A ruby-red cherry apple mocktail in a highball glass with fresh thyme, a dried apple wheel, and ice.
Editorial recipe guidance

pro football city mocktails · alcohol-free

Orchard Cherry Thyme Sparkler

A bright zero-proof cherry and apple sparkler with fresh thyme, lemon, and chilled soda water.

Editorial recipe guidanceThis page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim.

Prep time

10 minutes

Total time

10 minutes

Serves

1

Difficulty

Easy

A ruby-red cherry apple mocktail in a highball glass with fresh thyme, a dried apple wheel, and ice.Fresh thyme, tart cherry juice, apple juice, and lemon arranged beside a chilled zero-proof mocktail.

Bright & refreshing

A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.

Simple ingredients

Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.

Perfect for occasions

Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.

  • 2 ounces unsweetened tart cherry juice
  • 2 ounces fresh-pressed apple juice
  • 3/4 ounce thyme-honey syrup
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 3 ounces chilled soda water
  • Ice
  • Fresh thyme and a dried apple wheel, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the glass

    Combine tart cherry juice, apple juice, thyme-honey syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.

  2. 2

    Build the drink

    Shake for 10 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.

  3. 3

    Add the finishing touch

    Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice.

  4. 4

    Garnish & serve

    Top slowly with soda water and stir once to combine.

  5. 5

    Garnish & serve

    Taste and add a small splash of soda water if a lighter finish is preferred.

  6. 6

    Garnish & serve

    Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and dried apple wheel, then serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

  • Use rosemary-honey syrup instead of thyme-honey syrup for a woodier aroma.
  • Use pear juice instead of apple juice for a softer fruit note.
  • Use plain maple syrup with a small thyme sprig if prepared thyme-honey syrup is unavailable.

Make It Your Own

For a crowd: For eight servings, combine the cherry, apple, syrup, and lemon in a chilled pitcher. Add 24 ounces of soda water immediately before serving over ice.

Easy swaps: Use rosemary-honey syrup instead of thyme-honey syrup for a woodier aroma. Use pear juice instead of apple juice for a softer fruit note. Use plain maple syrup with a small thyme sprig if prepared thyme-honey syrup is unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet cherry juice?

Yes, but reduce the thyme-honey syrup by half and retaste before adding soda water.

Can this be prepared ahead?

Mix the still base up to four hours ahead and add ice and soda water only as you serve.

Is a shaker necessary?

No. Stir the cold still ingredients in a glass or pitcher, then add the soda water after pouring.

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