsweetened cranberry juice for best flavor
Adjust sweetness to taste
Can be batched for parties
Serve immediately for maximum fizz
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Drink
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: approx. 90
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Core Ingredients for the Best Cranberry Apple Mocktail
Choosing the Right Juices and Sweeteners
The foundation of your cranberry apple mocktail lies in the quality of your juices. Whenever possible, use 100% cranberry juice without added sugar, because it gives a clean, tangy flavor that you can sweeten to taste.
Cranberry cocktail often contains high-fructose corn syrup and can make the drink too sweet and one-note. For the apple component, you can choose between unfiltered apple cider and clear apple juice. Cider offers a more rustic, spiced flavor and cloudy appearance, while apple juice gives a cleaner look and lighter taste. Both work; it depends on whether you want a cozy fall feel or a bright, crisp mocktail. For sweeteners, start simple: a dash of maple syrup or honey enhances the fruity notes without overwhelming them.
If you prefer a neutral flavor, a basic simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water works well, especially if you are batching the drink. Taste as you go, because sweetness perception changes once you add ice, bubbles, and garnish. Keeping control of sweetness allows you to serve this mocktail alongside savory dishes like a green bean casserole without making the meal feel too heavy.
Fresh Add-Ins: Citrus, Herbs, and Spices
Once you have the juice base set, fresh add-ins take your cranberry apple mocktail from good to unforgettable. Citrus is the first must-have: a squeeze of fresh lemon adds bright acidity, while orange juice brings softer sweetness and a nostalgic holiday aroma. You can even use a mix of both for more complexity. Herbs change the vibe dramatically.
For a wintery, sophisticated drink, fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs look beautiful in the glass and add piney aromatics with each sip. For a summery, refreshing twist, mint or basil work wonders and pair well with apple’s gentle sweetness. Spices also play a big role, especially in cooler months. A pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick stirred into the pitcher suggests mulled cider while keeping the drink chilled and sparkling.
A slice of fresh ginger or a few crushed ginger coins can give a subtle heat and digestive benefits while complementing cranberry’s tartness. As you experiment, add these elements gradually and always taste after each addition, because herbs and spices intensify over time, especially if the mocktail base sits in the fridge before serving. This gentle layering of citrus, herbs, and spices turns a simple cranberry apple drink into a complex, grown-up mocktail experience.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe
Standard Single-Serve Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe
To make a single serving of cranberry apple mocktail, start by chilling a tall glass and filling it three-quarters full with ice. In a small shaker or mixing glass, combine 2 ounces of 100% cranberry juice, 3 ounces of apple juice or apple cider, and ½–1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice, depending on how tart you like your drink.
Add ½ ounce of simple syrup or maple syrup if your juices are unsweetened and you prefer a sweeter drink. Stir well or shake briefly with ice to chill and slightly dilute the mixture, which softens the acidity and helps flavors meld. Strain this base over the fresh ice in your prepared glass. Top with 2–3 ounces of chilled sparkling water, club soda, or ginger ale, depending on how much sweetness and fizz you want.
Gently stir once more to blend. Finally, garnish with thin apple slices tucked along the side of the glass, a few floating cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary or mint. Serve immediately while bubbly for the best texture and color.
Batch Recipe for Parties and Holidays
For gatherings, you can easily scale this cranberry apple mocktail into a party-friendly pitcher or punch bowl. In a large pitcher, combine 3 cups of cranberry juice, 4½–5 cups of apple juice or apple cider, and 1–1½ cups of fresh citrus juice (a mix of lemon and orange works well). Add ¾–1 cup of simple syrup or maple syrup, adjusting to your crowd’s taste and the sweetness of the juices.
Stir thoroughly, then taste and tweak the balance of tartness and sweetness before chilling the base for at least 2 hours. The chilling step is important because it allows the flavors to meld and means you will not overly dilute the mocktail with ice later. Right before serving, pour the chilled base into a punch bowl or drink dispenser filled with plenty of ice. Add 4–6 cups of chilled sparkling water or club soda to bring in effervescence without making the mocktail too sweet. If you like more sweetness and spice, you can swap some of the sparkling water for ginger ale.
