As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family to enjoy a warm and cozy evening. And what better way to do so than with a delicious apple cider cocktail? The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice evoke feelings of comfort and warmth, making them perfect for sipping on a chilly fall night.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing apple cider cocktail recipes that are sure to become your new go-to drinks for autumn evenings. From classic margaritas to innovative martinis, these drinks showcase the versatility of apple cider and its ability to pair with a wide range of spirits. So grab a glass, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
Warm up with this unique twist on a classic margarita, infused with the spices and flavors of apple cider. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce apple cider
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel and apple slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, apple cider, lime juice, agave syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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 lime wheel and an apple slice.
Cooking Time: None
Bourbon Apple Cider Smash
Elevate your fall gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic smash cocktail. This Bourbon Apple Cider Smash combines the warmth of bourbon with the crisp sweetness of apple cider, perfect for cozying up with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 2 dashes cinnamon bark bitters
– Ice
– Fresh apple slice and sprig of rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add 2 dashes of cinnamon bark bitters.
4. Stir gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh apple slice and sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Caramel Apple Cider Martini
Escape the chill of autumn with this sweet and tangy martini, featuring the flavors of caramel apple cider. A perfect blend of warm spices and crisp apple notes will transport you to a cozy fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz apple cider-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz lemon juice
– Pinch of cinnamon powder
– Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider-infused simple syrup, caramel syrup, and heavy cream.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Drizzle lemon juice on the surface of the drink.
6. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder on top.
7. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing twist on traditional sangria. This Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria combines the warmth of autumn with the effervescence of sparkling cider.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 cup of apple cider
– 1/2 cup of triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of sliced apples (Granny Smith and Gala work well)
– 1/4 cup of cranberries, fresh or frozen
– Sliced oranges and lemons for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, apple cider, triple sec, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the sliced apples and cranberries to the pitcher.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in sparkling apple cider (such as Martinelli’s).
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria over the ice.
6. Garnish with sliced oranges and lemons.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve once the flavors have melded together in the refrigerator.
Cinnamon Apple Cider Mimosa
Elevate your brunch game with this warm and spicy take on the traditional mimosa. The addition of apple cider and cinnamon creates a cozy and inviting flavor profile that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Slices of apple, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the champagne and apple cider, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the drink.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Combine the warm spices of apple cider with the crisp, cool flavors of a traditional Moscow Mule for a seasonal twist on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 4 ounces apple cider
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce ginger beer
– Slice of lime and sprig of rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a slice of lime over the drink and drop it in.
5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Cocktail
Warm up with this autumnal twist on a classic cocktail. The combination of pumpkin spice and apple cider creates a cozy and inviting drink perfect for crisp fall evenings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz pumpkin puree
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/4 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon or whiskey, apple cider, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well combined and chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (shaking time)
Maple Bourbon Apple Cider
This Maple Bourbon Apple Cider recipe combines the flavors of autumn – sweet apples, rich bourbon, and warm maple syrup – to create a delicious and comforting drink perfect for chilly fall evenings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1 orange, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, maple syrup, and bourbon. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the saucepan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the liquid has reduced slightly.
3. Remove from heat and strain the mixture into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
4. Serve warm, garnished with an orange slice if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hot Buttered Apple Cider Toddy
This classic fall drink combines the sweetness of apple cider with the richness of butter and spices, making it the perfect remedy for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cinnamon stick (4-5 inches long)
– 6 cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, butter, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and add the ground nutmeg. Stir to combine.
4. Strain the cider into mugs or a large serving jug. Discard the solids.
5. Serve hot, sweetening with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Enjoy your warm and cozy Hot Buttered Apple Cider Toddy!
Apple Cider Rum Punch
As the temperatures drop, a cup of warm apple cider rum punch is just what you need to cozy up by the fire. This autumnal twist on traditional eggnog combines the flavors of apple cider, rum, and spices for a perfect winter treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, rum, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
3. Add cinnamon stick, if using.
4. Pour into mugs or punch bowl.
5. Serve hot, garnished with whipped cream and nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Ginger Apple Cider Mojito
This refreshing twist on the classic mojito combines the warm spices of ginger with the sweetness of apple cider and the tanginess of lime. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Handful of ice
– Lime wedges and sliced apples for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, apple cider, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water (optional).
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and sliced apple.
Cooking Time: None
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
Elevate your whiskey sour game with the addition of apple cider and a hint of cinnamon. This seasonal twist is perfect for cozying up on a crisp autumn evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, apple cider, simple syrup, and cinnamon.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 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 apple slice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just minutes.
Cranberry Apple Cider Spritzer
This Cranberry Apple Cider Spritzer is a perfect drink to cozy up with on a crisp fall day. With the sweetness of apple cider and the tartness of cranberries, this refreshing spritzer is sure to become your new favorite autumnal beverage.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Slices of orange, lemon, or lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider and cranberry juice.
2. Stir in the sparkling water until well combined.
3. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Cranberry Apple Cider Spritzer over ice in glasses and garnish with citrus slices.
Cooking Time: None
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Elevate the traditional Old Fashioned with the warmth of apple cider and the spice of cinnamon. This seasonal twist is perfect for crisp fall evenings or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, apple cider syrup, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on top.
5. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This cocktail is ready in just minutes.
Note: To make apple cider syrup, combine equal parts apple cider and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly (about 10-15 minutes). Strain and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail combines the warmth of apple cider with the effervescence of champagne, perfect for crisp autumn evenings or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sophisticated and delicious drink that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup champagne
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Ice cubes
– Sliced apples or cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add apple cider, honey syrup, and cinnamon to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for about 10 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or wine glass.
5. Top with champagne and stir gently.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced apples or cinnamon sticks if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Vanilla Bean Apple Cider Martini
This refreshing cocktail combines the warmth of vanilla with the crispness of apple cider, perfect for a chilly fall evening. With its subtle sweetness and hint of spice, it’s sure to become your new go-to martini.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz vanilla-flavored simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of nutmeg, for garnish
– Apple slice or wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider, vanilla simple syrup, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the surface of the drink.
6. Garnish with an apple slice or wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make vanilla-flavored simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 vanilla bean in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the syrup and let it cool before using.
Apple Cider Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this autumn-inspired Apple Cider Gin Fizz, perfect for crisp fall evenings. This refreshing drink combines the warmth of apple cider with the sophistication of gin and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None!
Toasted Marshmallow Apple Cider Cocktail
This autumnal twist on the classic apple cider cocktail combines the sweetness of toasted marshmallows with the spices of fall. Perfect for cozying up by the fireplace or enjoying at your next harvest-themed gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or apple cider-infused whiskey
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/4 oz toasted marshmallow syrup (or substitute with caramel syrup)
– 2 dashes of cinnamon powder
– Ice
– Toasted marshmallows for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon or apple cider-infused whiskey, apple cider, maple syrup, and toasted marshmallow syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a pre-warmed mug or glass.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder on top.
6. Garnish with a toasted marshmallow.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply prepare the ingredients and enjoy your Toasted Marshmallow Apple Cider Cocktail.
Summary
As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, there’s no better way to warm up on a crisp autumn evening than with a refreshing apple cider cocktail. This article presents 18 delicious recipes that combine the flavors of apple cider with various spirits, mixers, and spices. From classic margaritas to sweet martinis, these concoctions are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Try the Spiced Apple Cider Margarita, Bourbon Apple Cider Smash, or Caramel Apple Cider Martini for a taste of autumn in a glass.
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