Apple cider is a beloved fall drink that brings warmth and comfort. When mixed into cocktails, it creates delicious seasonal beverages perfect for cozy autumn nights.
Apple cider cocktails blend the sweet and tart flavors of apples with various spirits and spices.
These 25 apple cider cocktail recipes will give you plenty of options to enjoy this classic fall flavor in new and exciting ways. You’ll find drinks that range from simple two-ingredient mixes to more complex concoctions with multiple components.
Whether you prefer vodka, bourbon, or rum, there’s an apple cider cocktail here for you to try.
1. Hot Honey Apple Cider Mule
This cozy cocktail puts a warm spin on the classic Moscow Mule. You’ll love how it blends sweet and spicy flavors.
Start by heating apple cider in a pot. Add a splash of honey and stir until dissolved.
Pour the hot mixture into a mug. Next, add vodka and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Top it off with ginger beer for that signature mule fizz and spice.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice. The aroma will make your mouth water. Sip and enjoy this perfect fall drink!
2. Spiced Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
This cocktail combines the warmth of whiskey with the crisp taste of apple cider. To make it, mix whiskey, apple cider, lemon juice, and a cinnamon-infused simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. You can add a dash of pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.
Garnish your drink with an apple slice or cinnamon stick. The sweet and sour mix creates a perfect balance, while the spices add depth to the drink.
3. Caramel Apple Cider Sangria
Caramel Apple Cider Sangria blends fall flavors into a delightful cocktail. You’ll mix white wine with caramel vodka and apple cider for a sweet, fruity base.
Add chopped apples to enhance the apple flavor and provide a tasty snack.
For extra flair, rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar before pouring.
This drink is perfect for autumn gatherings or Halloween parties. It’s easy to make in large batches, so you can serve a crowd without fuss.
Adjust the sweetness by changing the ratio of wine to cider. You can also add a splash of sparkling wine for some bubbles if you like.
4. Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz
This tasty fall cocktail combines bourbon, apple cider, and sparkling wine. To make it, mix bourbon with apple cider syrup and fresh lemon juice in a pitcher.
Add cinnamon sticks and cranberries for extra flavor. When ready to serve, pour the mixture over ice in glasses.
Top each drink with sparkling wine or apple cider for a fizzy finish. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks if you like.
This drink balances sweet and spicy notes from the bourbon and cider. The bubbles add a fun twist to a classic autumn flavor combo.
5. Cranberry Apple Cider Punch
This festive punch combines the crisp taste of apple cider with tart cranberry flavors. It’s perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties.
To make this punch, mix apple cider, cranberry juice, and sparkling cider in a large pitcher. Add fresh cranberries and diced apple pieces for extra flavor and visual appeal.
For a non-alcoholic version, top the mixture with club soda or lemon-lime soda. If you want a boozy kick, add some vodka or rum.
Garnish your glasses with cinnamon sticks and apple slices. Serve the punch chilled over ice for a refreshing drink that captures the essence of autumn.
6. Ginger Apple Cider Mojito
This cocktail combines the classic mojito with fall flavors. You’ll need apple cider, rum, ginger beer, lime juice, and fresh mint leaves.
Start by muddling mint leaves in a glass. Add ice, rum, apple cider, and lime juice.
Top with ginger beer for a spicy kick.
Stir gently to mix the flavors. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick for extra flair.
The ginger beer adds a zingy taste that complements the sweet apple cider.
This drink is perfect for autumn gatherings. It’s refreshing yet warm with seasonal spices. You can adjust the amount of ginger beer to suit your taste preferences.
7. Maple Apple Cider Old Fashioned
This fall twist on a classic cocktail blends whiskey with apple cider and maple syrup. It’s a cozy drink perfect for crisp autumn evenings.
To make it, mix whiskey, apple cider, and maple syrup in a glass with ice. Add a few dashes of bitters for depth. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick for extra flair. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup to suit your taste.
This drink is easy to prepare and great for entertaining. You can batch it in advance for parties or enjoy it as a relaxing nightcap.
8. Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Martini
This cocktail brings together the best fall flavors. You’ll love the mix of apple cider and pumpkin spice in a martini glass.
Start with chilled apple cider as your base. Add a splash of vodka for a kick.
Then, mix in some pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. For an extra touch, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. Garnish with a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick.
This drink is perfect for Halloween parties or cozy nights by the fire. It’s a tasty twist on classic fall drinks that will impress your guests.
9. Pomegranate Apple Cider Bellini
This festive cocktail blends the autumn flavors of apple cider with the bright, tangy taste of pomegranate. You’ll love how the sparkling wine adds a bubbly twist to this seasonal drink.
To make it, mix equal parts apple cider and pomegranate juice in a champagne flute. Top it off with chilled prosecco or other sparkling wine.
For an extra touch, garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a thin apple slice. The ruby-red color makes this cocktail perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in.
10. Thyme Apple Cider Gin Smash
This drink mixes gin, apple cider, and thyme for a tasty fall cocktail. Start by muddling fresh thyme leaves in a glass to release their flavor.
Add ice, gin, and apple cider to the glass. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Garnish with a sprig of thyme and an apple slice. The thyme sprig looks pretty and adds more aroma as you sip.
This drink is perfect for cool autumn evenings.
You can adjust the amounts of gin and cider to suit your taste. Try it with different types of gin to find your favorite combination.
11. Pear and Apple Cider Collins
This cocktail blends the best of fall flavors. You’ll love the mix of crisp apple cider and sweet pear juice.
Start with a base of vodka in a tall glass filled with ice. Pour in equal parts apple cider and pear juice.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Top it off with a splash of soda water for some fizz.
Garnish your drink with a thin slice of pear and a cinnamon stick. The cinnamon adds a nice aroma as you sip.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for autumn gatherings. It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
12. Vanilla Bean Apple Cider Margarita
This twist on a classic margarita adds warm fall flavors to your cocktail. You’ll need tequila, apple cider, lime juice, and vanilla bean syrup.
To make the syrup, simmer water, sugar, and a split vanilla bean. Let it cool before using.
Rim a glass with cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. Shake the tequila, cider, lime juice, and vanilla syrup with ice.
Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
The vanilla adds depth while the apple cider brings autumn notes to this tasty drink. It’s perfect for sipping on cool fall evenings.
13. Rosemary Apple Cider Spritz
This refreshing cocktail combines the crisp taste of apple cider with aromatic rosemary. To make it, mix apple cider with a splash of apple cider vinegar in a glass.
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and let it sit for a few minutes to infuse the flavors. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water for a bubbly finish.
For an extra twist, you can rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. Garnish with an apple slice and a rosemary sprig.
This drink is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
14. Fig and Apple Cider Negroni
This unique twist on a classic Negroni combines the flavors of fall with the beloved Italian cocktail. You’ll mix equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with a splash of apple cider and fig syrup.
The apple cider adds a crisp, autumnal note while the fig syrup brings a subtle sweetness.
Garnish with a dried fig and an orange twist to enhance the drink’s aroma.
This cocktail balances bitter, sweet, and fruity flavors perfectly. It’s a sophisticated choice for your next fall gathering or a cozy night in.
15. Apple Cider Chai Tea Cocktail
This cozy drink blends the flavors of apple cider and chai tea. To make it, mix apple cider with chai tea concentrate in a pot.
Heat the mixture gently, adding cinnamon sticks and other whole spices if desired.
Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to bring out the flavors.
Strain the liquid and pour it into mugs. For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon or rum.
Top your drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
This warming cocktail is perfect for chilly autumn evenings or holiday gatherings.
16. Lavender Apple Cider Cooler
This refreshing cocktail combines the crisp taste of apple cider with the soothing aroma of lavender. Start by mixing apple cider with a homemade lavender simple syrup.
Add a splash of vodka or gin for an extra kick. Pour the mixture over ice in a tall glass.
Top it off with a bit of sparkling water for some fizz.
Garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh lavender and a thin apple slice.
The result is a light, floral, and fruity cocktail perfect for warm autumn days.