Garnish the entire batch with floating apple slices, fresh cranberries, and a few whole cinnamon sticks for aroma. This method lets guests serve themselves and keeps your hosting duties light, while still delivering a drink that looks impressive and tastes carefully crafted.
Nutritional Benefits and Wellness Angle
Health Perks of Cranberries and Apples
A cranberry apple mocktail does more than satisfy your taste buds; it can support your wellness goals when you choose ingredients wisely. Cranberries are known for their high levels of antioxidants, especially proanthocyanidins, which may help support urinary tract health and protect cells from oxidative stress.
They also provide vitamin C and dietary fiber when consumed as whole berries; even in juice form, you still capture many of their beneficial plant compounds. Apples contribute additional vitamin C, potassium, and soluble fiber in the form of pectin, which supports digestion and may help maintain steady blood sugar levels when part of a balanced diet. When you build a cranberry apple mocktail with 100% juices and minimal added sugar, you effectively turn a festive drink into a nutrient-rich choice.
This makes it a smart pairing with salads built on whole ingredients, like a hearty kale salad recipe, which together can form a satisfying, feel-good meal. While a mocktail will not serve as a cure-all, choosing real fruit juices and moderating sweeteners creates a drink that fits comfortably into a health-conscious lifestyle.
Comparing Mocktails to Alcoholic Drinks
When you serve a cranberry apple mocktail instead of a traditional cocktail, you gain a number of health and lifestyle advantages. Alcoholic drinks add empty calories and can affect sleep quality, hydration, and decision-making, especially in social settings where refills come quickly.
A well-crafted mocktail, by contrast, offers flavor complexity and ritual, glassware, garnish, and the experience of sipping slowly—without the side effects of alcohol. You stay clear-headed and hydrated, and you can safely enjoy multiple servings if you choose low-sugar mixers.
For people who are pregnant, on certain medications, driving, or simply avoiding alcohol for personal reasons, the cranberry apple mocktail provides an inclusive alternative that does not feel like a compromise. When compared calorie-for-calorie, a mocktail built on unsweetened juices, sparkling water, and measured sweeteners often contains fewer calories than many cocktails loaded with liqueurs and syrups. Plus, you actually benefit from the vitamins and polyphenols in cranberries and apples.
If you like the idea of functional drinks, you can also explore nutrient-packed options like wellness shot juice recipes and rotate them with mocktails so that your beverage habits support your overall health goals.
Seasonal Variations on Cranberry Apple Mocktails
Cozy Fall and Winter Cranberry Apple Mocktails
In fall and winter, you can lean into warming spices and deeper flavors to make your cranberry apple mocktail feel extra cozy. Start with a base of apple cider instead of apple juice to bring a natural hint of cinnamon and clove from the apples themselves. Then, add 1–2 cinnamon sticks, a few whole cloves, and a strip of orange peel to your pitcher of cranberry apple base and let it infuse in the refrigerator for several hours.
This gentle cold infusion pulls in spice flavors without turning the drink cloudy or overly intense. When you are ready to serve, strain out the whole spices and top the base with sparkling water or ginger ale. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a dehydrated orange slice for a visually striking presentation. The result is a mocktail that echoes mulled cider but remains refreshingly chilled and bubbly. This style pairs beautifully with hearty winter dishes such as warm roasted vegetable salads or rich casseroles, and it looks at home on any holiday table.
Fresh Spring and Summer Cranberry Apple Mocktails
During spring and summer, you can transform your cranberry apple mocktail into a light, garden-fresh drink by swapping out spices for herbs and seasonal fruit. Keep the cranberry and apple base, but add a handful of fresh mint leaves or basil to your pitcher and gently muddle them before adding the juices.
You might incorporate sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even cucumber rounds to add color and subtle flavor. Instead of apple cider, choose a clear apple juice to keep the drink bright and crisp. Use plenty of ice and top with sparkling water or even a splash of flavored seltzer such as lime or berry.
Citrus also shines in warm weather mocktails, so do not hesitate to add extra lemon or lime juice if you want to cut through the sweetness. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint and a slice of crisp apple fanned along the rim. This lighter style works beautifully with fresh salads like a citrus fennel avocado winter salad that you can also enjoy year-round, or with grilled dishes and simple weeknight meals when you want something more festive than plain water but less heavy than soda.
Serving, Pairing, and Presentation Ideas
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Mocktails for Different Occasions
Presentation can transform a simple cranberry apple mocktail into a standout feature of your event. For casual family dinners, serve the mocktail in tall highball glasses or mason jars packed with ice, and add minimal garnish like one apple slice and a few cranberries.
This keeps things simple yet attractive. For holidays and celebrations, step it up with stemmed glasses or coupe glasses, and consider rimming the glass with a mixture of sugar and finely grated orange zest for a sparkly, aromatic touch. If you host a brunch or baby shower, arrange a DIY mocktail bar: set out a pitcher of cranberry apple base, bowls of garnishes (apple slices, citrus wedges, herbs, berries), and chilled bottles of sparkling water or ginger ale. Guests can customize sweetness and fizz to their liking.
For evening gatherings where some guests drink alcohol and others do not, serve the cranberry apple mocktail in identical glassware to any cocktails so everyone feels equally included. These small serving details make the mocktail feel intentional rather than an afterthought.
Food Pairings That Highlight the Mocktail
Cranberry apple mocktails pair well with a wide range of dishes because they balance sweet and tart flavors with refreshing bubbles. For holiday meals, the tart cranberry notes help cut through the richness of roasted meats, gravies, and creamy casseroles, while the apple sweetness complements stuffing, root vegetables, and savory breads.
This makes it a natural companion to comforting sides as well as vegetable-forward mains. For lighter menus, try pairing the mocktail with vibrant salads like a panzanella salad or a crunchy Brussels sprout salad. The acidity in the drink acts almost like a palate-cleansing vinaigrette between bites.
It also works well alongside chicken-based dishes, such as tacos or grilled chicken salads, where the fruitiness of the mocktail mirrors any citrus or spice in the food. Because the cranberry apple combination can lean either cozy or refreshing depending on your spices and herbs, you can adjust it to match the season or the main flavor profile of your meal. Thinking of the mocktail as part of the entire menu, rather than a separate element, helps you create a cohesive, restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
Customizing for Diets and Preferences
Low-Sugar, Kid-Friendly, and Allergy-Friendly Tweaks
It is easy to adapt a cranberry apple mocktail for different dietary needs without losing flavor. For a low-sugar version, start with unsweetened cranberry juice and an apple juice that has no added sugar. Instead of using a standard simple syrup, sweeten lightly with stevia, monk fruit, or a small amount of maple syrup and taste carefully as you go.
You can also increase the ratio of sparkling water to juice, which keeps the drink refreshing while lowering total sugar per glass. For kids, keep the sweetness a little higher by using some apple cider or a splash of ginger ale, but watch serving sizes so it does not feel like a giant soda.
If anyone has citrus allergies, you can replace lemon or orange juice with a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar to provide acidity and brightness, using just enough to notice but not enough to make the mocktail tangy like vinegar. Since most versions of this mocktail are naturally gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free, they fit easily into many allergy-conscious menus.
Mocktail vs. Cocktail: Optional Alcoholic Variation
While the focus here is a non-alcoholic cranberry apple mocktail, you can also provide an optional alcoholic version for guests who want it, without changing the base recipe. The best method is to keep the pitcher of cranberry apple base alcohol-free and place spirits beside it with a jigger.
Vodka works well because it blends seamlessly with the fruit flavors, while bourbon or dark rum adds warmth and depth that pair nicely with spiced or fall-themed versions. Guests can add 1–1½ ounces of their chosen spirit to their glass before topping it with the mocktail base and sparkling water.
