Recipe from our chefs: Apple mule mocktail

Sober curious? More and more people are. They’re reaching for drinks that taste like beer, wine or fruity cocktails minus the alcohol. The benefits of cutting back or cutting out alcohol are many, including a healthier heart and lower risk for breast cancer. 

If you’re ready to explore non-alcoholic cocktails, you may be in for testing out some alternatives like this Apple Mule mocktail. Toast to a Dry January or really any occasion throughout the year with this beverage. Sip in the sweetness of apple cider blended with ginger beer and spiced with cinnamon for a delightful and refreshing alternative to an alcoholic cocktail.

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Recipe ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon ginger simple syrup (recipe below)
• ½ cup no-sugar-added apple cider
• ½ cup diet ginger beer
• Ice to chill
• Cinnamon sugar to rim glass (recipe below)
• Apple slices

Recipe steps:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add simple syrup, apple cider and ginger beer. Add ice and top with a cup. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Set aside. 
2. Grab two small plates. Add a small amount of water to one and the cinnamon sugar to the other. Dip a martini or stemmed glass in the water to get the rim wet, then dip into the cinnamon mixture. 
3. Place a cocktail strainer over the shaker and pour into glass. Garnish with sliced apples and enjoy!

Cinnamon ginger simple syrup

• 1½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 8 whole cinnamon sticks
• 1-inch piece of sliced ginger

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce until syrup consistency. Cool and hold until ready. 

Cinnamon sugar

Equal parts granulated sugar and Vietnamese cinnamon

Mix in a bowl until incorporated. 

Nutrition information per serving:

Makes one serving

Calories: 147
Fat: 0.2 g
Sodium: 16.7 mg
Carbohydrates: 37.1 g
Fiber: 0.4g
Sugars: 34.6 g
Protein: 0.3 g

Have a fancy for pumpkin spice latte? Here’s a recipe for a sugar-free version.

For more healthy recipes and nutrition tips, visit https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/nutrition-services.