Ginger Mocktails
Ginger Mocktails
Two zesty, zero-proof drinks: a warm-and-cozy ginger toddy and a bold, spicy jalapeño fizz. Great for coldsnaps or cookouts.

Cozy Ginger Mocktail
Comforting and aromatic—like a zero-proof hot toddy with gentle fizz if served over ice.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 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)
Directions
- Warm method: Gently heat the apple cider, lemon juice, and syrup in a small pan until steaming (do not boil). Pour into a mug, add the cinnamon stick, then top with a small splash of ginger beer to taste.
- Cold method: Add lemon juice and syrup to an ice-filled glass. Add apple cider and ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with the cinnamon stick.
- Taste and adjust sweetness/acid. Serve immediately.
Tip: Heating the ginger beer will drive off carbonation; that’s why we warm the base and add the ginger beer last.
Spicy Ginger Mocktail
Zesty, citrusy, and peppery—jalapeño brings a fun kick.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 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 (see below)
- 2–4 thin jalapeño slices (seeded for less heat)
- Ice · Garnish: lime wheel
Directions
- In a shaker or glass, lightly muddle jalapeño with the lime juice (10–15 seconds).
- Add orange juice and ginger syrup; fill with ice and stir.
- Top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with a lime wheel. Taste and adjust heat with more jalapeño if desired.
Rim idea: Mix equal parts sugar and chili powder; lightly rim the glass for a sweet-heat finish.
Homemade Ginger Syrup
- Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger in a saucepan.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes; remove from heat and steep 10 minutes more.
- Strain and cool. Refrigerate in a clean bottle up to 2 weeks.
Make-ahead: Mix the juicy bases (citrus + sweetener) up to 2 days ahead. Add ice and ginger beer just before serving for best fizz.
Serving Notes & Variations
- Herbal swap: Add a few mint leaves to either mocktail for a fresh lift.
- Less sugar: Use diet ginger beer or increase citrus to brighten without extra syrup.
- Kid-friendly: Skip jalapeño; add a splash of soda water for extra bubbles.
- Storage: Assembled drinks are best right away. Bases keep 2–3 days refrigerated.