Make your own green apple syrup and mix it with club soda—the result is so much better than overly sweetened apple sodas with “natural” flavors. Kids love it, and it makes a great nonalcoholic party drink. Or spike it!

This recipe was featured as part of our Nonalcoholic Cocktails photo gallery.

  • Yield: 9 drinks
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 15 mins, plus at least 5 hrs cooling and infusing time
  • Active: 15 mins

Ingredients (7)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 7 to 8 medium limes)
  • 1 medium Granny Smith apple
  • Ice
  • 4 1/2 cups club soda, chilled
  • 1 medium lime, cut into 6 wedges

Instructions

  1. At least 4 hours and up to 3 days before making the drink, bring the sugar and water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a 1-quart container.
  2. Halve, core, and cut the apple into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Place the apple slices in the lime syrup and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until the apple flavor infuses the syrup, at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.
  3. When ready to serve, strain the mixture through a mesh strainer set over a medium bowl or small pitcher; reserve the apple slices for the garnish. Fill a 10-ounce collins glass with ice, add 2 ounces of the syrup, top with 4 ounces of the club soda, and stir gently with a long spoon or straw. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few reserved apple slices. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 9 drinks.