As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s no better way to cozy up than with a warm and comforting cup of apple cider. And why not take that tradition to the next level by infusing it into your favorite cocktails? From sweet and spicy to tangy and tart, we’ve rounded up 19 refreshing apple cider cocktail recipes to get you in the mood for fall. Whether you’re looking for a simple sipper or a more elaborate concoction, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, grab a mug of your favorite brew, and let us guide you through the world of autumnal apertifs.
Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this autumnal twist, combining the warmth of apple cider and spices with the classic margarita flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce apple cider-infused simple syrup (see below)
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Apple Cider-Infused Simple Syrup:
– Combine 1 cup apple cider and 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, apple cider-infused simple syrup, lime juice, and triple sec.
3. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the shaker and fill with ice.
4. Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.
5. Strain into prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Spiced Apple Cider Margarita!
Caramel Apple Cider Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and tangy martini, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz apple cider-infused vodka (or regular vodka)
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add vodka, caramel syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with apple cider and garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None
Bourbon Apple Cider Smash
Warm up with this autumnal twist on a classic cocktail. The combination of bourbon, apple cider, and citrusy notes will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon
– 1 oz Apple cider
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup Ice
– 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and serve.
Cooking Time: None
Cinnamon Maple Apple Cider Cocktail
Warm up with this autumnal twist on a classic cocktail. The combination of cinnamon, maple syrup, and apple cider will transport you to the cozy comfort of a crisp fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– Splash of ginger beer (optional)
– Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of ginger beer, if desired, for added spice.
6. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Sparkling Apple Cider Mimosa
Start your day off right with a twist on the classic mimosa! This Sparkling Apple Cider Mimosa combines the sweetness of apple cider with the effervescence of champagne for a refreshing and fruity twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup champagne or prosecco
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Sliced apples, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute or glass with ice.
2. Pour in the apple cider until the glass is about 3/4 full.
3. Top with champagne or prosecco.
4. If desired, add a drizzle of honey to balance out the flavors.
5. Garnish with sliced apples.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready to serve immediately.
Hot Buttered Apple Cider Toddy
This comforting drink is perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. The combination of apple cider, butter, and spices will transport you to a cozy haven.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches long)
– 6-8 whole cloves
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, heavy cream or half-and-half, and melted butter.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the mixture.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Strain the spices from the cider mixture into a large mug or thermos.
6. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
A twist on the classic cocktail, this Apple Cider Moscow Mule combines the warmth of apple cider with the spicy kick of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 4 ounces apple cider
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 3-4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Apple slice or cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink and drop it in.
5. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy!
Ginger Apple Cider Sangria
Elevate your fall gatherings with this warm and inviting sangria, infused with the comforting flavors of ginger and apple cider. This recipe combines the spices of autumn with the classic charm of a fruity sangria.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 2 cups of apple cider
– 1 cup of mixed berries (cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
– 1/4 cup of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, apple cider, and mixed berries.
2. Add the sliced ginger to the pitcher and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Just before serving, stir in the honey until dissolved.
4. Arrange the orange slices on top of the sangria and garnish with fresh rosemary leaves.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time)
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
This autumn-inspired whiskey sour combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of apple cider and the tanginess of lemon, perfect for a crisp fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, apple cider syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make apple cider syrup, combine equal parts apple cider and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Strain and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Cocktail
As the seasons change, warm up with a delightful twist on traditional apple cider: Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Cocktail. This autumn-inspired drink combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with crisp apple cider and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Pumpkin-flavored vodka
– 4 oz Apple cider
– 1/2 oz Maple syrup
– 1/2 oz Heavy cream
– Pinch of ground cinnamon
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the pumpkin-flavored vodka, apple cider, maple syrup, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top.
6. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Cocktail as a refreshing twist on fall traditions!