This keeps the main drink accessible to everyone while still giving flexibility. When you design the base with layered flavors, tart cranberry, sweet apple, citrus, herbs, and spices, it will taste complete on its own, and alcohol becomes an optional accent rather than a necessity. This approach supports inclusive hosting, where the cranberry apple mocktail remains the star and no one feels singled out based on their beverage choices.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Troubleshooting
How to Prep and Store Cranberry Apple Mocktails
One of the biggest advantages of a cranberry apple mocktail is how easily you can prepare most of it ahead of time. You can mix the still ingredients, cranberry juice, apple juice or cider, citrus juice, sweetener, and any whole spices, up to 24 hours before serving. Store this base in a covered pitcher or airtight jar in the refrigerator so the flavors meld and chill thoroughly.
Do not add sparkling water, club soda, or ginger ale until right before serving, because carbonation fades quickly once mixed and exposed to air. If you include fresh herbs in the base, add them only a few hours before serving, as they can darken or become too intense if left overnight. When it is time to serve, give the base a good stir, taste, and adjust sweetness or citrus if needed.
Then pour over fresh ice and top with bubbles. Leftover base without carbonation can keep in the fridge for 2–3 days, though citrus flavor may soften slightly. You can also freeze extra base in ice cube trays and later use the cubes to chill and flavor sparkling water.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
A few small tweaks can rescue most cranberry apple mocktail issues. If your drink tastes too tart or sharp, check whether you used unsweetened cranberry juice without enough sweetener. Simply stir in a bit more maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup until the flavors balance. If the mocktail seems too sweet and heavy, boost acidity with additional lemon or lime juice and dilute with more sparkling water.
When the flavor feels flat, despite the right sweet-tart balance, you likely need more aromatic elements: add a small strip of citrus zest, a fresh herb sprig, or a slice of ginger to brighten it. If the color looks dull, especially after sitting in the fridge, a small splash of fresh cranberry juice right before serving can revive it visually and flavor-wise. For a mocktail that becomes watered down too quickly, avoid adding too much ice directly to the pitcher. Instead, fill individual glasses with ice and keep the base chilled in the fridge.
By understanding the roles of acidity, sweetness, dilution, and aroma, you can adjust your cranberry apple mocktail on the fly and ensure that every batch tastes intentional and refreshing.
Creative Twists and Advanced Enhancements
Flavor Upgrades: Teas, Shrubs, and Infusions
Once you master a classic cranberry apple mocktail, you can start playing with advanced flavor layering techniques. One easy upgrade involves adding brewed tea to the base. A strong hibiscus tea deepens the crimson color and adds floral-tart notes that complement cranberry beautifully, while a chilled spiced chai or cinnamon tea emphasizes cozy autumn flavors without extra sugar.
You can replace a portion of the apple juice with tea and then sweeten to taste. Another option is to use a fruit shrub, which is a vinegar-based syrup made by macerating fruit with sugar and then adding vinegar. A tablespoon or two of cranberry or apple shrub in each glass introduces bright, tangy complexity and lightens the perception of sweetness. For slow infusions, place thin slices of fresh ginger, citrus peel, or even a vanilla bean into your cranberry apple base and let it rest in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Strain before serving. These methods add subtle layers of flavor that make your mocktail feel more like something you would order at a craft cocktail bar, while still keeping it alcohol-free.
Garnish Art and Glassware for a Professional Look
Visual appeal matters with a cranberry apple mocktail, especially when you want it to compete with cocktails for attention. Use glassware that shows off the color: clear highball glasses for a tall, casual drink or stemmed wine glasses for a more sophisticated feel. For garnish, think about texture, color contrast, and height.
Very thin apple slices fan nicely along the inside of the glass and stay in place with a bit of ice. Fresh cranberries float beautifully and add a pop of deep red. Rosemary sprigs create vertical interest and lend a wintry touch, while mint leaves offer fresh green contrast for spring and summer versions. You can even create simple cranberry “skewers” by threading a few berries onto a cocktail pick and laying it across the rim.
If you want a sparkling finish, dip the rim of each glass in citrus juice, then into a shallow plate of sugar mixed with a pinch of cinnamon or finely grated citrus zest. Details like these make the cranberry apple mocktail feel intentional and photogenic, which encourages guests to reach for it, enjoy it, and maybe even ask for the recipe.
