Drinks Archives - A Classic Twist

Chai Vanilla Bean Hot Toddy

Zainab Mansaray — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This chai vanilla bean hot toddy is a cozy and warmly spiced twist on the classic. Freshly brewed chai is supplemented with cinnamon sticks and whole cardamom to ensure a nicely spiced base. Honey lends natural sweetness while orange juice adds a bright, citrusy lift. Vanilla beans add richness and complement the sweet notes in the bourbon. Whether you’re winding down on a chilly evening or fighting a seasonal chill, this cozy and warm tipple is the perfect blend of spice and comfort.

You are in for a cozy treat!

Cold weather calls for hot toddies! If you’re not familiar with a hot toddy, let’s break it down! It’s a mixture of a spirit, we’re using bourbon or whiskey, hot water, and some honey.

But this hot toddy has a comforting twist. Brewed chai tea takes the place of plain hot water, infusing the drink with those beloved spices and an extra layer of warmth.

Speaking of spices, this recipe uses the whole version of the spices instead of the ground version. We’re talking cinnamon sticks and whole green cardamom pods. It’s important to stick to using whole spices instead of ground, because ground spices can add a grittiness to your drink and less flavor, and we want flavor!

You can make this hot toddy into a mocktail by using a simple swap that is perfect for Fall, making it a warm drink everyone can enjoy. Substitute an equal amount of apple cider or apple juice for the bourbon or whiskey.

Since we’re all about flavor at A Classic Twist, I highly recommend using chai tea bags to make this drink. Chai concentrate can be overly sweet and lacks the freshness that you taste when you brew a fresh cup of chai tea.

I almost forgot to talk about the other star of the show, the vanilla bean flavor! A little vanilla bean paste turns this hot toddy into an irresistible Fall drink! I hope you enjoy sipping it as the weather turns cooler as much as I have!

Ingredients

water
a few cinnamon sticks
whole green cardamom pods
orange peel
chai tea bags
some honey
bourbon or whiskey
vanilla bean paste
fresh orange juice
a few orange slices, optional for garnish

How to Make a Chai Tea Hot Toddy

Add the water to a small pot. Gently crush the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods with the back of your knife or a mortar and pestle, then add to the water along with the orange peel.

Bring the water to a low boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and add the tea bags.

Cover and steep for 10 minutes.

Strain out the tea bags, spices, and orange peel, then return the steeped tea to the pot over medium heat.

Stir in the honey, then warm until the tea is steaming.

Remove from the heat, then stir in the bourbon, vanilla bean paste, and orange juice.

For easier serving and pouring, you can pour the hot toddy mixture into a teapot. Divide the hot toddy between two mugs.

Garnish with an orange slice & cinnamon stick.

Serve with extra honey on the side.

How to Store

If you happen to have leftovers of this hot toddy, you can store it in the fridge for a few days and then reheat when you are ready to sip it.

More Fall Drink Recipes

What do you think of this cozy Fall drink recipe? What would you serve with these hot toddies? Let me know in the comment section below.

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy sipping, friends!

Chai Tea Hot Toddy Recipe

Yield: 2 servings

Chai Vanilla Bean Hot Toddy

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon whole green cardamom pods
4-inch piece orange peel
4 chai tea bags
2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for serving
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) bourbon, or whiskey
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 orange slices, optional for garnish

Instructions

Add the water to a small pot. Gently crush the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods with the back of your knife or a mortar and pestle, then add to the water along with the orange peel. Bring the water to a low boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and add the tea bags. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain out the tea bags, spices, and orange peel, then return the steeped tea to the pot over medium heat. Stir in the honey, then warm until the tea is steaming.
Remove from the heat, then stir in the bourbon, vanilla bean paste, and orange juice. For easier serving and pouring, you can pour the hot toddy mixture into a teapot. Divide the hot toddy between two mugs. Garnish with an orange slice & cinnamon stick. Serve with extra honey on the side.

Notes

You’ll need 1-2 oranges for the peel, juice, and garnish, depending on their size.

Chai is caffeinated, so if you want a decaffeinated version, make sure to use decaffeinated chai tea bags.

Keep leftovers in the fridge. Re-warm leftovers in a pot over medium on the stove or in the microwave.

An equal amount of vanilla extract may be used in place of the vanilla bean paste if needed for similar results.

FAQs

Can I use ground cinnamon and cardamom instead of the whole spices? No, I do not recommend using ground spices instead of whole ones. They will add grit to the toddy and will produce a less flavorful brew than whole spices.

