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23 Apple Drinks For The Fall

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Fall brings crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the irresistible aroma of apple-infused beverages. From warm mulled cider to creative cocktails, apple drinks capture the essence of autumn in every sip.

A collage of various autumn-themed drinks including cocktails, iced teas, and smoothies with fruits and spices.

Whether hosting a harvest party or simply craving something seasonal, these apple-based beverages offer the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Let’s explore everything from classic mulled cider to innovative apple-based cocktails and refreshing mocktails.

Reasons You’ll Love These Apple Drink Recipes

  • Most recipes use simple ingredients you already have in your pantry, pairing perfectly with fall favorites like caramel apple dump cake or apple oatmeal bars.
  • These drinks are easily customizable – adjust the sweetness and spice levels to match your taste.
  • Many can be made ahead, perfect for entertaining or holiday gatherings.
  • You’ll find options for everyone, from kid-friendly mocktails to sophisticated cocktails.
A variety of fall beverages including lattes, cider, and cocktails, garnished with cinnamon, apple, and herbs.

What’s The Difference Between Apple Cider And Apple Cider Vinegar?

While they both start with apples, these ingredients serve very different purposes. Apple cider is the fresh, unfiltered juice from pressed apples, perfect for drinking hot or cold.

Apple cider vinegar, which you can make at home, is fermented apple juice that has turned into vinegar, offering a tangy, acidic flavor used in cooking and wellness drinks.

Apple Alcoholic Drinks

When the temperatures drop, nothing warms the spirit quite like apple-based cocktails. These drinks combine the natural sweetness of apples with various spirits to create perfectly balanced fall cocktails.

A glass of mulled apple cider.
Image Credit: Kim Schob.
  • Mulled Apple Cider: This warming drink combines fresh apple cider with aromatic spices and your choice of bourbon or rum, creating the perfect cozy cocktail for chilly evenings.
  • Apple Shine Sangria: A fall twist on traditional sangria, this drink combines moonshine, crisp apples, and white wine for a refreshing autumn cocktail.
  • Pumpkin Sangria with Bourbon: This unique sangria blends apple cider with pumpkin flavors and bourbon for a truly autumnal drinking experience.
  • Whiskey and Hard Cider Cocktail: A simple yet sophisticated combination of whiskey and hard apple cider creates a perfectly balanced fall cocktail.
  • Easy Fall Sangria Recipe: This sangria combines apple cider with red wine and fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing autumn punch.
Two mason jars with iced tea garnished with rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and fruit slices on a wooden tray.
Image Credit: Beyond Mere Sustenance.

Non-Alcoholic Apple Drinks

These alcohol-free options are perfect for everyone to enjoy, from kids to designated drivers.

Apple Blueberry Smoothie.
Image Credit: Living Chirpy.
Iced coffee in a glass jar with ice, on a wooden tray, surrounded by pinecones and apples.
Image Credit: Coffee Copycat.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks

These wellness-focused beverages offer a tangy twist and potential health benefits.

Two glasses of pink cranberry apple cocktail with apple slices, surrounded by cranberries and a bowl in the background.
Image Credit: Thyme For A Drink.
  • Cranberry Apple Switchel: A refreshing blend of apple cider vinegar and cranberry juice.
  • Elderberry Shrub Recipe: A traditional shrub combining elderberries with apple cider vinegar.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Soda: This fizzy and refreshing drink transforms apple cider vinegar into a delightful sparkling drink. By mixing ACV with sparkling water and a touch of natural sweetener, you get all the wellness benefits in a bubbly, enjoyable format that’s perfect for those who find straight apple cider vinegar too intense.
  • Cranberry Apple Shrub: A tart and sweet drinking vinegar perfect for cocktails or mocktails.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Soda: A healthier alternative to traditional sodas.
  • Spiced Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic: This warming wellness tonic combines apple cider vinegar with aromatic spices like cinnamon and ginger, creating a comforting drink that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail: A spicy-sweet combination with ginger beer.
Close-up of a sparkling golden drink in a glass on a table with a beige cloth, almonds, and a bottle in the background.
Image Credit: Diabetes Strong.

Storing Apple Drinks

  • Storage: Most apple drinks can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Refrigerator: Store freshly made apple drinks in sealed containers for 3-5 days. For best results with mulled cider, strain out the whole spices before storing.
  • Freezing: You can freeze apple cider and most non-carbonated apple drinks in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave headspace for expansion.

Serving Suggestions

These apple drinks pair perfectly with fall desserts like apple oatmeal bars or gluten-free apple cinnamon streusel muffins. For a complete fall spread, serve alongside maple pecan cookies or pumpkin bread pudding.

FAQs

Can I make apple drinks ahead of time for a party?

Most apple drinks can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and add any carbonated ingredients just before serving.

What’s the best apple cider to use in these recipes?

Fresh, unpasteurized apple cider will give you the best flavor, but any quality apple cider will work well in these recipes.

Can I make hot apple drinks in a slow cooker?

Yes! Many apple drinks, especially mulled cider, can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the low setting for up to 4 hours.

How can I make these apple drinks less sweet?

You can reduce the sweetness by using unsweetened apple cider and adjusting any added sweeteners to taste. For cocktails, opt for drier wines or spirits to balance the natural sweetness of the apple.

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