FAQ Section
How do I keep my cranberry apple mocktail from being too tart?
If your cranberry apple mocktail tastes overly tart, the culprit is usually a high proportion of unsweetened cranberry juice or too much citrus. Start by increasing the apple component, since apple juice or cider naturally brings more sweetness and body. Then add a small amount of sweetener, such as simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup, a teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go so you do not overshoot. You can also dilute the mocktail slightly with sparkling water, which softens the acidity without making it cloying. Remember that chilling and ice both mute sweetness, so a drink that tastes slightly sweet at room temperature will taste more balanced once cold.
Can I make a sparkling version of cranberry apple mocktail?
A sparkling cranberry apple mocktail is an excellent way to make the drink feel extra festive. The easiest method is to prepare a concentrated base with cranberry juice, apple juice or cider, citrus, and sweetener, then top each glass with chilled sparkling water, club soda, or ginger ale right before serving. Use a ratio of about two parts base to one part bubbles for good flavor and fizz. Always add carbonation last and avoid shaking it, as this will flatten the bubbles. If you serve the drink buffet-style, keep the sparkling water in separate chilled bottles so guests can top off their glasses, helping maintain carbonation throughout your event.
What is the best way to garnish a cranberry apple mocktail?
The best garnishes enhance both the look and flavor of your cranberry apple mocktail. Thin slices of fresh apple, especially with the peel left on, show off their color and subtly infuse the drink. Fresh cranberries float on top and echo the drink’s base flavor, while also making it instantly recognizable. Herbal sprigs such as rosemary or mint add aroma with every sip. For extra flair, you can create a sugared rim by dipping the glass edge into citrus juice, then into sugar mixed with a pinch of cinnamon or finely grated orange zest. If you are serving a crowd, keep garnishes simple but plentiful so each glass looks special without slowing down your prep.
Can I make cranberry apple mocktails in advance for a party?
You can absolutely make cranberry apple mocktails ahead of time, with one important rule: hold off on adding carbonation until right before serving. Mix the still ingredients, cranberry juice, apple juice or cider, citrus juice, sweetener, and any whole spices, up to 24 hours in advance and store the mixture covered in the fridge. This resting time allows flavors to meld and ensures the base is fully chilled. When it is time to serve, give the base a good stir, taste, and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Then pour over fresh ice in a punch bowl or dispenser and top with sparkling water or ginger ale. Add delicate garnishes like herbs and apple slices near serving time so they stay bright and fresh. party?
How can I make a kid-friendly cranberry apple mocktail?
A kid-friendly cranberry apple mocktail focuses on flavor and fun presentation while keeping ingredients gentle and not too tart. Use a blend of cranberry juice and apple juice or cider, leaning a bit more heavily on apple for natural sweetness. Add just enough citrus to brighten the drink without making it sour, and skip any intense spices or bitter herbs. Many kids enjoy a splash of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for sweetness and bubbles, but you can also use flavored sparkling water if you prefer to limit sugar. Serve the mocktail in clear plastic cups or small glasses with lots of ice, colorful straws, and simple garnishes like apple slices or a few cranberries. This makes kids feel included at parties while still giving them a more wholesome alternative to soda.
Conclusion: Make Cranberry Apple Mocktails Your Go-To Festive Drink
A cranberry apple mocktail delivers the best of both worlds: it feels celebratory and complex like a cocktail, yet it remains alcohol-free and easy to customize for different tastes and seasons. By balancing tart cranberry with sweet apple, adding a touch of citrus, and finishing with sparkling water and thoughtful garnishes, you can create a drink that works equally well at holiday dinners, casual potlucks, or solo evenings on the couch.
You can adjust sweetness, spice, and herbs to match your menu, whether you pair it with cozy comfort food or fresh, vibrant dishes like a colorful chicken taco salad. Once you master the base recipe and a few simple variations, this mocktail can become a signature part of your hosting style. Keep your pantry stocked with good-quality juices, fresh citrus, and a few herbs, and you will always be ready to mix a beautiful, inclusive drink that everyone around the table can enjoy.
For more seasonal mocktail inspirations, check out my Pinterest.