Can I make a mocktail version? Yes, you can easily make a flavorful mocktail by swapping in an equal amount of apple cider or apple juice for the bourbon.

Can I use a liquid chai concentrate instead of chai tea bags? No, I do not recommend using a store-bought chai concentrate. Chai concentrates are typically sold already sweetened and do not taste as fresh as when brewed on the spot.

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Zainab Mansaray — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:09:00 +0000

A cozy autumnal twist on the classic, this Apple Cider Old Fashioned blends bourbon with the crisp sweetness of fresh apple cider. Orange peel, bitters, and a homemade cinnamon simple syrup infuse each glass with a comforting balance of citrus and spice. Garnished with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, this sweetly spiced cocktail is perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings.

Hey there, and welcome back, friends.

You are in for a treat!

There’s nothing quite like settling into a cozy Fall cocktail when the leaves begin to change color and the air gets crisp! This apple cider old fashioned drink is everything we love about Fall wrapped up in one drink.

It’s an easy drink to make. You start by making the homemade simple syrup, which is actually quite simple to make! Water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves are all you need to make this flavor-packed simple syrup. The syrup lasts in the fridge for many weeks, so you can make quite a few drinks with it.

I do advise using cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon when making the simple syrup because ground cinnamon would add sediment to the syrup and create a gritty texture when you’re sipping this drink.

An orange peel and bitters are classic ingredients for making an old fashioned drink. The citrus brightens the flavors of the drink, and the bitters add balance and depth.

This drink gets its signature apple flavor from a splash of apple cider used to top off each glass. You can also use apple juice instead, but apple cider lends this deep, rich flavor.

This Fall-inspired old fashioned drink is all about simplicity and can be made quickly. It’s perfect for quiet Fall nights, cozied up in a blanket watching a good movie or entertaining with friends and family.

Ingredients

granulated sugar
some water
a few cinnamon sticks
whole cloves
a few dashes of Angostura bitters or orange bitters
a strip orange peel
bourbon
apple cider
ice
apple slices, optional for garnish
cinnamon stick, optional for garnish

How to Make an Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Make the syrup first. Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan or pot.

Use the butt end of a kitchen knife to help break up each cinnamon stick into several pieces then add to the pot along with the cloves.

Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 5 min, stirring occasionally, then remove the syrup from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool and steep for 30 minutes, then strain out the spices.

Bottle the syrup and keep it in the fridge until ready to use. Makes a little over half a cup of cinnamon simple syrup. Use within 2 weeks for the best flavor.

To make one drink, add the cinnamon simple syrup, and orange peel to an old fashioned or rocks glass.

Next, add the bitters.

Muddle a few times until you smell the fragrance of the orange peel.

Add the bourbon and apple cider.

Stir to combine.

Add one large ice cube or a handful of smaller ice cubes.

Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy immediately.

How to Store

Keep the homemade simple syrup stored in the fridge until you are ready to use it. This recipe makes a little over ½ cup of simple syrup. Use within 2 weeks for the best flavor.

More Fall Drink Recipes

What do you think of this cozy apple cider old fashioned recipe? What would you serve with one of these drinks? Let me know in the comment section below.

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy sipping, friends!

Apple Cider Old Fashioned Recipe

Yield: 1 drink

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the cinnamon simple syrup:

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole cloves

For one drink:

1-2 teaspoons cinnamon simple syrup, depending on how sweet you want your drink
3-4 dashes Angostura bitters or orange bitters
1 strip orange peel, about 2 inches long
2 ounces bourbon
3 ounces apple cider
Ice
Apple slices, optional for garnish
Cinnamon stick, optional for garnish

Instructions

Make the syrup first. Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan or pot. Use the butt end of a kitchen knife to help break up each cinnamon stick into several pieces then add to the pot along with the cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 5 min, stirring occasionally, then remove the syrup from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool and steep for 30 minutes, then strain out the spices. Bottle the syrup and keep it in the fridge until ready to use. Makes a little over ½ cup of cinnamon simple syrup. Use within 2 weeks for the best flavor.
To make one drink, add the cinnamon simple syrup, bitters, and orange peel to an old fashioned or rocks glass. Muddle a few times until you smell the fragrance of the orange peel. Add the bourbon and apple cider and stir to combine. Add one large ice cube or a handful of smaller ice cubes then garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

If you prefer a less sweet flavor, use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon simple syrup.

To keep your drink extra cold, chill your glass in the freezer for 30-60 minutes ahead of time and use chilled apple cider.

