Why You’ll Love these Ginger Mocktails
Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or simply prefer a non-alcoholic option, these ginger mocktails will quickly become your new favorite drinks.
I’m obsessed with how versatile they are—serve them warm on chilly evenings or ice-cold when the temperature rises.
The spicy kick from ginger paired with bright citrus creates that complex flavor profile we all crave in a good drink.
No more settling for boring sodas or plain juice at gatherings.
These mocktails look gorgeous in a glass (hello, Instagram moment) and can be customized to your taste.
Spicier? Sweeter? Bubblier? You’re in control.
What Ingredients are in Ginger Mocktails?
These vibrant ginger mocktails bring together the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors without any alcohol needed.
I’m always amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create such complex flavors—that’s the magic of a well-crafted mocktail. The star of the show is definitely ginger beer, which provides that signature spicy kick and effervescence that makes these drinks special.
For the Apple Cinnamon Ginger Mocktail:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup or honey
- 1 small cinnamon stick, plus extra for garnish
- Ice (for the cold version)
For the Spicy Citrus Ginger Mocktail:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) ginger syrup
- 2–4 thin jalapeño slices (seeded for less heat)
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters more than you might think.
Try to use fresh-squeezed citrus juices rather than bottled versions—the brightness really comes through.
And about that ginger beer? Not all brands are created equal. Some are fiery and intense while others are milder and sweeter.
Feel free to experiment until you find one that matches your spice preference.
And remember, these recipes are incredibly flexible—you can always adjust the sweetness with more or less syrup, or dial the heat up or down depending on who you’re serving.
How to Make these Ginger Mocktails
Making these invigorating ginger mocktails couldn’t be simpler, and you’ve got two delicious options depending on your mood—warm and cozy or cool and zesty.
For the Apple Cinnamon Ginger Mocktail, you can prepare it two ways. If you’re craving something warm, gently heat 1/4 cup apple cider, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup (or honey) in a small pan until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour this fragrant mixture into a mug, drop in a small cinnamon stick, and then top with a splash of that zingy 1/2 cup ginger beer. The warm method is particularly nice because you’re adding the ginger beer last, which helps preserve some of that wonderful carbonation that would otherwise disappear with heating.
If you prefer the chilled version of the Apple Cinnamon mocktail, simply add 1/2 oz lemon juice and 1/2 oz syrup to an ice-filled glass, then pour in 1/4 cup apple cider and 1/2 cup ginger beer. Give it a gentle stir (we don’t want to lose those precious bubbles), and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
For the Spicy Citrus Ginger Mocktail, start by lightly muddling 2-4 jalapeño slices with 1/2 oz lime juice for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to release the oils without making it overwhelming. Then add 1/4 cup orange juice and 1/2 oz ginger syrup, fill the glass with ice, and stir. Top it off with 1/2 cup ginger beer, stir gently again, and garnish with a lime wheel.
With both recipes, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more syrup. Want more zing? A little extra citrus juice does the trick.
For the spicy version, you can always add more jalapeño if you’re feeling adventurous, or try rimming your glass with a mixture of equal parts sugar and chili powder for an extra flavor dimension. The beauty of these mocktails is that they’re incredibly forgiving and customizable.
Remember that these drinks are best enjoyed immediately while they’re still beautifully bubbly and crisp—though you can prepare the base mixtures ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days if needed.
Ginger Mocktails Substitutions and Variations
While these ginger mocktails are delicious as written, I love how flexible they can be when you need to adapt them for different tastes or what’s in your pantry.
Don’t have apple cider? Try pear juice instead. The spicy version can be tamed for sensitive palates by reducing jalapeño to just one slice, or kicked up with extra pepper for heat seekers.
For a fragrant twist, those mint leaves make all the difference. Trust me, I’ve made these on nights when my cupboard was practically bare, and they still turned out wonderful.
Diet ginger beer works perfectly when you’re watching sugar intake.
What to Serve with Ginger Mocktails
Pairing the right foods with these zesty ginger mocktails can transform a simple drink into a complete entertaining experience.
I’ve found that spicy Asian appetizers—like crispy vegetable spring rolls or ginger-soy chicken skewers—complement the warm apple-cinnamon version beautifully. The jalapeño-citrus variation? It’s practically begging for Mexican-inspired bites.
For something lighter, try cucumber tea sandwiches or a cheese board featuring sharp cheddars and creamy brie.
The ginger’s warmth cuts through rich foods wonderfully, trust me.
And dessert pairings? Think gingerbread cookies or dark chocolate truffles. The way the spice notes play off each other is, well, kind of magical.
Final Thoughts
As I’ve discovered through countless weekend gatherings, these ginger mocktails offer so much more than just a non-alcoholic alternative—they’re conversation starters in their own right.
The way the spicy ginger plays with sweet and tangy notes creates something truly special that everyone can enjoy.
What I love most is their versatility. Warming you on chilly evenings or invigorating you poolside, they adapt to any season.
Plus, the customizations are endless. Add more heat, dial back the sweetness, or toss in fresh herbs.
Trust me, even your cocktail-loving friends will be asking for the recipe. Worth every minute.
