Orchard Elixir by Mixologist Willa Van Nostrand

An orchard elixir mocktail for the holidays—healthy, festive, and organic

A yellow non-alcoholic cocktail made from organic ingredients

A festive heart- and climate-friendly mocktail | Courtesy of kent dayton / harvard t.h. chan school of public health

This recipe was prepared by Willa Van Nostrand of Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's event Eco Gusto! Harvesting a Healthy & Sustainable Holiday.

Servings: 1 | Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz apple cider
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz spiced maple syrup*
  • Sparkling water
  • Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage

Directions:

  1. Combine cider, lemon juice, and spiced maple syrup in a bar tin or jar, add ice, and shake for 10 seconds.
  2. Pour over fresh ice into a rocks glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with fresh herbs.

*To make spiced maple syrup:

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup with 1/2 cup water, add 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 8 cloves, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Turn off the burner, cool the syrup to room temperature, and strain syrup into a clean jar.
  • Compost or discard solids, or save for another use like mulled cider or chai.

(Note: Please feel inspired to use any baking spices from your pantry!)

Related topics

You might also like

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.

Eating for the Holidays, the Planet, and Your Heart

“Sustainable eating,” and healthy recipes you can prepare for the holidays.

Best Bars for Seasonal Drinks and Snacks in Greater Boston

Gathering spots that warm and delight us  

Most popular

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Harvard Confers Five Honorary Degrees at the 2026 Commencement

O’Brien joins journalists, a scholar of AI, and a Broadway star.

Harvard 2026 Commencement Photo Album

A gallery of photographs from the Commencement celebration for the class of 2026

Explore More From Current Issue

Historical scene in colonial Boston depicting British soldiers confronting civilians, with smoke rising, in a city street.

Houghton Library Displays Revolution-era News and Propaganda

A new exhibit reveals how early Americans learned about the war.

Historical battle scene with soldiers in red and blue uniforms, flags waving, chaotic action.

The Harvard-Trained Doctor Who Urged a Revolution

Before his heroic death, General Joseph Warren was dubbed “the greatest incendiary in all of America.”

A woman in glasses gestures while speaking to two attentive listeners at a table.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.