A singular large ice cube will melt slower than a handful of smaller ice cubes which will keep your drink from being watered down as quickly.

If you want to amplify the spice in the cinnamon syrup, use Angostura bitters. If you want to amplify the flavor of the orange peel, use orange bitters.

Use leftover cinnamon simple syrup to sweeten coffee and tea.

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks in the simple syrup? No, I do not recommend using ground cinnamon in place of cinnamon sticks. Ground cinnamon adds sediment to the syrup and produces an unpleasant gritty texture. During testing, I much preferred the flavor and texture of the syrup made with cinnamon sticks.

Can I use apple juice in place of apple cider? Yes, you can use apple juice instead but I recommend finding an unfiltered one or one that was made fresh and sold chilled rather than one bottled for shelf stability for the best flavor.

Can I make a mocktail version? Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail. Omit the bourbon and replace it with 2-4 ounces of chilled club soda or sparkling water.

Blueberry Gin Fizz

Zainab Mansaray — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:57:00 +0000

This blueberry gin fizz puts a summery and fruity twist on the classic gin fizz cocktail. The botanical notes of gin are paired with a sweet blueberry simple syrup and bright and zingy fresh lemon juice. Chilled club soda adds a touch of effervescence, keeping this summer cocktail refreshingly cool. This purple-hued cocktail is light, crisp, and perfect for summer gatherings or lazy evenings on the patio.

Summer is meant for no-bake desserts and sipping on refreshing cocktails by the pool! I have an easy gin cocktail to share with you that makes blueberries the star!

You know how much I love sharing cocktails with you over the years. I have a collection of summer cocktails that are amazing like this Strawberry Paloma, Cucumber Infused Gin Cocktail, Pink Lemonade Cocktail, & Peach Paloma.

This gin drink uses a homemade blueberry simple syrup to infuse it with that rich blueberry flavor. A little lemon brightens the flavor of the blueberries and gives the drink a little touch of zest.

I use fresh blueberries to make the simple syrup but this recipe is forgiving and you can easily use frozen blueberries if that’s all you have on hand. I do find frozen blueberries give the syrup a more muted flavor whereas fresh blueberries infuse it with a bright blueberry flavor.

Just like my other cocktails, you can turn this drink into a mocktail. Simply leave out the gin and add a little more club soda.

Ingredients

fresh blueberries
granulated sugar
some fresh mint
blueberry simple syrup
fresh lemon juice
some gin
club soda

How to Make Blueberry Gin Fizz

Make the blueberry simple syrup first. Add the blueberries, water, and sugar to a small saucepan or pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.

As the syrup simmers, gently smash the blueberries to help encourage them to release their juices.

Remove the pot from the heat then submerge the mint sprig in the syrup. Allow the syrup to cool fully to room temperature.

Then strain out the mint and fruit solids.

Bottle the syrup and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready for a cocktail.

To make one cocktail, add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker followed by the blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin. Shake vigorously for about a minute until well chilled.

Strain into a double rocks glass or tumbler filled with fresh ice.

Top with chilled club soda and garnish with blueberries and mint leaves if desired.

How to Turn into a Pitcher Drink

To turn this drink into a pitcher drink to serve 8 people, make the blueberry simple syrup. Then add the blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice, gin, and club soda to a pitcher and stir. Lastly, add some ice and serve immediately. Garnish each drink with blueberries and mint leaves if desired.

More Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes

What do you think of this amazing blueberry summer cocktail recipe? What would you serve with this drink? Let me know in the comment section below.

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy sipping, friends!

Blueberry Gin Fizz Recipe

Yield: 1 drink

Blueberry Gin Fizz

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the blueberry simple syrup

1 heaped cup fresh blueberries
½ cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 sprig fresh mint

For the cocktail

Ice
1 ounce blueberry simple syrup
1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 ounces gin
4-5 ounces club soda, chilled
Fresh blueberries, optional for garnish
Fresh mint, optional for garnish

Instructions

Make the blueberry simple syrup first. Add the blueberries, water, and sugar to a small sauce pan or pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. As the syrup simmers, gently smash the blueberries to help encourage them to release their juices. Remove the pot from the heat then submerge the mint sprig in the syrup. Allow the syrup to cool fully to room temperature, then strain out the mint and fruit solids. Bottle the syrup and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready for a cocktail.
To make one cocktail, add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker followed by the blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin. Shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a double rocks glass or tumbler filled with fresh ice. Top with chilled club soda and garnish with blueberries and mint leaves if desired.

