Apple Cider Mocktail

Yes, apple recipes and fall drinks are still a thing! We are technically still in November, and I feel that even into December it is fine to indulge in whatever flavors you enjoy. Honestly, I think it is silly that we go crazy for apples in September, pumpkin in October, and we limit ourselves to such great flavors only for one season of the year.

I will try harder next year to use these flavors more "out of scope in timing" with when they are traditionally used. How fun! What would you like to enjoy more of that may be "out of season" at different times of the year?

Back to this mocktail. I feel holiday time can be a little excessive with eating and drinking (personally speaking). So, it is nice to refresh with a drink that FEELS like a cocktail, but enjoying that it is not, and not having any of those other unpleasant side effects.

I made this using an apple simple syrup I made when I cooked down apples for pie filling. I don't recommend you go through all of that for this cocktail. But, I am trying to waste less in the kitchen, so after I peeled and cored about 25 apples, I took all those peels and cores and simmered them in water and spices for hours. I then took that liquid, strained it, and cooked it down with sugar to make an apple simple syrup which...quite honestly....was one of the best things I have ever made. My family and friends kept saying, you should bottle this up and sell it! Well, I did bottle it up (currently in my freezer), but I hope it inspires you to waste less in the kitchen and if you plan to make apple pies this year--don't toss the peels and cores-- you can definitely use them to make something extra special.

That being said--for this recipe you can easily substitute regular simple syrup. Let's get to it and I hope you enjoy!

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