The Mystery of the Mocktail
Needing a Festive Mocktail
This champagne mocktail recipe has been on my mind for months, and is finally a reality! I was hung up on the idea of creating a non-alcoholic version of a champagne cocktail for the holidays as an option for people who didn’t want to partake in a boozy concoction, but still have a fun drink in their hand! The base needed to be the sparkling apple cider we all know and love from childhood, but every addition I could think of was too sweet. I was hoping for an adult-friendly concoction, but not a sickly, sweet substitute that results in a sugar hangover.
The Aha Moment
After Christmas, my fiance Matt and I were in the car on our way home from the grocery store and I was going on about my struggles with conceptualizing this drink. I ran through all of my ideas and why they were terrible – a real joyous moment post-holidays. Between the two of us though, we finally landed on the exact ingredient we needed – iced tea! We’ve started to see several booze-alternatives at the grocery store that are made with tea and are both huge fans (look for the beer-alternative made with green tea – I couldn’t recommend it more!). And it’s exactly what this cocktail needed, an ingredient that added flavor, but counterbalanced the sweetness with a bit of dryness just like a champagne would!
Falling in Love With This Mocktail
From there, I started experimenting with other juices and garnishes to round it out. The addition of pomegranate and rosemary really ground this drink and give it all the herby, fruity flavors you expect to have this time of year! I can say personally, I’ve drank several of these over the last couple weeks and they are so good. Whether you’re looking for a celebratory drink during dry January or just need a good mid-week pick-me-up, this is for you!
Champagne Mocktail Recipe Tips
When making this mocktail, here are a few ways to make them delicious:
- Make this drink for a group by mixing the ingredients into a large pitcher. Carefully divide the mocktail among glasses and enjoy right away!
- Want this drink to be extra cold? Chill the glasses ahead of time! It will hold in the cold longer and make the drink feel extra special.
How to Make a Champagne Mocktail
I love how simple this mocktail is to make. Most of the ingredients for this recipe are found in the juice aisle of the grocery store. Before leaving, swing by the produce section on your way out to grab a few sprigs of rosemary.
Since this is meant to be a celebratory beverage, bring out the celebratory glasses! My favorites are a champagne flute or a coupe glass. Make sure the ingredients are chilled before beginning. Pour the unsweetened black iced tea and pomegranate juice into each glass. Finish the drink by pouring sparkling apple cider over the top. Give it a gentle stir if needed, then garnish with the rosemary sprig!
Loving making mocktails? Be sure to try out my recipe for a Berry Ginger Beer Mocktail.
If you make a Champagne Mocktail, be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating – I can’t wait to hear how it goes. As always, tag me on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook in your photos. It makes me feel like we’re getting to cook together!
Champagne Mocktail
Description
A classic, celebratory cocktail gets a non-alcoholic twist in this “champagne” mocktail. The sparkling apple cider from your childhood is making a comeback!
Ingredients
Instructions
To make 1 champagne mocktail
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In a champagne flute or coupe glass, add 1 oz unsweetened black iced tea and 1 oz pomegranate juice.
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Top with 3 oz (or so) of sparkling apple cider
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Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve immediately!