Notes

I recommend using a glass with a 12-14 ounce capacity. If you only have smaller glasses, or prefer a smaller drink, divide the shaken blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and gin mixture between two smaller glasses filled with ice, then top with the chilled club soda.

You’ll end up with a little over a cup of the blueberry simple syrup which is enough for 8 drinks. Keep leftovers in the fridge and use them within 2-3 weeks.

Peach Bourbon Smash

Zainab Mansaray — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

A refreshing and summery twist on a classic, this peach bourbon smash blends juicy peaches with smooth bourbon. Slices of ripe peach are muddled with mint, lemon, and simple syrup until juicy. A generous pour of bourbon is stirred in before being topped with ice and chilled club soda. Garnished with a peach slice and sprig of mint, this bourbon peach smash is refreshing, smooth, and just the right balance of bold and fruity.

Sometimes, on a hot day, you just need a delicious drink to take your mind off things. With the kids home from school and all the summer activities, I sometimes feel like I need to sit down and sip a good drink.

A drink with peaches always hits the spot. They’re juicy, bursting with summer flavor, and they go well with bourbon. So naturally, I threw together a bourbon peach smash.

This drink might look complicated but it’s so easy to make. All you need to do is take ripe peaches and muddle them a little and add something to sweeten the drink and then some bourbon and top with ice and club soda.

I added some fresh mint to brighten the drink, plus it’s traditionally used in a bourbon smash. If you don’t have mint or don’t want to use it, basil or thyme would pair well with the peaches. I suggest using 3-4 small/medium basil leaves or a small sprig of thyme in place of the mint.

If you want to serve this drink at a party, I included easy directions for how to serve a crowd later in the blog post. Who wouldn’t want to sip this drink at a BBQ???

This drink can easily be turned into a mocktail. You can do this two different ways: substitute an equal amount of non-alcoholic bourbon or add a touch of vanilla extract with the peaches and use more chilled club soda.

Ingredients

a ripe peach
simple syrup
some lemon juice
a few fresh mint leaves
bourbon
chilled club soda
ice

How to Make Peach Bourbon Smash

Add the peach slices to a double old-fashioned glass (or similar-sized glass) along with the simple syrup, lemon juice, and mint leaves.

Muddle about a few times or until the peaches have released some of their juices. The peaches don’t need to be fully broken down.

Add the bourbon.

Stir the drink to combine.

Fill the glass with ice.

Then top with chilled club soda.

If desired, garnish with a peach slice and sprig of mint.

How to Turn Into a Pitcher Drink

While you’ll get the best results by making each drink individually with the muddling method, you can use an immersion blender or stand blender in the event that you want to make several drinks at a time.

For 6 drinks, add 3 thinly sliced peaches, a handful of mint leaves, 6 ounces of simple syrup, and 3 ounces of lemon juice to a blender.

Pulse just 2-4 times to slightly break up the peaches and release their juices. Divide this mixture between 6 glasses, then stir 1 ½ ounces of bourbon into each. Fill the glasses with ice and top with chilled club soda.

More Summer Drink Recipes

What do you think of this amazing peach bourbon smash recipe? What would you serve with these summer bourbon drinks? Let me know in the comment section below.

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy sipping, friends!

Bourbon Peach Smash Recipe

Yield: 1 drink

Peach Bourbon Smash

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 ripe peach, thinly sliced
1 ounce simple syrup
½ ounce lemon juice
3-4 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
1 ½ ounces bourbon
Chilled club soda
Ice

Instructions

Add the peach slices to a double old fashioned glass (or similar sized 12-14 ounce glass) along with the simple syrup, lemon juice, and mint leaves. Muddle about 6-7 times or until the peaches have released some of their juices. The peaches don’t need to be fully broken down.
Add the bourbon and stir. Fill the glass with ice then top with chilled club soda. If desired, garnish with a peach slice and sprig of mint.

Notes

Recipe Notes

If you prefer a heavier pour, use 2 ounces of bourbon.
To keep your drink extra cold, chill your glass in the freezer for 30-60 minutes beforehand.

Recipe Tips

Ripe, juicy peaches will yield the best flavor. Slightly underripe peaches will still produce a tasty cocktail but you’ll have to put in more effort during the muddling process.
Use cubed ice rather than crushed to keep the ice from melting as quickly and watering down the drink. Chilled club soda and a chilled glass will help keep this from happening quickly as well.
3-4 mint leaves are the perfect amount to complement the peaches without overpowering them.

