Autumn Spice Sparkler

A no-cook Thanksgiving drink built from chilled apple cider, ginger ale, lemon juice, and a quick cinnamon syrup. It is mixed just before serving so the carbonation stays lively, then finished with apple slices and optional ice.

By Julienne

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 30 g granulated sugar
• 30 ml water
• 1 g ground cinnamon
• 960 ml apple cider chilled
• 30 ml lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 720 ml ginger ale chilled
• 480 g ice for serving
• 1 medium apple thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the cinnamon syrup: combine the sugar, water, and ground cinnamon in a small saucepan. Set over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool for 3 minutes. The syrup looks clear and fully dissolved, with no grains of sugar left on the pan bottom.
2. In a pitcher, combine the apple cider and lemon juice. Add the warm cinnamon syrup and stir well. The mixture looks uniform and lightly scented with cinnamon.
3. Just before serving, pour in the chilled ginger ale and stir once gently to preserve the bubbles. The drink is visibly fizzy with an even pale amber color.
4. Divide the drink among 8 glasses. Add ice to each glass if using, then garnish with apple slices. Each glass is cold, sparkling, and topped with fresh apple slices.