Mint, Apple, and Ginger Mocktail

I gave up drinking in 2023 and never looked back. I love the clear mind, the extra social energy, and the financial savings, that not drinking provides. The only thing I miss about drinking is the cocktails. Luckily enough there are dozens of mocktails in bars these days. And it's even a great excuse to experiment with creating flavourful drinks without the alcoholic buzz. That's how I constructed this mint, apple and ginger mocktail. It's now become my favourite way to unwind in the evening during a hot summer day. Oh, and if you haven't guessed, I'm still workshopping this mocktail's name, so leave your suggestions in the comments.

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Why make this mocktail?

Go too much mint and not sure what to do with it? Want a way to relax after work with a hangover? Craving a delicious cocktail that you can drink any time of the day? Or, looking to take a five-minute break and get whisked off to the Caribbean islands. This mocktail recipe is for you. Using a perfect blend of apple juice, ginger beer, mint and limes. This drink promises to hit you with adult flavours without the booze-induced consequences. Plus, it's gluten, dairy, and soya-free. Oh and vegan too!

Ingredients you'll need

I always recommend using the best quality ingredients, shopping seasonally, and sustainably sourced when possible. Below is each ingredient you will need:

• Apple juice - Use freshly pressed apple juice not from concentrate for best results. I haven't tried this recipe with homemade apple juice as I always use cartoon juice.

• Ginger beer - Alcohol-free ginger beer, I opted for the brand Old Jamaica ginger beer. Alternatively, any alcohol-free ginger beer will do. Alternatively, you can use ginger ale. I find this often creates a lighter beverage.

• Fresh mint leaves - Either store bought or homegrown mint leaves will work in this recipe.

• Lime wedges (optional) - Lime wedges are great for adding an extra element and depth of flavour. However, I still find this mocktail tastes great without the lime wedges.

• Ice - If you want an ice cold mocktail, with layers of mint, you can skip the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question you want to ask that isn't in the frequently ask questions, please feel free to send me a message or drop a comment at the bottom of the recipe. I try my best to answer every question to make sure you create perfect recipes every time.

Is ginger beer alcoholic?

You can purchase both alcoholic or non-alcoholic ginger beer in the UK. Depending on your preference you can use either in this recipe. But if you choose to use an alcoholic ginger beer this drink will no longer be a mocktail.

Can I use ginger ale instead as I can't find alcohol-free ginger beer?

Ginger ale can be used in this recipe, I find it's typically lighter and less intense as ginger beer. But it will still create a delicious mocktail.

Can I make this mint, apple and ginger beer mocktail gluten-free?

As someone with Coeliac disease, all my recipes are 100% gluten-free. However, when making this mocktail, check that the ginger beer or ginger ale you use is gluten-free. The Old Jamaica brand and Tesco's brand are gluten-free in the UK.

Can I make this mint, apple and ginger beer mocktail vegan?

This recipe is 100% vegan! However, you will have to ensure the ginger beer you are using is vegan. Most brands are vegan but animal products can slip into a few of the smaller less now ginger beer and ale brands. Especially the alcoholic varieties.

How do I store this mint, apple and ginger beer mocktail?

You can't store this mocktail for extended periods due to the ice melting and the frizz subsiding. It's best to make the mocktail as and when you want to enjoy it. I've even advise making smaller mocktail's over a large shareable jug.

Can I freeze this mint, apple and ginger beer mocktail ?

You can't freeze this cocktail, as it will lose its frizzle from the ginger beer. Also, you can't turn this into a popsicle even though it uses edible mint leaves. It just wouldn't be a pleasant eating experience.

Recipe

Here's the recipe for this tropically refreshingly spicy mocktail!

Serves: 1

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Special Equipment  

• High ball glass

• Reusable straw

Ingredients

• 150ml apple juice

• 50ml ginger beer

• Handful of mint leaves

• Handful of ice

• Lime wedges

Method

1. Layer a glass with mint, lime wedges (optional), and ice cubes.

2. Pour the apple juice into the glass.

3. Top with ginger beer and add a metal / reusable straw.

4. Stir the glass for 15 seconds.

5. Serve with an additional mint spring and lime wedge (optional).

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For more tasty recipes and drink-spiration, check out proudlyglutenfree.com