FAQ's

Can I make this a mocktail? Yes, you can easily make a mocktail version two different ways: substitute an equal amount of non-alcoholic bourbon or add a touch of vanilla extract with the peaches and use more chilled club soda.

Can I use different herbs? Mint is traditional for a bourbon smash but basil or thyme would pair really well with the peaches. Use 3-4 small/medium basil leaves or a small sprig of thyme in place of the mint.

Can I make a bigger batch instead of one drink at a time? While you’ll get the best results by making each drink individually with the muddling method, you can use an immersion blender or stand blender in the event that you want to make several drinks at a time. For 6 drinks, add 3 thinly sliced peaches, a handful of mint leaves, 6 ounces of simple syrup, and 3 ounces of lemon juice to a blender. Pulse just 2-4 times to slightly break up the peaches and release their juices. Divide this mixture between 6 glasses, then stir 1 ½ ounces of bourbon into each. Fill the glasses with ice and top with chilled club soda.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 21gProtein: 1g

The post Peach Bourbon Smash appeared first on A Classic Twist.

Guava Paloma

Zainab Mansaray — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This tropical guava paloma balances the sweetness of guava and the tartness of grapefruit, with a spicy Tajín rim and fragrant garnish, making it the perfect refreshing cocktail.

Hey there, and welcome back, friends.

You are in for a tropical treat!

Sipping this drink might transport you to Mexico! At least it did for me. It’s refreshing, tasty, and has a hint of spiciness.

I love a good paloma and have made a few for the blog like this Peach Paloma, Passionfruit Paloma, and Strawberry Paloma.

This classic Mexican drink uses grapefruit, lime juice, and tequila. I added a twist by adding guava. It balances the tart taste of the grapefruit and lime. Who doesn’t love the tropical flavor of guava???

The other special part of this drink is the Tajin rim. It’s zesty and spicy and complements the fruity layers of this drink! It adds a Mexican touch to this Paloma drink.

Enjoy sipping this paloma over the summer, and it’s great for serving at summer BBQs. Everyone will love it!

Ingredients

fresh grapefruit juice
guava nectar
lime juice
some silver tequila
club soda or sparkling water
agave syrup
Tajín seasoning
a lime wedge, for rimming the glass
some simple garnishes like a grapefruit slice, lime slice, & edible flowers

How to Make Guava Paloma

Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it into Tajín seasoning to coat.

Fill the glass with ice and set aside.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the grapefruit juice, guava nectar, lime juice, tequila, and agave syrup (if using).

Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and top with club soda.

Gently stir to combine.

Garnish with a slice of grapefruit, lime, a sprig of fresh thyme, and an optional edible flower.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Turn Into a Pitcher Drink

You can easily turn this Paloma into a pitcher drink by multiplying the recipe by 8 to make 8 servings. Add all of the ingredients to a pitcher and stir. Leave a little plate with Tajin seasoning near the glasses. Add some lime wedges nearby.

More Summer Cocktail Recipes

What do you think of this amazing Paloma drink with guava recipe? What would you serve with a glass of this? Let me know in the comment section below.

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy sipping, friends!

Guava Paloma Recipe

Yield: 1 drink

Guava Paloma

This tropical Guava Paloma balances the sweetness of guava and tartness of grapefruit, with a spicy Tajín rim and fragrant garnish, making it the perfect refreshing cocktail.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

Tajín Rim

1 tablespoon Tajín seasoning
Lime wedge, for rimming the glass

Guava Paloma

4 ounces fresh grapefruit juice (about ½ large grapefruit)
2 ounces guava nectar (store-bought or fresh-pressed)
0.5 ounces lime juice (about ½ lime)
2 ounces silver tequila
Club soda or sparkling water, to top
½ tablespoon agave syrup

Garnish

Grapefruit slice
Lime slice
Edible flower (optional, non-toxic such as chamomile or marigold)

Instructions

Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it into Tajín seasoning to coat.
Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the grapefruit juice, guava nectar, lime juice, tequila, and agave syrup (if using). Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and top with club soda. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit, lime, a sprig of fresh thyme, and an optional edible flower.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Virgin Cherry Moscow Mule

Zainab Mansaray — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

This virgin cherry Moscow mule is a refreshing, non-alcoholic twist on the original cocktail. Bursting with cherry flavor, this easy mocktail combines muddled fresh cherries with lime juice and zingy ginger beer. The cherries and lime create the perfect sweet-tart combination, while the ginger beer packs a fizzy and spicy punch. Garnished with a cherry on top, this virgin cocktail is perfect for all ages and occasions.

