Spiced Apple Mocktail & Caramel Apple Cheezecake teaser

Earlier this week I started to think about making a Mocktail theme for Friday, since Summer is here.

I'm not a drinker of alcohol anymore, but I still love a fancy beverage at the end of a busy day. It's such a nice way to treat yourself, and if you have someone to share it with it's an even nicer way to welcome the weekend.

Today's Mocktail is an ode to my wonderful friend Nat (who will soon have an amazing food blog to share with the world). While she was visiting the States earlier last month from her native Australia, we enjoyed a beverage very similar to this one, only not quite as natural. Still, the flavors were intoxicating: spicy, sweet, and a hint of tang. Basically everything you could want rolled up into a drink. I'm very proud about this beverage, and I only wish that Nat were here to sip on a glass with me. 

Of course, even though mine doesn't have alcohol in it I won't hold it against you if you decided to spike your own. No rules here!

Oh, and guess what? There's Apple Sauce in this drink too...

Cinnamon Spice Apple Sauce

A Note About Today's Recipe

While I've chosen to put my drink over ice, I know there are some of you who aren't in the Summer season anymore. This would also be AMAZING as a warm/hot drink. Snuggle up by a fireplace, or heater, or loved one, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and enjoy.

Spiced Apple Mocktail

This makes roughly 3 & 1/2 cups. However, you might discover as I did after making it, that a double batch would've been ideal. It's so good!

Kitchen Tools you'll need to make this drink:

- Blender

 - Strainer or Nut Milk Bag

- Lemon Juicer (or a really strong grip!)

- Large (3 cup) Mason jar or Pitcher

In your Mason Jar or Pitcher combine the following:

3 c Water 

4 bags of Chai Tea //or// 4 Tbsp loose leaf Chai tea

Place your Water w/ Tea in your fridge and let it Cold Brew for up to 3 hours. Remove the Tea Bags when your tea water has become a nice Amber color.

Pour your Tea Water into your blender and add the following:

1/2 c Spiced Apple Sauce //or// your Apple Sauce of choice

4 Tbsp Lemon Juice

3 Tbsp Coconut Nectar //or// Liquid Sweetener of choice to taste

1 tsp Vanilla

Blend all of the above together until frothy!

Slowly run your blended drink through your *strainer or nut milk bag. 

If you are using a *strainer stop every half cup or so to stir the blended mixture as it strains (this helps move it through quicker):

Keep your drink stored in an air tight container in your fridge, and be sure to shake it before you serve. 

This should stay fresh in your fridge for up to a week.

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And just because I'm a horrible tease...

You're gonna have to wait until Monday to get the recipe for this adorable (and very tasty) little guy:

Caramel Apple Cheezecake Bites

Cheers to a wonderful and tasty weekend!

xoxo,

Sarahfae - AtV