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Cinnamon-Spiced Orange & Thyme Mocktail

20 min

Drink

10 ingredients or less

This refreshing cinnamon and orange mocktail combines the sweet, citrusy flavour of oranges with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of savoury thyme. Perfect for any season, this mocktail can easily be dressed up with garnishes to make a festive drink for holidays or special occasions.

Servings

Total

20 min

Prep

10 min

Cook

5 min

Cool

5 min

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Gluten symbol

gluten

Ingredients

Orange mocktail

  • ½ cup (120 mL)
    water
  • ¼ cup (60 mL)
  • 4
    sprigs fresh thyme
  • ½ tsp
    ground cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp (12 g)
    freshly grated ginger
  • ½
    lemon, juiced
  • 2 cups (222 g)
    ice cubes, plus more for shaking
  • 2 cups (480 mL)
    orange juice
  • 2 cups (480 mL)
    ginger ale

Optional garnish

  • cinnamon stick
  • sprig fresh thyme

Directions

  1. Add the water, maple syrup, thyme sprigs, and cinnamon to a small pan. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and let it steep for about 3 minutes. Then let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Fill a shaker or mason jar halfway with ice cubes and strain in the thyme syrup. Add the grated ginger and lemon juice and shake well for 10 seconds.
  4. Divide the ice cubes between your cups, strain the contents from the shaker over top, and add the orange juice and ginger ale in equal parts.
  5. Garnish as desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • To turn this mocktail into a cocktail, simply add your favourite whiskey to the shaker.

Storage

  • The syrup can be stored in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • The assembled drink is best when enjoyed immediately.

Let us know what you think

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use dried thyme in this orange and cinnamon mocktail?

Yes, you can use dried thyme in this recipe. While fresh thyme provides a brighter flavour, dried thyme is more concentrated. Start with ¼ to ½ teaspoon for four servings and adjust to taste. To avoid bits of thyme in your drink, use a fine mesh strainer when serving.

Can I make this mocktail for holiday gatherings?

Yes, this mocktail is a fantastic fall beverage for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. To keep the gingerale fizzy, add it just before your guests arrive. For a fun twist, freeze orange juice in ice cube trays instead of using regular ice to prevent dilution as it melts. Your guests will love this refreshing, festive drink!

How can I turn this non-alcoholic drink into a cocktail?

To transform this mocktail into a fall cocktail recipe, simply add your favourite whiskey to the shaker.

More for the eyes

Water, maple syrup, thyme sprigs, and cinnamon in a pan Fresh thyme, cinnamon, syrup, and water simmering in a pot to make the best fall non alcoholic drink Pouring a cinnamon and thyme syrup into a fall non alcoholic drink A syrup with cinnamon and thyme being poured into a cup with ice A orange mocktail in a glass ready to enjoy cinnamon drinks non alcoholic ready to enjoy at a thanksgiving table

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Michala - Aug. 13, 2024, 8:51 p.m.

Pleasantly surprised by this drink!


S Martin - Aug. 4, 2024, 4:39 a.m.

Just made a big batch of this to serve on our “dry” sailboat. I like that it’s not too sweet and how the thyme and cinnamon give it a savory kick.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Aug. 4, 2024, 4:36 p.m.

Yayy so happy that the mocktail was enjoyed, S, thank you 🫶✨


Michelle - April 1, 2024, 2:21 a.m.

Made this for Easter Brunch today! Everyone loved it!


Krupali Patel - March 4, 2024, 12:47 a.m.

I add whiskey to this drink and this is my absolutely favorite winter drink. My friends found the taste refreshing and loved the blend.


Alicia Alcaraz - Jan. 16, 2024, 6:40 p.m.

My friends love this! Also, I use ginger beer


kat - Jan. 10, 2024, 6:47 p.m.

Love this mocktail. Due to lack of ginger ale in the store, we used "panache". Was delicious too.


Johanna Katharina - Jan. 8, 2024, 8:41 p.m.

Very refreshing and delicious!


Sonali JAIN - Jan. 2, 2024, 2:15 p.m.

Made this drink for my NYE party as a non-alcoholic beverage. It was a hit. Some even said it's like Christmas in mouth.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 3, 2024, 11:32 p.m.

Aww we're so happy that the mocktail was enjoyed as part of the festivities, Sonali, thank you! 😃


Abi - Dec. 6, 2023, 4:14 p.m.

I've got a huge drinks dispense (glass jar with a tap), and hoping to serve this at a party. Do you think it will work if it's assembled all together and out for a while (with ice)?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 8, 2023, 7:25 p.m.

Hey there, Abi, aw thanks for thinking of including the drink for the get-together! We imagine it would work just fine, the only consideration is the gingerale might lose some of its fizz so try to add that part right as the guests are arriving. And we'd recommend freezing the orange juice as ice cubes (rather than water) so that it doesn't dilute the drink as it melts. Enjoy the party! 😊


Emily - Dec. 3, 2023, 8:30 p.m.

