13 Spiked Apple Cider Cocktails to Celebrate the Season

Autumn Apple Pie Cocktail in a glass with a cinnamon stick
Photo: SunnyDaysNora

Apple season has arrived, and with it apple cider season. Have you considered this fall treat for use as the base in an autumn cocktail this year? If not, what are you waiting for? We've compiled some of our favorite hot and cold cocktail recipes featuring apple cider for when apples are at their finest. Cheers!

01 of 13

Texas Hot Apple Cider

Hot Apple Cider in white mug with cinnamon stick
House of Aqua

Pineapple juice offers a little tropical vacation note to an otherwise New England-tasting libation. Cloves and nutmeg round out the flavor profile for a decidedly fall feel. "This will forever go on my Thanksgiving table," says reviewer linds.

02 of 13

Fall Festive-Tini

apple martini in a martini glass with cherry garnish
Tracy Ann

Raise the stakes on your apple martini with this cocktail that incorporates apple cider, pear schnapps, pear vodka, and even ginger ale. It's a twist on that neon green apple martini that you see at just about every martini bar. "Can't wait to share this gem with friends for a cocktail party," says reviewer Tashia Jones.

03 of 13

Fall Apple Pumpkin Shandy

Fall Apple Pumpkin Shandy with a jack o lantern
bd.weld

What better way to ring in fall than with the flavors most central: apple and pumpkin. Spiced pumpkin beer and sweet apple cider combine in one incredible cocktail. And no flavor gets overpowered, which is undoubtedly this drink's superpower. "It was sooooooo good," raves reviewer Waterbabyaislynn.

04 of 13

Autumn Apple Pie Cocktail

Autumn Apple Pie Cocktail in a glass with a cinnamon stick
SunnyDaysNora

The only thing better than eating apple pie in the middle of fall is drinking it. This cocktail marries everything that is delicious about the quintessential autumn dessert and spikes it — apple cider style. Allrecipes users are in agreement on this recipe. It is, to hear reviewer SunnyDaysNora tell it, "Fabulous. This is fall in a glass."

05 of 13

Danny's Warm and Fuzzy Apple Cider

apple cider drink in a coffee mug
Soup Loving Nicole

Warm and fuzzy, indeed. Could it be the hint of dark rum that produces that warm feeling? Or perhaps it's the butterscotch schnapps. Whatever the culprit, the result is rave reviews: "I served this at a neighborhood open house after trick-or-treating and everyone loved it," says reviewer shellyk.

06 of 13

Pork Chop Cocktail

Pork Chop Cocktail in mason jar with thyme garnish
lutzflcat

Don't let the name dissuade you. This cocktail is as fall as fall gets. Tipping toward savory, with thyme, mustard, and even Dijon mustard, this inventive cocktail earns its balance from none other than apple cider (and its punch from whiskey). Reviewer lutzflcat calls this one, "outside the box."

07 of 13

Grandma's Pie 'Ala Mode' Moonshine

Grandma's Apple Pie 'Ala Mode' Moonshine in mason jars
Photo by Tara.

For those who like their cocktails on the strong side, this moonshine-based libation is definitely a winner. Sweet, apple-centric, and full of the good stuff, this drink is sure to warm you up in every sense of the word. "It tastes exactly like apple pie," said Love2CookMommy.

08 of 13

Hot Spiked Cider

Hot Spiked Cider
Sugarplum

A cross between a hot cider and a hot-buttered rum, this cool-weather drink has lots of fans. Butter and rum bring this cocktail into holiday territory (and we're not complaining). "This is the best cider I've ever had," said reviewer tish. "I made it for a party and it was a big hit. Everyone loved it."

09 of 13

Spiked Caramel Apple Cider

Two glasses of Caramel Apple Cider with cinnamon sugar rim
Allrecipes Magazine

Convert humble ice cream, spiced rum, and apple cider into a rich, dessert-like, drink of your fall-loving dreams with this set-it-and-forget-it recipe. If fall had a smell, this would be it. "I recommend to warm you up on a chilly night," says reviewer Julie.

10 of 13

Apple Pie Moonshine

Apple Pie Moonshine in a decorated christmas jar
MattOlay V-H

This batch cocktail is the kind of drink you can make and forget about for a while — which means you'll always have some on-hand when you need it the most. It's strong, apple-y, and great for adding in as a base to other apple cocktails. Or, sip it as an aperitif, all on its own. "This is the only recipe I use and I get compliments all the time," says reviewer Tracy Phipps.

11 of 13

Twisted Apple Cider

Twisted Apple Cider cocktail in glass cup with cinnamon rim
puppypen

Apple cider, rum, cinnamon schnapps, and ice make for a frosty beverage on an equally frosty fall evening. If apples and an icy cold, slightly spiced drink are your thing, this drink is most definitely for you. "Pretty tasty and a nice new addition in the autumn," said Darbie Esther.

12 of 13

Hot Cinnamon Apple Brandy Cider

glass of Hot Cinnamon Apple Brandy Cider with orange garnish
Culinary Envy

Sugar, spice, cloves, freshly ground pepper, brandy, orange zest, apple cider, and everything nice. This drink has a warming, "home for the holidays," feel to it. Reviewer betty likes it for other reasons: "I like the fact that it is not too sweet."

13 of 13

Apple Cider Mimosa

Two Apple Cider Mimosas with halloween decor
Sandra Garth

Apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and dried apple rings make classic mimosas fit for a festive fall brunch. Cheers!

Was this page helpful?