As the leaves start to change and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a delicious and refreshing apple cider cocktail. The sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider pair perfectly with a variety of spirits, from bourbon and whiskey to vodka and gin. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just want to enjoy a cold drink on your own porch, we’ve got you covered with these 18 mouthwatering apple cider cocktails.
From spicy twists like the Spiced Apple Cider Moscow Mule to sweet treats like the Caramel Apple Cider Martini, there’s something for every taste bud. And don’t even get us started on the fun and creative names – who wouldn’t want to try an “Apple Cider Bellini with Prosecco”? Stay tuned for our favorite recipes that will make your autumn evenings simply delightful.
Spiced Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Warm up with a twist on the classic Moscow Mule recipe, incorporating the flavors of autumn with spiced apple cider and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz ginger beer
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– Slice of apple, for garnish
– Sprig of rosemary, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, apple cider syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with an apple slice and a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Note: To make apple cider syrup, combine 1 cup apple cider with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Let cool before using.
Bourbon Apple Cider Smash
Warm up with this autumnal twist on the classic whiskey smash cocktail. Bourbon and apple cider mingle with citrus and spices, creating a cozy drink perfect for crisp fall evenings.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Ice
• Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in under 5 minutes.
Caramel Apple Cider Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and tangy martini, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz apple cider-infused simple syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz lemon juice
– Ice
– Apple slice or caramel sauce for garnish
Apple Cider-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Combine apple cider and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until syrupy, stirring occasionally. Let cool and strain before using.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider-infused simple syrup, caramel syrup, heavy cream, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with an apple slice or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: None
Cinnamon Rum Apple Cider Punch
A warm and inviting punch perfect for fall gatherings or holiday parties, this Cinnamon Rum Apple Cider Punch combines the flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and rum in a deliciously spiced drink.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1 cinnamon stick (about 6 inches long)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider and pineapple juice.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon to the pot.
3. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and add dark rum. Stir gently to combine.
5. Chill punch in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Serve cold, garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this refreshing Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria, perfect for a crisp autumn evening or a harvest-themed party.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1/4 cup sugar
– Slices of orange, lemon, and apple for garnish
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, apple cider, orange juice, triple sec, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Just before serving, stir in some sparkling water to give it a festive fizz.
4. Garnish with slices of orange, lemon, and apple for a colorful and inviting presentation.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep) + chilling time
Hot Buttered Apple Cider Cocktail
Warm up with this sweet and spicy drink perfect for chilly fall evenings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz apple cider-infused bourbon or regular bourbon
– 1/2 cup hot apple cider (not too hot, not too cold)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the hot apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the melted butter. Stir until well combined.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Pour the bourbon into a mug or heat-proof glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Pour the warm apple cider mixture over the bourbon.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as needed.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and enjoy.
Apple Cider Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Elevate your margarita game with this autumnal twist, featuring the warmth of apple cider and a kick of chili salt.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce apple cider
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/4 ounce triple sec
– Salt for rimming glass
– Chili salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt and chili salt mixture.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, apple cider, lime juice, agave syrup, and triple sec.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Ginger Beer Apple Cider Fizz
Elevate your fall gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful drink that combines the spices of ginger beer with the warmth of apple cider.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of orange, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider and simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add ginger beer and lime juice to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Fizz over ice in glasses and garnish with slices of orange.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a drink recipe!
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Warm up with a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail by incorporating apple cider’s autumnal charm.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon or rye whiskey, apple cider syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with one large ice cube.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Note: To make apple cider syrup, combine 1 cup apple cider with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. Let cool and store in an airtight container.
Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Elevate your fall gatherings with this warm and cozy cocktail featuring the sweet flavors of maple, bourbon, and apple cider.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz freshly squeezed apple cider
– 1/2 oz pure Canadian maple syrup
– 1/4 oz lemon juice
– 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the apple cider over low heat.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a warmed mug or glass.
5. Add the warmed apple cider to the mixture and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink recipe!
Apple Cider Mimosa with Cranberry
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing twist on the classic mimosa. Combining the warmth of apple cider with the tartness of cranberries, this recipe is perfect for fall gatherings and beyond.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Fresh rosemary leaves or orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider and cranberry juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add champagne or sparkling wine and stir gently to prevent foam from forming.
3. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of honey to balance the flavors.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh rosemary leaves or orange slices.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is ready when you are.
Vanilla Vodka Apple Cider Cooler
Elevate your fall gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful Vanilla Vodka Apple Cider Cooler.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
– 4 ounces apple cider
– 1/2 ounce lemon juice
– 1/2 cup ice
– Sliced apples for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vanilla vodka and lemon juice to the shaker.
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. Pour in the apple cider, holding back the foam with a spoon if desired.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with sliced apples, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (prepare in advance and serve chilled)
Apple Cider Bellini with Prosecco
A refreshing twist on the classic Bellini cocktail, this autumnal delight combines apple cider and Prosecco for a crisp, fruity, and bubbly drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Apple cider (chilled)
– 1 oz Prosecco
– Slice of apple (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a chilled glass with ice.
2. Pour in the apple cider and top with Prosecco.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish!
Enjoy your Apple Cider Bellini as a perfect autumnal drink for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. Cheers!
Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Cocktail
A refreshing twist on traditional apple cider cocktails, this Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Cocktail combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the crisp flavors of fall.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka (pumpkin-flavored or regular)
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz pumpkin puree
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, to taste
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, apple cider, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
4. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy with this Apple Cider Whiskey Sour recipe.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, apple cider syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Rosemary Infused Apple Cider Gin Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing blend of rosemary, apple cider, and gin.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) apple cider
– 1/4 oz (15 ml) rosemary syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) lemon juice
– Splash of soda water
– Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, apple cider, rosemary syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Note: To make rosemary syrup, steep 1 cup (200 ml) of sugar in 2 cups (400 ml) of water and 1/4 cup (30 g) of fresh rosemary leaves for at least 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and discard solids. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None required, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Apple Cider Paloma with Grapefruit
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Paloma, featuring apple cider and grapefruit for a delightful fall flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Grapefruit slice or twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, lime juice, apple cider, and grapefruit juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a grapefruit slice or twist.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy.
Spiked Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks
Elevate your fall gatherings with this delightful Spiked Hot Apple Cider, infused with the warmth of cinnamon sticks.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/2 cup bourbon or whiskey (or to taste)
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider and bourbon or whiskey.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until hot but not boiling (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (includes simmering time)
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of bourbon or whiskey to your taste.
– Serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slice, if desired.
– Perfect for fall gatherings, bonfires, or cozy nights in!
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 18 refreshing apple cider cocktail recipes perfect for autumn evenings! From Spiced Apple Cider Moscow Mules to Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Cocktails, and from Bourbon Apple Cider Smashes to Vanilla Vodka Apple Cider Coolers, there’s something for everyone. These unique and delicious drinks are sure to warm your spirits and make the season even more special. Try one (or two, or three…) tonight and experience the flavors of fall in a glass!
Leave a Reply