11 Delicious Apple Cider Cocktails for Fall

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Fall is the season of apple cider, and there’s no better way to enjoy its crisp, sweet flavor than by mixing it into a variety of delicious cocktails. These 11 apple cider cocktails are perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, and everything in between. Each recipe brings a unique twist to the classic apple cider, making them must-tries for the autumn season, including Thanksgiving celebrations! 

1. Spiced Apple Cider Margarita

spiced apple cider margarita

This Spiced Apple Cider Margarita is a fall twist on the classic margarita, featuring warm spices and the sweet tang of apple cider. It’s perfect for a refreshing yet cozy drink.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine apple cider, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ground cinnamon. Shake well.
  2. Fill two glasses with ice and pour the mixture over the ice.
  3. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.
  4. Serve immediately.

2. Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

apple cider bourbon smash

The Apple Cider Bourbon Smash combines the robust flavor of bourbon with the sweet and tart notes of apple cider and fresh mint. It’s a perfect cocktail for a chilly fall evening.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 3 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Apple slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, muddle a few mint leaves with maple syrup.
  2. Add apple cider, bourbon, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.
  3. Fill two glasses with crushed ice and strain the mixture into the glasses.
  4. Garnish with apple slices and mint sprigs.
  5. Serve immediately.

3. Warm Apple Cider and Rum Punch

warm apple cider and rum punch

This Warm Apple Cider and Rum Punch is a comforting and aromatic drink, perfect for cozy gatherings. The combination of warm apple cider, dark rum, and spices creates a festive and inviting cocktail.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup dark rum
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • Apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in dark rum.
  4. Pour into mugs and garnish with apple slices.
  5. Serve warm.

4. Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

sparkling apple cider sangria

The Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria is a light and bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for fall celebrations. It combines apple cider, white wine, and sparkling water for a refreshing and festive drink.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 bottle white wine (750 ml)
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1 pear, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, white wine, brandy, apple slices, pear slices, and cranberries.
  2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  3. Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
  4. Pour into glasses and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
  5. Serve immediately.

5. Apple Cider Old Fashioned

apple cider old fashioned

The Apple Cider Old Fashioned is a fall twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. It combines bourbon with apple cider and a hint of maple syrup for a smooth and flavorful drink.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz bourbon
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel and apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. Stir well.
  2. Fill two glasses with ice and strain the mixture into the glasses.
  3. Garnish with orange peel and apple slices.
  4. Serve immediately.

6. Cinnamon Apple Cider Mimosa

cinnamon apple cider mimosa

The Cinnamon Apple Cider Mimosa is a delightful and bubbly cocktail perfect for brunch. The combination of apple cider and champagne with a hint of cinnamon creates a festive and refreshing drink.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 8 oz champagne
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine apple cider and ground cinnamon. Shake well.
  2. Divide the mixture between two champagne flutes.
  3. Top with champagne.
  4. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
  5. Serve immediately.

7. Apple Cider Moscow Mule

apple cider moscow mule

The Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a fall-inspired version of the classic Moscow Mule. It combines apple cider, vodka, and ginger beer for a refreshing and spicy cocktail.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz vodka
  • 8 oz ginger beer
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Apple slices and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine apple cider, vodka, and lime juice. Shake well.
  2. Fill two copper mugs with ice and pour the mixture over the ice.
  3. Top with ginger beer.
  4. Garnish with apple slices and lime wedges.
  5. Serve immediately.

8. Hot Apple Cider Toddy

apple cider hot toddy

The Hot Apple Cider Toddy is a warm and soothing cocktail perfect for chilly fall nights. It combines apple cider, whiskey, and honey with a hint of lemon for a comforting drink.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 4 oz whiskey
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a small pot, heat apple cider until warm but not boiling.
  2. In each mug, combine 2 oz whiskey, 1 tbsp honey, and half of the lemon juice.
  3. Pour the warm apple cider into the mugs and stir well.
  4. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
  5. Serve warm.

9. Caramel Apple Cider Martini

caramel apple cider martini

The Caramel Apple Cider Martini is a sweet and decadent cocktail perfect for fall celebrations. It combines apple cider with caramel vodka for a rich and flavorful drink.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz caramel vodka
  • 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
  • Caramel sauce and apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps. Shake well.
  2. Drizzle caramel sauce inside two martini glasses.
  3. Strain the mixture into the glasses.
  4. Garnish with apple slices.
  5. Serve immediately.

10. Apple Cider and Ginger Fizz

apple cider ginger fizz

The Apple Cider and Ginger Fizz is a light and refreshing cocktail with a hint of spice from the ginger. It’s perfect for a fall afternoon or a casual gathering.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz gin
  • 1 oz ginger syrup
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Sparkling water
  • Apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine apple cider, gin, ginger syrup, and lemon juice. Shake well.
  2. Fill two glasses with ice and strain the mixture into the glasses.
  3. Top with sparkling water.
  4. Garnish with apple slices.
  5. Serve immediately.

11. Cranberry Apple Cider Spritz

cranberry apple cider spritz

The Cranberry Apple Cider Spritz is a festive and refreshing cocktail perfect for fall gatherings. The combination of apple cider and cranberry juice with a splash of sparkling water makes it a light and tasty drink.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz vodka
  • Sparkling water
  • Cranberries and apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and vodka. Shake well.
  2. Fill two glasses with ice and strain the mixture into the glasses.
  3. Top with sparkling water.
  4. Garnish with cranberries and apple slices.
  5. Serve immediately.

These 11 apple cider cocktails are perfect for embracing the flavors of fall in your drinks. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these unique and delicious cocktails are sure to impress. Cheers to a wonderful fall season!