This apple and raspberry mocktail is super refreshing and perfect for any occasion! It's simple to make and full of yummy fresh raspberries. A great option for those who want a special drink but without the alcohol.
In our home, we’ve been alcohol free for around 5 years now for various beliefs and reasons and a lot more people these days seem to be doing the same. This recipe was born out of a desire for options to drink that feel a bit more interesting than just a standard soft drink. Something a little extra. We're frequently asked, “why no alcohol?” or “isn’t that a bit boring?” And the answer is no, not really, as there are plenty of options if you want to create something for yourself and supermarkets are catching on to the zero alcohol movement that is growing so there are more and more exciting options out there now! Practically every time we go to the supermarket these days there's a new alcohol-free product on the shelves but they don't always taste that great (lots do though)! So, whether you are looking for a non alcoholic option just because or you want something a little different to supplement your drinks repertoire without the after effects of alcohol, this is a recipe for you.
Mocktails are not a new thing, but are gaining popularity as more people are looking at reducing or even eliminating their alcohol consumption. Years ago we used to whip together our own cocktails with friends at gatherings and it was so much fun! We're here to tell you it can be just as fun without the alcohol and they don’t have to taste like diluted juice either!
This apple and raspberry mocktail was perfect for sipping whilst having a dip in the pool in the blazing sunshine we had earlier this year (and hope to have more of!) We give you the lowdown on the simple ingredients and equipment you can use to make your own (hint - if you have cocktail making gear, cool! But if not… don’t worry, we will give you all the tips on how to make it without!)
Raspberries are perfectly ripe at this time of year - they are a favourite in this house. So why not give this beautiful rose pink raspberry mocktail a go this summer!
What ingredients do I need?
These are the simple ingredients you need to make this sparkling apple and raspberry mocktail:
Apple juice - we use cloudy apple juice, or if you can only get hold of clear apple juice that will work fine too!
Fresh raspberries - perfect plump fresh raspberries are best; they should be sweet and slightly tart - the perfect balance.
Agave nectar - adds a slight sweetness that helps balance the flavour profile of the drink - use more or less to achieve your desired sweetness. We use agave as it's fairly neutral in flavour but if you want to substitute honey, use a lightly flavoured one. You can also use simple syrup.
Apple cider vinegar - works in balance with the apple juice and gives the drink acidity and complexity - a little something extra so you don't feel like you're simply drinking fruit juice.
Ice - for a perfectly cool drink.
Soda water - we're using this standard mixer to top up the apple raspberry syrup. If you want to use a lemon soda you can, but it will disrupt the balance of sweetness/acidity.
How to make your raspberry mocktail
Follow these quick and easy steps and you’ll be sipping your favourite non alcoholic drink in no time this summer!
- Pour 160 ml apple juice into a blending jug with 50g raspberries and 1 tablespoon agave nectar.
- Blend the mix until all the raspberries are broken down, this should take about 20-30 seconds.
- Here's what the blended raspberry syrup mix will look like.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve set over a jug to remove the raspberry seeds if desired. Set aside.
- Place a handful of ice into one half of your cocktail shaker, pour over 4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and the raspberry apple juice mix. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake until the shaker is almost too cold to hold. See notes in recipe card for instructions on how to make this without a cocktail shaker.
- Pour through the cocktail shaker strainer into glasses filled with ice and top up with soda water. Serve immediately.
Looking for more drinks recipes?
If you're looking for more refreshing drinks, check these out:
- Passionfruit and Elderflower Fizz
- Strawberry Peach Pie Smoothie
- Blood Orange and Mango Smoothie
- The BEST Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine
I hope you love this apple and raspberry mocktail as much as we do. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe and tag me on Instagram! I love to see your creations!
Apple and Raspberry Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup apple juice, (160ml)
- ⅓ cup raspberries, slightly heaped (50g) plus extra to garnish
- 1 tablespoons agave nectar
- 4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ice
- soda water
- fresh mint leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Pour 160 ml apple juice into a blending jug with 50g raspberries and 1 tablespoon agave nectar.
- Blend the mix until all the raspberries are blended well. 20-30 seconds.
- Pour the mixture through a sieve into a jug. Set aside
With cocktail shaker
- Place a handful of ice into one half of the cocktail shaker, pour over 4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and the raspberry apple juice mix. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake until it’s almost too cold to hold anymore.
- Pour through the cocktail shakers strainer into glasses filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with extra raspberries and fresh mint leaves, serve immediately and enjoy!
Without cocktail shaker
- Fill the glasses with ice and pour 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into each glass. Pour over the raspberry mix and stir with a spoon. Top up with soda water.
- Garnish with extra raspberries and fresh mint leaves, serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- I considered simply muddling the raspberries in the cocktail shaker to extract their juice and colour, but I felt this was not giving me the desired colour or texture for drinking as some seeds could slip through even after straining so I really recommend using a blender if you can.
- I highly recommend straining the blended mixture, it makes for a far smoother drink which to me is more enjoyable.
- The reason for shaking over ice is two-fold, even distribution of the apple cider vinegar which gives a lovely tang to the drink and also to chill down the drink. Nothing worse than a room temperature drink!
- You really don’t need a cocktail shaker, you can just mix it in the glass as suggested above at step 6. I would just recommend chilling the apple raspberry blended mix before serving to ensure it is nicely chilled.
- If you have an aversion to apple juice, I would suggest switching out with coconut water, but probably omit the agave as it might make the drink unbalanced and too sweet.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink- add a little more agave. Less tang? Just a touch less ACV. The quantities given in the recipe are the result of many tests and give the perfect balance of flavour, but feel free to change it up according to your preference!
Lilly says
This was so refreshing to drink. I used a little less vinegar but it still tasted great