Cinnamon Apple Sparkle: A Festive Mocktail Full of Cozy Bubbles

If you’re looking for a drink that feels like fall in a glass — sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and just the right amount of fizz — this Cinnamon Apple Sparkle might be the one. It’s crisp, gently spiced, and sparkly enough to feel special without being complicated.

Think of it as a cross between spiced cider and a fizzy soda, with a clean apple finish and a cinnamon warmth that lingers just a bit. It’s the kind of drink you’d serve at a Thanksgiving appetizer hour, a fall baby shower, or a cozy afternoon gathering when you want something pretty, non-alcoholic, and seasonal.

The best part? It’s just a few ingredients, no cooking, and you can serve it in a fancy glass or a mason jar — either way, it sparkles.

Recipe Overview

Serves: 1 (easily scaled for a group)
Prep Time: 3–5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This mocktail is perfect when you want something quick and elegant. No cooking, no shaking — just pour, stir, and garnish. It’s a low-effort way to add a little sparkle to your fall hosting (or weeknight treat).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients, festive result: Just a few pantry staples, but the flavor and presentation feel holiday-ready.
Bubbly and light, not heavy: It’s refreshing with just a hint of spice — perfect before or after a rich fall meal.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: No alcohol, no caffeine, just apple and cinnamon with fizz.
Flexible and customizable: Use sparkling apple juice, ginger beer, or soda — whatever fits the mood.
Looks beautiful on a table: Served in coupe glasses or with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, this drink can absolutely hold its own next to fancier options.

Tools You’ll Need

Tall glass, coupe, or stemless wine glass — Choose what fits the vibe. This drink looks especially pretty in clear glassware.
Spoon or bar spoon — For gently stirring without losing the bubbles.
Small plate (optional) — For creating a cinnamon-sugar rim.
Knife and cutting board — For slicing apples or prepping garnishes.
Ice — Crushed or cubed, based on your texture preference.

Ingredients

½ cup sparkling apple cider — Use Martinelli’s or Trader Joe’s brand for a smooth, gently sweet base.
¼ cup club soda or ginger beer — For bubbles and a crisp finish.
1–2 teaspoons cinnamon simple syrup — You can use store-bought (Monin makes one) or make it at home by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a cinnamon stick.
Splash of fresh lemon juice — Brightens the drink and balances the sweetness (optional, but lovely).
Ice

Optional Garnishes:

Apple slice
Cinnamon stick
Star anise or rosemary sprig
Cinnamon-sugar rim

Instructions

Step 1: Rim the Glass (Optional)
If you want to add a little visual flair, run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into a mix of cinnamon and sugar. This adds a subtle sparkle and a hint of sweetness with every sip.

Step 2: Build the Drink
Fill your glass with ice. Pour in the cinnamon simple syrup, lemon juice (if using), and sparkling apple cider. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Add the Fizz
Top with club soda or ginger beer. Give it one final gentle stir — just enough to mix while keeping the bubbles lively.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Add a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick for garnish. If you want to get festive, float a star anise or a rosemary sprig on top for aroma and visual drama.

Make-Ahead & Customization Tips

Prep the syrup in advance:
If you’re making your own cinnamon syrup, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. This makes it easy to whip up a Cinnamon Apple Sparkle anytime.

Want it lighter?
Use plain club soda and unsweetened sparkling apple juice for a less sweet, more refreshing version.

Want it bolder?
Swap the soda for ginger beer for a spicy kick that balances beautifully with the apple and cinnamon.

Batch for a group:
Mix the syrup, lemon juice, and apple cider in a pitcher (leave out the soda or ginger beer until serving). Pour into glasses with ice, then top each one individually to keep the bubbles fresh.

Perfect Pairings

This mocktail is light, crisp, and gently spiced — so it plays well with both sweet and savory fall fare. Try it with:

Apple and brie crostini or puff pastry bites — The sparkle cuts through the richness and makes for a polished pairing.
Roasted butternut squash or sweet potato rounds — Earthy flavors + apple cider fizz = fall magic.
Snickerdoodle cookies or cinnamon sugar donuts — A sweet-on-sweet moment that feels like the season in every bite.
Pumpkin spice granola or a fall cheese board — Great for brunch spreads, baby showers, or cozy happy hours.

FAQs

Can I make this without cinnamon syrup?
Yes — stir a pinch of ground cinnamon directly into the drink, or muddle a cinnamon stick in the glass before adding liquid. It won’t be as smooth, but it still adds great flavor.
Is this drink very sweet?
That depends on your cider and syrup. You can control the sweetness by choosing a dry sparkling cider and adjusting the amount of syrup or soda.
Can I make this without bubbles?
Technically, yes — you could use regular apple cider and omit the fizz, but the sparkle is part of the charm. It’s what makes this mocktail feel festive.
Can I make it hot?
This version is meant to be served cold, but if you’re craving a warm apple-cinnamon moment, try a mulled apple cider instead.

Take a Sip

Cinnamon Apple Sparkle is simple, festive, and full of the flavors that make fall so special. It’s one of those drinks that doesn’t need a lot of fuss — just a few good ingredients and a cozy glass to hold it all.

Whether you’re sipping it with brunch, serving it at a baby shower, or just enjoying a moment of calm on a crisp afternoon, this mocktail is an easy way to bring a little sparkle to your season.

If you give it a try, let me know how you made it your own — did you go with ginger beer for a spicy twist, or keep it light and classic? Don’t forget to pin this recipe or save it for your next fall get-together.

Here’s to simple ingredients, cozy flavors, and drinks that sparkle.