There’s something about autumn that makes us crave ritual. The leaves start to change, the air turns crisp, and suddenly the simple things—like pulling on a soft sweater or warming your hands around a mug—feel extra special. And while fall has its fair share of indulgences (pumpkin pie, mulled cider, caramel apples), it’s also the perfect time to discover new drinks that capture the season’s flavors in a fresh way.
Recently, I stumbled upon a charming cocktail bar in Woodstock, Vermont called Au Comptoir, and they’ve been redefining cozy drinks in the best possible way. Known for their house-made juices, syrups, and infused liquors, every cocktail they serve feels like a little piece of art in a glass. But what makes them stand out even more? Their thoughtful mocktail menu—because not every drink needs spirits to feel celebratory.
One of their creations, a mocktail called “Sapling,” feels like fall itself. Inspired by the Old Fashioned but completely non-alcoholic, it balances the tartness of fresh apple cider with warm cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon. Think: apple pie, but light, crisp, and sippable.
The Sapling: Old Fashioned Mocktail
Apple pie in a glass. That’s the easiest way to describe this drink. It has the sophistication of a cocktail but the comfort of a homemade fall treat. Here’s how you can make it yourself:
Ingredients:
- 3 oz fresh apple cider
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz cinnamon syrup
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
- Garnish with a dehydrated apple slice (or a fresh one in a pinch).
The result? A golden, fragrant drink that feels just as right for a dinner party as it does for a quiet night by the fire.
Why Mocktails Belong in Your Fall Ritual
Mocktails like the Sapling are more than just “alcohol-free options.” They let everyone join in on the fun of sipping something special—whether you’re hosting friends, cozying up on the couch, or simply winding down after a long day. And with the right balance of flavors, they never feel like a compromise.
The cinnamon syrup adds a cozy spice that instantly warms you from the inside out. The lemon juice brightens everything, keeping the drink crisp instead of cloying. And of course, apple cider ties it all together—it’s autumn’s signature ingredient, after all.
Making It Your Own
One of the joys of simple recipes like this is how easily you can tweak them to your taste:
- Want it fizzy? Top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger beer.
- Prefer it sweeter? Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra Vermont charm.
- Love spice? Infuse your cinnamon syrup with cloves or star anise for a richer flavor.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, maybe even experimenting with as the season goes on.
A New Fall Favorite
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for an alternative to cocktails, or just want a seasonal drink to sip as you watch the leaves fall, the Sapling mocktail is a perfect choice. It’s proof that “cozy” doesn’t always have to mean heavy, and that alcohol-free drinks can be just as nuanced and celebratory as their spirited counterparts.
So the next time you’re craving a taste of autumn in a glass, skip the mulled wine and try this instead. Shake, sip, and savor—you just might find your new fall favorite.
