Swearthy Sips for the Season: A Cozy Fall & Holiday Non-Alcoholic Mocktail

Cozy up this season with a “swearthy” sip — Sarah Talamini’s Black Locust & Cranberry Sparkler non alcoholic mocktail blends earthy sweetness with festive fall and holiday flavor. Perfect for fireside nights or family gatherings, this easy drink proves that non alcoholic mocktails can be just as sophisticated and satisfying as their spirited counterparts. 

Finding Inspiration 

I’ve always loved coffee and fun fall lattes, but over the last year or so, I’ve had fun creating tasty non alcoholic mocktails at home and enjoying them on the back deck of our condo. Sitting out there, listening to the birds, is always better with a yummy drink in hand.

I usually prefer drinks that are just a little sweet or a balanced mix of earthy and sweet. I like to call them “swearthy” drinks — say that ten times fast, lol! 

A Vermont Find 

A few weeks ago, my husband and I spent the weekend in Brattleboro, Vermont. It was our first time at the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market, and we were impressed, to say the least. There were so many amazing vendors — from someone selling storybook-like earrings made from acorns to an Afghan food vendor (which is what we had for lunch!).

We had made our way through most of the booths when we came upon one of my favorites: Halifax Hollow – Small Batch Foodstuffs. The vendor had a beautiful display of jams, jellies, and — my favorite part — an entire section of different simple syrups with so many unique flavors to choose from. We decided on the Black Locust Flower Simple Syrup, and I’m so glad we did.

That night, I tried it in our Airbnb. It was so tasty, just the right amount of sweetness, slightly less than maple syrup, with the perfect earthy aroma. 

Black Locust and Cranberry sparkler mocktail 

Naturally, I had to create a non alcoholic mocktail with it! This cozy five-ingredient drink is perfect for fall or the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Black Locust Flower Simple Syrup (by Halifax Hollow, VT)
• Spiced pear cider seltzer (seasonal by Polar)
• No-sugar-added cranberry juice
• 1 Saigon cinnamon stick
• A couple of pineapple mint leaves (from our small deck garden!)

Directions:

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Add about a tablespoon of the syrup (more if you like it sweeter).
3. Fill the cup halfway with the spiced pear cider seltzer, then top off the rest with cranberry juice.
4. Stir gently, then garnish with the cinnamon stick and mint leaves.
5. The spiced pear cider seltzer can be substituted for any seltzer flavor!

Note: I’ve also added this simple syrup to my coffee and lattes — and it’s delicious!

You don’t need the cinnamon stick or mint leaves, but they add that extra touch — a bit of freshness from the mint and a warm, sweet spice from the cinnamon. Plus, it just looks so pretty!

A Sip of the Season 

This mocktail feels like everything I love about the holidays — colorful, cozy, and full of those “swearthy” flavors that make the season feel special.

Whether you’re sipping it by the fire, sharing it at a family gathering, or enjoying a quiet moment on your porch, this is one non alcoholic mocktail you’ll want to make all season long. 

Guest Author Bio: