Easy Apple Cider Drinks (Hot & Cold Options)
Nothing says fall quite like a cozy cup of apple cider. Whether you’re warming up by the fire or celebrating with friends, apple cider drinks offer endless possibilities. From hot spiced versions that fill your home with amazing aromas to cold, refreshing cocktails perfect for outdoor gatherings, there’s a cider drink for every occasion.
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The best part? Apple cider is incredibly easy to work with. You can keep it simple with just a few spices, or get creative with spirits and mix-ins. Let’s explore all the ways you can enjoy this seasonal favorite throughout the cooler months.
Reasons You’ll Love These Recipes
- Versatile for any occasion: These apple cider drinks work for everything from casual weeknight relaxation to holiday parties and Thanksgiving dinners.
- Simple ingredients: Most recipes use basic pantry spices and apple cider you can grab from any grocery store or farmers market.
- Make ahead friendly: Many of these drinks can be prepared in advance and kept warm in a slow cooker, making entertaining a breeze.
- Options for everyone: With both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, there’s something for adults and kids alike.
Hot Apple Cider Drinks
Hot apple cider is the ultimate comfort drink for chilly fall and winter days. The warmth, combined with aromatic spices, creates an experience that goes way beyond just a beverage. When you simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices, your whole house smells like a cozy autumn afternoon.
Mulled Apple Cider: This recipe has a unique twist with five-spice powder that adds depth to the classic warm spiced cider. Made in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for keeping warm at parties or sipping throughout a cold evening. You can easily add a splash of rum or bourbon to make it an adult beverage.
Hot apple cider works beautifully for both family gatherings and grown-up get-togethers. Kids love the sweet warmth, while adults can spike theirs with their favorite spirit. Try serving it in mugs with cinnamon stick stirrers and fresh apple slices for a beautiful presentation.
Cold Apple Cider Cocktails
While hot cider gets all the attention, cold apple cider cocktails are equally delicious and perfect for those mild autumn days or when you want something refreshing. These drinks pack all the fall flavors you love with a crisp, chilled twist that’s ideal for entertaining.
Apple Cider Sangria: This festive drink combines apple cider with apple pie moonshine, red wine, fresh apples, and warm spices. It’s a showstopper for fall parties and tastes like liquid apple pie. The best part is you can make it ahead and let the flavors marry in the refrigerator.
Other popular cold cider cocktails include apple cider with bourbon and ginger beer for a refreshing kick, apple cider margaritas with a cinnamon sugar rim, and sparkling apple cider mimosas for brunch. These drinks prove that apple cider isn’t just for winter weather.
Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Drinks
Apple cider is naturally a non-alcoholic drink, making it perfect for the whole family. The key to great non-alcoholic cider drinks is adding interesting flavors and textures that make them feel special, not just like plain juice.
For a fancy mocktail, try combining apple cider with ginger beer and a splash of lemon juice. The ginger adds a spicy kick that makes the drink feel grown-up, while the fizz from the ginger beer creates a fun texture. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or a sprig of rosemary for an elegant touch.
Simple spiced cider is another crowd-pleaser. Just heat apple cider with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise for about 10 minutes. The spices infuse the cider with warmth and complexity without needing any alcohol. This version is perfect for kids after playing outside or for anyone who prefers non-alcoholic options.
Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks
While apple cider vinegar isn’t the same as fresh apple cider, it’s worth mentioning because of its health benefits and versatility in drinks. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple cider and has a tangy, acidic flavor that can be mellowed when mixed properly.
If you’re interested in making your own, check out this Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar recipe. It’s a great way to use apple scraps and create a pantry staple that lasts for months.
The most popular way to drink apple cider vinegar is diluted in water with honey and lemon. Mix one to two tablespoons of ACV with eight ounces of water, add a teaspoon of honey, and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. This creates a tangy morning tonic that many people swear by for digestion and energy. Just make sure to never drink apple cider vinegar straight, as the acidity can damage tooth enamel.
Best Spirits to Pair with Apple Cider
Apple cider is incredibly friendly with spirits, and the right pairing can elevate your drink from good to amazing. The natural sweetness and fruit flavors of cider complement many different types of alcohol.
- Bourbon or Whiskey: The most popular choice and for good reason. The caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon perfectly complement the apple flavor. Try it in hot cider or cold with ginger beer.
- Dark Rum or Spiced Rum: Another classic pairing that works beautifully in hot mulled cider. The warming spices in spiced rum enhance the cinnamon and clove flavors.
- Brandy: A traditional choice for mulled drinks. Brandy has a smooth, fruity character that doesn’t overpower the apple cider.
- Vodka: For those who want a lighter option. Vodka lets the cider flavor shine through while adding the desired kick.
- Cinnamon Whiskey: Fireball or similar cinnamon whiskeys add extra spice and warmth. These work especially well in cold weather drinks.
Tips for Making Apple Cider Drinks
- Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar: For cold cocktails, a cinnamon sugar rim adds sweetness and makes the presentation extra special. Mix equal parts sugar and cinnamon, moisten the rim with honey or maple syrup, and dip.
- Use apple cider, not apple juice: Apple cider has a richer, more complex flavor than apple juice. Cider is unfiltered and less processed, giving you better taste in your drinks.
- Keep drinks warm in a slow cooker: For parties, your slow cooker is your best friend. Keep hot cider on the low setting so guests can serve themselves throughout the evening.
- Use whole spices: Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise provide better flavor than ground spices and won’t leave gritty sediment in your drink.
- Don’t boil alcohol: If adding spirits to hot cider, add them after you’ve heated the cider. Boiling alcohol cooks off the alcohol content.
- Garnish thoughtfully: Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, orange wheels, and star anise make drinks look beautiful and add extra flavor as the drink sits.
Storing Apple Cider
- Refrigerator: Store unopened apple cider in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Once opened, use within seven to ten days for the best flavor.
- Freezing: Apple cider freezes beautifully for up to three months. Leave some room in the container for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Reheating: Reheat cider gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Don’t let it boil, as this can affect the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot cider alongside Little Caesars Crazy Bread or other warm bread appetizers for a cozy fall snack. The buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced notes of the cider.
For an elegant dinner party menu, pair cold apple cider cocktails with Lemon Garlic Jumbo Shrimp or Bacon Wrapped Salmon. The crisp apple flavors pair beautifully with seafood, creating a sophisticated fall meal.
Create a complete fall meal with Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs or Crockpot Pot Roast alongside your apple cider drinks. These hearty main courses stand up well to both hot and cold cider beverages.
For dessert, enjoy cider with Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies or Kit Kat Fudge. The combination of sweet treats and warm spiced cider is the perfect way to end a fall evening.
Looking for more drink ideas? Try a Fresh Mango Margarita or Tinto de Verano for different seasonal occasions.
FAQs
Apple cider is fresh, unfiltered juice made from pressed apples. It has a cloudy appearance and richer, more complex flavor. Apple juice is filtered, pasteurized, and often sweetened, giving it a clearer color and smoother taste. For drinks, apple cider provides much better flavor.
Yes! Most apple cider drinks work great when made ahead. Hot spiced cider can be prepared and kept warm in a slow cooker for hours. Cold cocktails like sangria actually improve when made a few hours in advance, so the flavors can blend. Just add ice or carbonated ingredients right before serving.
Bourbon and whiskey are the most popular choices because their caramel notes complement apple flavors beautifully. Dark rum or spiced rum works wonderfully in hot mulled cider. For lighter options, try vodka or brandy. Cinnamon whiskey, like Fireball, adds extra spice and warmth.
A slow cooker is your best option for keeping apple cider warm at parties. Pour the cider into your slow cooker with your chosen spices, heat on high for about two hours until it’s steaming, then turn to low to keep it warm. Guests can serve themselves throughout the evening. This method works for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