This mocktail is not just about flavor; it’s a celebration of fresh and vibrant summer ingredients.

This drink comes together with only a few simple ingredients. The muddled fresh cherries provide a natural sweetness that goes perfectly with the zesty lime juice. The ginger beer keeps it non-alcoholic and adds a fizzy kick.

You can easily turn this drink into an alcoholic drink by adding some vodka along with the ginger beer. I suggest offering your party guests the option to make it either way.

Cherries are the star of this drink. Since there’s only 3 ingredients in this mocktail, it really relies on the flavor of fresh cherries so I do not recommend using frozen cherries.

We all know a classic mule is served in a copper mug but here’s a little secret, it’s okay to serve it in a glass too!

Historically, Moscow mules were served in copper mugs to keep them cold and frosty since copper is more thermally conductive than glass. Did you know that???

You can serve this mocktail in any 16-ounce glass you like. If you want to ensure the drink stays nice and frosty, chill your glass in the freezer for 1-2 hours first.

Ingredients

a few sweet cherries
freshly squeezed lime juice
ice
ginger beer

How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Cherry Moscow Mule

Add the cherries and lime juice to a 16-ounce glass or copper mug.

Muddle the cherries until they are very juicy.

Fill the glass with ice.

Then top with ginger beer.

If desired, garnish each glass with a cherry and a slice of lime.

How to Make Ahead

You can prep that drink ahead of time by squeezing the fresh lime juice and cleaning the cherries and removing the pits. I recommend assembling the drink before serving to preserve the freshness.

More Mocktail Recipes

Lemon Elderflower Mocktail
Blood Orange Mocktail with Rosemary Honey Syrup
Strawberry Cucumber Limeade
Coconut Coolers

What do you think of this refreshing cherry Moscow mule recipe? What would you serve with this mocktail? Let me know in the comment section below.

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy sipping, friends!

Virgin Cherry Moscow Mule Recipe

Yield: 1 serving

Virgin Cherry Moscow Mule

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

5-6 sweet cherries, pitted
1-ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
Ice
4-6 ounces ginger beer, chilled

Instructions

Add the cherries and lime juice to a 16-ounce glass or copper mug. Muddle the cherries until they are very juicy.
Fill the glass with ice then top with ginger beer. If desired, garnish each glass with a cherry and a slice of lime.

Notes

Sour cherries can be used instead of sweet ones, but you will most likely want to add a touch of simple syrup to balance the tartness.
For a smoother drink, muddle the cherries & lime juice in a cocktail shaker then strain the mixture into a glass, pressing on the cherry pieces to help extract the juices. Top with ice then top with ginger beer.

Can I use frozen cherries? Since there’s only 3 ingredients in this mocktail, it really relies on the flavor of fresh cherries so I do not recommend using frozen cherries.

Can I turn this into a cocktail? Absolutely! Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka along with the ginger beer.

Do I need to serve it in a copper mug? No, you do not need to serve this virgin Moscow mule in a copper mug. Historically, Moscow mules were served in copper mugs to keep them cold and frosty since copper is more thermally conductive than glass. You can serve this mocktail in any 16-ounce glass you like. If you want to ensure the drink stays nice and frosty, chill your glass in the freezer for 1-2 hours first.

Drinks Archives - A Classic Twist

Chai Vanilla Bean Hot Toddy

Ingredients

How to Make a Chai Tea Hot Toddy

How to Store

More Fall Drink Recipes

Chai Tea Hot Toddy Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

FAQs

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Making this Recipe?

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Ingredients

How to Make an Apple Cider Old Fashioned

How to Store

More Fall Drink Recipes

Apple Cider Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients

For the cinnamon simple syrup:

For one drink:

Instructions

Notes

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Making this Recipe?

Blueberry Gin Fizz

Ingredients

How to Make Blueberry Gin Fizz

How to Turn into a Pitcher Drink

More Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes

Blueberry Gin Fizz Recipe

Ingredients

For the blueberry simple syrup

For the cocktail

Instructions

Notes

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

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Peach Bourbon Smash

Ingredients

How to Make Peach Bourbon Smash

How to Turn Into a Pitcher Drink

More Summer Drink Recipes

Bourbon Peach Smash Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

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Guava Paloma

Ingredients

How to Make Guava Paloma

How to Turn Into a Pitcher Drink

More Summer Cocktail Recipes

Guava Paloma Recipe

Ingredients

Tajín Rim

Guava Paloma

Garnish

Instructions

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

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Virgin Cherry Moscow Mule

Ingredients

How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Cherry Moscow Mule