17. Cinnamon Apple Cider Mimosa
This festive drink combines the warmth of cinnamon with the crisp flavors of apple cider and sparkling wine. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday brunches.
To make it, rim your champagne flute with cinnamon sugar. Pour apple cider into the glass, about one-third to half full.
Gently stir in some ground cinnamon.
Top off the glass with chilled sparkling wine, leaving a bit of space at the top.
For extra flair, garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
The result is a bubbly, spiced drink that captures the essence of autumn in every sip.
18. Nutmeg Apple Cider Paloma
This twist on the classic Paloma adds fall flavors to the refreshing tequila cocktail. Mix apple cider, tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
Strain into a glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar. Top with a splash of sparkling water for effervescence.
Grate fresh nutmeg over the top to enhance the autumn spice notes. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
The apple cider brings sweetness while the grapefruit adds a tart kick. The nutmeg ties it all together with warm, aromatic spice.
This seasonal Paloma is perfect for sipping on crisp fall evenings.
19. Cherry Apple Cider Manhattan
This cocktail puts a fall twist on the classic Manhattan. You’ll mix bourbon, sweet vermouth, and apple cider in a shaker with ice.
Add a dash of orange bitters for depth. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
Drop in a Luxardo cherry for a touch of sweetness. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
The Cherry Apple Cider Manhattan balances the warmth of bourbon with crisp apple flavors. It’s perfect for sipping on cool autumn evenings.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences.
20. Blood Orange Apple Cider Caipirinha
This cocktail puts a twist on the classic Brazilian caipirinha. You’ll love the combination of blood orange and apple cider.
Mix cachaça, blood orange juice, and apple cider in a shaker with ice. The cachaça adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the fruity notes.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a blood orange slice and a cinnamon stick for extra flair.
This drink is perfect for fall gatherings. The bold colors and flavors will impress your guests and make you feel like a skilled bartender.
21. Saffron Apple Cider Sour
This fancy twist on a classic sour cocktail adds a touch of luxury to your fall drinks. You’ll need apple cider, lemon juice, bourbon, and a pinch of saffron threads.
Steep the saffron in warm apple cider for a few minutes to infuse the flavor. Then shake the infused cider with bourbon, lemon juice, and ice.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a thin apple slice and a few extra saffron threads on top.
The saffron adds a unique floral note that pairs well with the apple and bourbon. It’s an elegant cocktail perfect for special occasions.
22. Turmeric Apple Cider Highball
This golden cocktail adds a healthy twist to your fall drink selection. Mix apple cider with turmeric-infused simple syrup for a unique flavor combo.
Add ice to a tall glass. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 4 ounces of apple cider.
Stir in 1 ounce of turmeric simple syrup. Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of apple and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
The turmeric gives this drink a warm, earthy taste that pairs well with the sweet apple cider. Sip and enjoy the spicy-sweet blend of flavors in this eye-catching highball.
It’s perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in.
23. Hibiscus Apple Cider Daiquiri
This cocktail blends the flavors of fall with a tropical twist. You’ll need hibiscus tea, apple cider, rum, and a touch of lime juice.
Mix the hibiscus tea and apple cider in a shaker with ice. Add a shot of rum and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Shake well for about 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. For extra flair, garnish with a slice of apple or a dried hibiscus flower.
This drink offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Add more rum for a stronger kick or increase the apple cider for a fruitier flavor.
24. Blueberry Apple Cider Flip
This cocktail combines the crisp taste of apple cider with sweet blueberries. You’ll need apple cider, blueberry syrup, and a whole egg.
Shake the cider, syrup, and egg vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The egg gives this drink a silky texture, while the blueberry adds a fruity twist to classic apple cider. It’s perfect for sipping on cool autumn evenings.
Try garnishing with a few fresh blueberries or a thin apple slice for extra flair. This unique flip offers a fun spin on traditional cider cocktails.
25. Blackberry Apple Cider Smash
This drink blends the sweetness of apple cider with the rich flavor of blackberries. You’ll need apple cider, bourbon, blackberries, and a few dashes of bitters.
