Cinnamon Maple Sparkler

A quick nonalcoholic sparkler built by dissolving maple syrup into lemon juice and cinnamon, then topping with chilled sparkling water. Thin apple slices add aroma and a little fruitiness without weighing down the drink.

By Julienne

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 60 ml maple syrup
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 g ground cinnamon
• 0.25 g fine salt optional, for a tiny pinch to sharpen flavor
• 12 cubes ice cubes
• 1 medium apple thinly sliced
• 225 ml sparkling water, chilled
• 675 ml sparkling water, chilled

Instructions

1. Put the maple syrup, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon into a small pitcher or mixing bowl. Stir until the cinnamon is evenly dispersed and the syrup loosens; if using the optional salt, add it now. The mixture looks uniform with no dry cinnamon clumps.
2. Divide the ice among 4 glasses, using 3 cubes per glass. Add 2 to 3 apple slices to each glass. Each glass has ice and apple slices ready for serving.
3. Pour 225 ml sparkling water into the pitcher, then stir very gently just once or twice to combine without losing too much carbonation. The maple mixture is fully diluted but still lively.
4. Divide the drink evenly among the 4 glasses, then top each glass with the remaining sparkling water, 675 ml total, pouring slowly along the side of the glass. The glasses are full, fizzy, and lightly amber in color.