Its so delicious and easy ! I also copied your decoration. My guests loved it!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 4, 2023, 4:27 a.m.

Aw we're so happy it was part of the festivities and your guests enjoyed the drink! Thanks, Emily 😊


Anastassia - Dec. 3, 2023, 7:06 p.m.

Perfect for Christmas!!! I added honey (not maple syrup) and it’s soo good!! 🥹


Shanthi - Dec. 1, 2023, 10:11 p.m.

This is delicious and perfect for the holidays! I was looking for some yummy alcohol free recipes and trying to swap out for actual cocktails. The perfect combo of citrus, cinnamon, and herbs. Loved it with the ginger beer!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 1, 2023, 11:39 p.m.

So happy to hear, Shanthi, we love this one during the holidays too ☺️


Madison Jones - Nov. 20, 2023, 2:45 a.m.

This is great, I love the flavors but it’s too sweet for me. I would use unflavored seltzer in the future instead of ginger ale.


sydney hisle - July 10, 2023, 3:31 a.m.

Love ginger beer & this is such a fun flavour addition! Great way to enjoy herbs :)


Saadia - June 8, 2023, 2:05 p.m.

Love it!


Anishka - May 25, 2023, 1:31 a.m.

would this drink work well with vodka or rum?

PUL small logo PUL Team - May 25, 2023, 2:44 a.m.

Hey Anishka, yes both spirits could complement the flavours in the mocktail and add an extra kick. To avoid it being too strong perhaps just start with a little and add more to taste 🙂


Natalie - April 25, 2023, 3:45 a.m.

Delicious! Good with bourbon too :) I call this cocktail, “Orange you glad it’s thyme to drink”. Thank you for the recipe.


Sara - April 14, 2023, 5:33 p.m.

Absolutely divine and really quick and easy


Mary - Feb. 17, 2023, 3:21 p.m.

I tried this one for new years and it is SO TASTY - it's become a staple


Lindsay - Feb. 13, 2023, 5:27 p.m.

I made this on Christmas Eve for my family and we all loved it. My kids thought it was the coolest thing ever!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 13, 2023, 7:10 p.m.

So honoured it was part of the festivities, Lindsay - thank you 😃


Diana - Feb. 4, 2023, 11:46 p.m.

Really delicious! I didn't have fresh thyme, but dried thyme from my balcony, it worked very well :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 5, 2023, 8:47 p.m.

Mmm dried thyme from your balcony sounds lovely, Diana! Thank you 🙂


Laura - Jan. 8, 2023, 7:47 p.m.

Another fantastic non alcoholic drink! I can also see this as being beneficial if you have a sore throat. Thank you!


Shan - Dec. 30, 2022, 1:25 p.m.

YUM, so amazing and easy! We loved it, thank you!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 31, 2022, 3:29 a.m.

Woop woop - thank you, Shan!


Brittany - Dec. 30, 2022, 1:03 a.m.

Hi! Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 30, 2022, 9:55 p.m.

Hey Brittany, fresh is best for this one, but you could adjust the recipe to experiment with dried thyme. Dried thyme is more concentrated in flavour than fresh so perhaps 1/4-1/2 tsp per four servings is an example amount to start with. A fine mesh strainer will also help limit pieces from sneaking into the drink. We hope you enjoy the mocktail if you give it a try 😃


Joe - Dec. 28, 2022, 2:40 a.m.

Can I replace maple syrup with honey?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 28, 2022, 7:11 a.m.

Hey there, Joe! Thanks for the question. Since we only use plant-based products here at PUL we haven't tested it out, but we hope you enjoy the mocktail if you're able to give it a try ☺️


Samira - Dec. 26, 2022, 7:19 p.m.

All our guests loved this mocktail and even our kids enjoyed a few sips. Thank you for this inspiration.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 28, 2022, 7:10 a.m.

Woohoo! It means so much, Samira 😃


Marjan - Dec. 26, 2022, 11:04 a.m.

It's nice to have a fancy drink during Christmas. I don't drink but don't want to feel left out, so this was perfect, and it tasted so good too! Thank you!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 28, 2022, 7:06 a.m.

Oh so lovely, Marjan - we're so thrilled the mocktail was enjoyed!


Sonja - Dec. 25, 2022, 1:32 p.m.

Just made these for xmas and it was a hit! Thanks so much and happy holidays!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 28, 2022, 6:55 a.m.

So happy to hear, Sonja, happy holidays 🤗


Michelle - Dec. 25, 2022, 1:13 p.m.

I live in a country where maple syrup isn’t available yet so I exchanged it with honey. It was so delicious would do again for a party! Everyone loved it.


Michaela - Dec. 20, 2022, 9:04 a.m.

This sounds delicious. 🤤 Any ideas how to make this one warm?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 21, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

Hey Michaela, I personally wouldn't try heating this one. In case you're interested and haven't already seen, we also have a warm Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine recipe here: pickuplimes.com/recipe/non-al… & a warm mulled cider here: https://www.pickuplimes.com/r… 🙂