Start by muddling fresh blackberries in a glass. Add ice, then pour in the apple cider and bourbon.
Stir gently to mix the flavors. For extra flair, garnish with a cinnamon stick and a few fresh blackberries.
The combination of fruity and spicy notes makes this cocktail perfect for cool autumn evenings.
History of Apple Cider
Apple cider has a long and rich history spanning thousands of years. Its journey from a simple fermented beverage to a versatile cocktail ingredient showcases human ingenuity and taste for flavors.
Origins of Apple Cider
Apple cider dates back to ancient times. The Romans discovered it when they invaded England in 55 BCE. They found locals drinking a fermented apple drink.
The beverage quickly spread across Europe. Farmers grew apple orchards specifically for cider production. By the 9th century, cider was a common drink in England and France.
Early American settlers brought apple seeds and cider-making skills to the New World. Apples grew well in the colonies. Cider became a popular drink for all ages. Even children drank a weaker version called ciderkin.
Evolution of Cider Cocktails
As drinking habits changed, so did the use of cider. In the 19th century, people began mixing cider with other ingredients to create new flavors.
The popularity of cider cocktails grew in the 20th century. Bartenders experimented with different spirits and flavors. They created drinks like the Stone Fence, mixing cider with rum or whiskey.
Today, cider cocktails are more diverse than ever. You can find recipes using gin, vodka, and even tequila. Mixologists add spices, fruits, and herbs to create unique flavor profiles.
Some popular modern cider cocktails include:
- Apple Cider Mimosas
- Spiced Rum Cider Punch
- Caramel Apple Martinis
These drinks combine the traditional taste of cider with exciting new twists.
Key Ingredients in Apple Cider Cocktails
Apple cider cocktails blend sweet and tart flavors with warming spices and spirits. The right mix of ingredients creates a perfect fall drink.
Spices and Flavors
Cinnamon is a must-have spice for apple cider cocktails. Its warm, sweet taste complements the cider perfectly. Nutmeg adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the drink’s depth.
Ginger brings a spicy kick to cider cocktails. Use fresh ginger or ginger beer for a zesty punch. Allspice and cloves offer rich, complex notes that make your drink more interesting.
For sweetness, try maple syrup or caramel. These flavors pair well with apple and add richness. Lemon juice brightens the drink and balances sweetness.
Types of Apple Cider
Fresh apple cider is the best choice for cocktails. It has a pure, crisp taste that captures the essence of fall. Look for unfiltered cider for a more robust apple flavor.
Hard cider is a great option for an extra kick. It comes in various styles, from dry to sweet. Mix it with spirits for a stronger cocktail.
Sparkling cider adds bubbles to your drink. It’s perfect for mimosa-style cocktails or as a non-alcoholic base. For a unique twist, try pear cider in your apple cocktails.
Pairing Apple Cider Cocktails with Food
Apple cider cocktails go well with many foods. The right pairings can make your meal more enjoyable. Let’s look at some tasty options for fall and year-round.
Seasonal Pairings
Apple cider cocktails taste great with fall dishes. Try them with roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. The sweet and tart flavors complement holiday meals nicely.
For dessert, pair your cocktail with warm apple pie or pumpkin cheesecake. The drink will bring out the spices in these treats.
Grilled pork chops with apple chutney also work well. The smoky meat balances the sweet cider drink.
Don’t forget about brunch! Apple cider mimosas go perfectly with French toast or waffles topped with cinnamon apples.
Cheese and Cider Combinations
Cheese plates are a hit with apple cider cocktails.
Sharp cheddar is a classic choice. Its tangy flavor contrasts nicely with the sweet drink.
Soft, creamy brie is another good option. Spread it on a cracker and take a sip of your cocktail. The textures and flavors will blend well.
For a bolder pairing, try blue cheese. Its strong taste stands up to the cider’s sweetness.
Here’s a quick guide to cheese pairings:
- Mild: Gouda, Havarti
- Medium: Cheddar, Gruyère
- Strong: Blue cheese, Aged Gouda
Remember to serve your cheese at room temperature for the best flavor.