Two sparkling apple cider mocktails garnished with lemon wheels, served in gold-rimmed stemmed glasses on a wooden table, with a fresh apple placed in the foreground.

Apple Cider Mocktail with Lemon & Limonata (Light & Bubbly)

ByHaley Chin

I’m a big fan of apple cider on its own, but I don’t love most apple cider–flavored drinks.

They tend to be overly sweet and spiced, which isn’t what I’m looking for in a beverage — especially a cold one.

So I combined apple cider with citrus and bubbles to create a refreshing apple cider mocktail that keeps all the flavor without the cloying sweetness.

And the best part? It’s extremely simple to make. If you’re looking for an easy mocktail for fall, winter, or really any time of year, this light and bubbly drink is a perfect choice.

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Ingredients & Equipment

You only need three ingredients to make this mocktail.

Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider, a can of Sanpellegrino Limonata, and a fresh lemon arranged together on a light stone surface — the three simple ingredients for a festive apple cider mocktail.

Apple Cider

Use your favorite brand, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious (just be sure to chill it after).

I like the Trader Joe’s version since it’s delicious and convenient.

Fresh Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and acidity, so don’t skip it.

Sanpellegrino Limonata

The real secret to what makes this drink so good is Sanpellegrino Limonata. This sparkling lemonade has just the right balance of sweetness and sharpness.

You’ll also need a cocktail shaker and ice for shaking (and for serving, if desired).

Check out the full recipe below!

Two sparkling apple cider mocktails garnished with lemon wheels, served in gold-rimmed stemmed glasses on a wooden table, with a fresh apple placed in the foreground.
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Apple Cider Mocktail with Lemon and Limonata

A light, refreshing apple cider mocktail with a citrusy edge.
Prep Time10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add apple cider and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake for 5-10 seconds, then strain into a cocktail glass.*
  • Top with Sanpellegrino Limonata.

Notes

*This recipe yields just over 6 ounces, and can be served over ice if desired. Depending on the size of your glass and whether or not you use ice, you may need to double the ingredients.

FAQs

See below for answers to common questions.

Can I make this apple cider mocktail ahead of time?

You can prep the apple cider and lemon juice in advance, but I recommend waiting to add the Limonata until just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh.

Do I have to use Sanpellegrino Limonata?

It’s my favorite for this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. But you can substitute another sparkling lemonade or lemon soda, just choose one that’s not too sugary.

Is this mocktail very sweet?

Not at all! That’s what I love about it. The lemon juice and sparkling lemonade balance the apple cider’s natural sweetness, so the result is light and refreshing.

Can I make this a cocktail instead of a mocktail?

Yes! A splash of bourbon, vodka, or even apple brandy would pair nicely. Just adjust the ratio to your taste.

A single glass of sparkling apple cider mocktail garnished with a lemon slice, styled with a fresh apple on a warm wooden surface.

More Seasonal Mocktails

If you liked this mocktail, try some of my other favorite fall and winter drinks.

Sparkling pomegranate mocktail served over ice in a short glass, garnished with fresh thyme and pomegranate arils on a stone background

Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail with Thyme

This pomegranate mocktail is refreshing and fruity, with an herbal twist that ties the whole drink together.

Two coupe glasses filled with a pale yellow pear elderflower mocktail on a green linen tablecloth with a fresh pear in front

Perfect Pear Elderflower Mocktail

Fruity, floral, and sparkling, this pear elderflower mocktail is impressive and elegant.

A deep red cranberry-orange mocktail inspired by the Cosmopolitan, served in a coupe glass with a dried orange slice and fresh cranberries.

Bubbly Cranberry Orange Mocktail (Cosmo-Inspired)

Cranberry and orange come together in this cosmo-inspired mocktail that’s festive enough for the holidays but refreshing year-round.

Haley is the creator of Haley’s Comment, where she shares practical tips for entertaining, home styling, and making everyday life feel more beautiful. With a background in event planning and a passion for hospitality, she helps readers create intentional, welcoming spaces, even in rentals or small homes. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Haley is a freelance writer and designer, a wife and cat mom, and a firm believer that dessert should always come first.