Vanilla Rum Apple Cider Delight
Warm up with a deliciously cozy drink this fall season! This Vanilla Rum Apple Cider Delight is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored rum (or regular rum with a few drops of vanilla extract)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick, crushed or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 lemon, sliced
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, vanilla rum, brown sugar, crushed cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sliced lemon.
4. Strain the cider into mugs or glasses filled with ice cubes.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Cranberry Apple Cider Punch
This fruity punch is perfect for autumn gatherings, combining the tartness of cranberries with the warmth of apple cider. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice.
2. Stir in lemon-lime soda and orange juice until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh mint leaves (if using).
5. Serve the punch chilled, with ice cubes if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is served cold.
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Elevate your old fashioned game with the addition of apple cider and a hint of cinnamon. This autumnal twist is perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, apple cider syrup, and bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (ready to serve)
Note: Apple cider syrup can be made by reducing apple cider on low heat until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency. Alternatively, you can use store-bought apple cider syrup or apple-flavored simple syrup.
Honeycrisp Apple Cider Fizz
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy with this refreshing drink made with Honeycrisp apples, apple cider, and a hint of citrus. This fizz is perfect for fall gatherings or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/2 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Juice of 1/2 lemon
– Slice of Honeycrisp apple for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider and honey syrup. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon and stir to combine.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a slice of Honeycrisp apple.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this refreshing and fruity twist on the classic spritz. This Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz is perfect for crisp autumn evenings or as a unique cocktail for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz triple sec (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
– 1/2 oz lemon-lime soda
– Slice of apple, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Prosecco and apple cider.
3. Add the triple sec and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with lemon-lime soda.
5. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Cooking Time: None! This spritz is ready to serve immediately.
Spiked Hot Apple Cider with Brandy
Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening, this Spiked Hot Apple Cider with Brandy recipe combines the warmth of apple cider with the sophistication of brandy. This rich and flavorful drink is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 orange slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
2. Add the brandy and stir to combine.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the cider into mugs or glasses, discarding the solids.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Apple Cider Gin and Tonic
Elevate your gin and tonic game with this refreshing Apple Cider Gin and Tonic recipe, perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Apple Cider-infused Gin (see note)
– 4 oz Tonic Water
– 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– Slice of Apple (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Apple Cider-infused Gin.
3. Top with Tonic Water.
4. Squeeze in a sliver of fresh Lime Juice.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Note: To make Apple Cider-infused Gin, mix 1 cup Apple Cider with 1 bottle (750ml) of gin in an airtight container for at least 2 hours or overnight. Strain and store the infused gin in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None
Maple Bourbon Apple Cider
Warm up with a delicious and comforting drink perfect for the fall season. This Maple Bourbon Apple Cider recipe combines the sweetness of maple syrup, the warmth of bourbon, and the crispness of apple cider.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or kettle, combine apple cider, maple syrup, and bourbon.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the cider into mugs or a serving pitcher. Discard the solids.
5. Add ice cubes to chill the cider, if desired.
6. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if using.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serve Warm or Chilled: Enjoy this delicious Maple Bourbon Apple Cider hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Apple Cider Rum Punch
As the leaves change colors and the crisp autumn air sets in, warm up with a refreshing Apple Cider Rum Punch. This delightful drink combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of rum, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s)
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– Slices of orange and apple for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, dark rum, and pineapple juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add lemon-lime soda and stir gently to avoid foam buildup.
3. Add maple syrup and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with slices of orange and apple.
Cooking Time: None (simply mix and chill)
Summary
Cozy up with these 19 refreshing apple cider cocktail recipes perfect for autumn. From spicy margaritas to warm toddies, there’s something for everyone. Try the Spiced Apple Cider Margarita or the Bourbon Apple Cider Smash for a grown-up twist on fall flavors. Or go sweet with the Caramel Apple Cider Martini or the Sparkling Apple Cider Mimosa. Whether you’re sipping solo or serving at a party, these recipes are sure to bring a taste of autumn to your gatherings.
Leave a Reply