These mocktails started when we realized our Apple Cider Vinegar and Apple Balsamic could do so much more than just brighten salads. That brightness that makes vinegar perfect for cooking also makes it incredible in drinks—adding complexity and depth that you just can't get from simple fruit and bubbles.
The Vinegar's acidity enhances all the other flavors instead of competing with them. The citrus gets brighter, the berries are tastier, and everything just feels refreshing. Plus, they're completely sugar-free but still satisfying—no sweeteners needed when you've got this much natural flavor going on.
The muddling technique releases essential oils from the citrus and breaks down berries just enough to create gorgeous color and concentrated flavor.
Citrus Dream Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Apple Balsamic Vinegar
- 4 slices mixed citrus (try one sweet and one tart—blood orange with Meyer lemon, or tangerine with kumquat)
- 1 can grapefruit sparkling water
- Fresh mint sprig or extra citrus slice for garnish
Instructions: Muddle vinegar and citrus slices in the bottom of a glass until fragrant and juicy. Add ice, pour in sparkling water, and stir gently. Garnish and serve immediately.
Berry Smash Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen raspberries, blackberries, and/or blueberries)
- 1 lemon slice
- 1 bottle hop water or plain sparkling water
- Fresh basil or mint sprig
Instructions: Muddle vinegar, berries, and lemon slice until berries release their juices. Add ice, top with sparkling water, and stir. Garnish with herbs and serve.
Simple Citrus Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Blood Orange + Meyer Lemon Vinegar
- 3 slices mixed citrus (any combination of blood orange, tangerine, lemon, lime, or clementine)
- ½ bottle plain or flavored sparkling water
Instructions: Muddle vinegar and citrus until aromatic. Add ice, top with sparkling water, and enjoy immediately.
Spiced Apple Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3-4 thin apple slices (any variety, but Honeycrisp or Gala work beautifully)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 bottle plain sparkling water
- Extra rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions: Gently muddle vinegar, apple slices, and rosemary until apples release their juices and rosemary becomes fragrant—don't overdo it, you want the rosemary to be aromatic but not bitter. Add ice, top with sparkling water, and stir gently. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and serve immediately.
