Apple picking, decorating pumpkins, the leaves changing colors, caramel apples, s'mores by the fire. These are some of the best things about fall. The flavors in foods around this time are also something to get excited about. Sure, pumpkin spice is taken to the extreme, (have you spotted pumpkin spice hummus or pumpkin spice Twinkies yet?) so that's why I can't get enough of anything with apples. Sure apple juice is good, and we love a hot toddy or mulled wine, but one drink you'll always find me sipping on all autumn is hot apple cider. You'll also see gallons and gallons of fresh apple cider popping up at the farmer's market too. Now is the time to stock up! Sweet, crisp, and festive, apple cider is the star of the show in these delicious spiked apple cider cocktails.
Check them out below.
1. Apple Cider Mimosa
I love mimosas because they're versatile, simple to mix up, and the ingredients are almost always in the kitchen. These sparkling apple cider mimosas make the perfect fall drink you'll want to sip on at brunch or happy hour.
2. Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria is another cocktail that can take on a bunch of different flavors for each season. All it takes to make this fall drink are a few simple ingredients: white wine, fresh apple cider, brandy (or apple brandy), and chopped apples.
Once you're ready to serve, pour in some club soda and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
3. Spiked Apple Cider in Edible Cups
Now, this is my type of cocktail! It's fun, easy, quick total time, and fewer dishes to wash once the party's over. Carefully, core out your favorite type of apple, fill with vodka and apple cider, and you're ready to go.
Take this boozy apple cider cocktail to the next level by dipping the tops of the cored apples into caramel sauce and then into cinnamon sugar for extra sweet flavor in your hard cider.
4. Apple Cider Moscow Mule
The combination of fresh apple cider and caramel vodka are on the sweeter side in the cocktail, but it's all balanced out by that splash of ginger beer. When the leaves start falling, it's time to head to the grocery store to make this for yourself.
5. Apple Cider Margaritas
Refreshing, tart, and festive, these apple cider margaritas will convince you that margaritas aren't just for the summertime. Pour tequila, triple sec, apple cider, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker and shake until combined.
Garnish with apple slices, a lime wedge, and star anise for a super elegant look. Don't forget to coat the rim with cinnamon sugar for that little crunch of sugar.
6. Apple Pie Punch
What would fall and the holidays be without apple pie? Apple pie punch is a delicious twist on one of this season's most popular pies. Apple cider, pear nectar, ginger ale, and apple pie vodka make the perfect mix of flavors that'll remind you of a slice of pie.
This cocktail recipe also makes a big batch, so there's plenty to go around.
7. Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
After a long day, sometimes the only you need is a cocktail. Why not sip on this bourbon cocktail to really get you into the fall spirit? It's flavored with bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, cinnamon simple syrup, orange bitters and poured over ice.
This is what fall is all about!
8. Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch
Put on your favorite flannel and cozy up by the fire with a glass full of this hot apple cider rum punch, or make a punchbowl of it for your fall party. Dark rum is the best for warm fall flavors.
Set it over low heat and kept warm so you can keep coming back for a refill, or use a slow cooker to keep warm.
9. Apple Cider Mojito
Mojitos scream summertime to me, but this crisp apple cider mojito is starting to change my mind a bit. Combine all of the ingredients and keep in the refrigerator for whenever you're in need of a boozy drink.
10. Spiked Apple Cider Floats
What could be better than a big scoop of ice cream topped with spiked apple cider? This fall cocktail will make you feel like a kid again but made even better with the addition of booze.
This post was originally published on August 21, 2019.
