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

CiderDays Festival Celebrates All Things Apple

Visiting small-batch cideries and orchards in Massachusetts

Can an Orange a Day Stave off Depression?

A research study digs into the gut microbiome.

Restaurant Recommendations Cambridge 2025

Tastes from Cambridge’s eclectic restaurants

Most popular

How AI Is Reshaping Supply Chains

Harvard Kennedy School lecturer on using AI to strengthen supply chains

Why Harvard Needs International Students

An ed school professor on why global challenges demand global experiences

The Latest In Harvard’s Fight with the Trump Administration

Back-and-forth reports on settlement talks, new accusations from the government, and a reshuffling of two federal compliance offices

Explore More From Current Issue

Whimsical illustration of students rushing through ornate campus gate from bus marked “Welcome New Students.”

Highlights from Harvard’s Past

The Medical School goes coed, University poet wins Nobel Prize. 

Will Makris in blue checkered suit and red patterned tie standing outdoors by stone column.

A New HAA President at a Tumultuous Time

A career in higher ed inspired Will Makris to give back.

Illustration of scientists injecting large syringe with mitochondria into human heart.

Do Mitochondria Hold the Power to Heal?

From Alzheimer’s to cancer, this tiny organelle might expand treatment options.