Apple Cider Cocktails: 20 Delicious Fall Favourites

Celebrate fall by sipping on these delicious apple cider cocktail recipes, packed with flavor and ideal to share with your loved ones on Thanksgiving or any other get-together. From spicy twists on classics to decadent dessert-like cocktails, apple cider may just become the star of the show in your new favorite cocktails.

What is apple cider? (and how ciders differ)

If you’re new to apple cider cocktails, let’s clear up a little global confusion. In the US, apple cider usually means the cloudy, unfiltered, non-alcoholic juice pressed from fresh apples. It’s fuller-bodied and more fragrant than standard apple juice. Think cozy, orchard-fresh, and bursting with natural sweetness.

In the UK and many other places, “cider” refers to the alcoholic kind (in America, you call this hard cider). So, if that’s what’s in your fridge, you can totally use it as a swap, just skip any added liquor or scale it back a bit for balance.

INSIDER TIP! Always reach for fresh, unpasteurized apple cider when you can. It has a fuller mouthfeel and a more complex aroma, especially in hot apple cider cocktails where warmth amplifies all those fall notes.

Also see: Best Fall Cocktails for 2025

Hot apple cider cocktails (for slow sipping)

1. Mulled Apple Cider

Bursting with fall flavor and color, this Hot Spiced Apple Cider Punch brings together apple cider, citrus, cranberries, and warming spices for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make ahead and perfect for serving straight from the slow cooker, plus it fills your home with the most irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

Serves 6–8

• 6 cups Apple cider
• 1 Orange, sliced
• 5 cups Fresh cranberries
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 4 Whole cloves
• 3 Cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1-inch Piece fresh ginger, sliced
• Optional: 6 oz Appleton Estate Signature Jamaica Rum (opens in new window) (for a spiked version)

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a large pot or slow cooker
2. Simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse (do not boil)
3. Strain before serving, if desired
4. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice
5. Serve warm

PRO TIP: Prepare this cider a day in advance; the flavors deepen beautifully overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving.

2. Hot Apple Cider Cocktail

Feel warm and toasty on crisp fall nights with this comforting mix of spiced apple cider and bourbon. With cinnamon, orange, and a touch of anise, it’s the perfect fireside drink, and just as delicious served chilled.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon 101 (opens in new window) (or rum or brandy)
• 4 oz Apple cider
• 1 oz Orange juice
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1 Star anise
• Orange peel, for garnish (optional)
• Ice (optional, for cold serve)

Method

1. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and star anise
2. Heat gently until warm, then remove from heat
3. Pour the spiced cider into a mug or heatproof glass
4. Add bourbon and stir to combine
5. Garnish with an orange peel if desired
6. Serve warm (or over ice for a chilled version)

3. Apple Cider Hot Toddy

This warm apple cider twist on the classic Hot Toddy is everything you want in a fall cocktail. It’s smooth, spiced, and deeply comforting. Choose whiskey or apple brandy as your base, and use fresh-pressed cider for that crisp, orchard-fresh flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon 101 (or apple brandy)
• 4 oz Hot apple cider
• 25 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp Honey, maple syrup or cinnamon syrup
• 5 Cloves
• Sliced lemon
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Take a slice of lemon, press the cloves into the lemon round, and set aside
2. Heat the apple cider until steaming, then pour it into a mug to the three-quarter mark
3. Add bourbon (or apple brandy) and lemon juice
4. Stir in honey, maple or cinnamon syrup until dissolved
5. Add the clove-studded lemon slice and cinnamon stick
6. Allow to infuse briefly
7. Serve

4. Hot Buttered Rum (with Cider)

Looking for a wizard-worthy, boozy butterbeer recipe? The Hot Buttered Rum is probably one of the best apple cider cocktails around: golden, creamy, and with a foamy top that gives you a mustache when you drink it. Make the rum batter with softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla ice cream, and ground cinnamon, heat the cider, and combine all ingredients together in a mug with rum. Dumbledore approved!

5. Poison Apple

Give your Poison Apple Cocktail a fall-ready twist by using fresh apple cider for deeper flavor and warmth. For a cozy serve, skip the shaker and gently heat the apple cider and cranberry juice before adding the whiskey and grenadine. Stir it together in a mug and watch the edible gold glitter swirl like magic in the steam.

Sparkling & spritzed cider drinks (brunches & parties)

6. Apple Cider Mimosa

Brunch just got a fall makeover! This Apple Cider Mimosa swaps orange juice for crisp apple cider, giving the classic brunch favorite a sweet seasonal twist.

Ingredients

• 3 oz Apple cider
• 3 oz Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C. (opens in new window)
• Cinnamon sugar, for rimming
• Gold or silver sprinkles (optional)
• Apple slice, for garnish

Method

1. Rim a Champagne flute with cinnamon sugar (and add gold or silver sprinkles for sparkle, if you like)
2. Pour apple cider into the glass
3. Top with Prosecco
4. Garnish with an apple slice
5. Serve

7. Apple Cider Bellini

Need a quick three-ingredient fix for your holiday menu? This Apple Cider Bellini is light, elegant, and guaranteed to shine from Thanksgiving through spring. The combo of apple cider, apple-flavored vodka, and bubbles makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite with effortless sophistication.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Apple-flavored vodka
• 3 oz Apple cider
• 3 oz Prosecco or Champagne (dry)
• Rosemary or thyme sprig, for garnish

Method

1. Pour apple cider and apple-flavored vodka into a Champagne flute
2. Top with Prosecco or Champagne
3. Garnish with a rosemary or thyme sprig
4. Serve

8. Apple Cider Spritz

Love the aperitif life? Meet your new fall favorite. The Apple Cider Spritz dresses up the classic Aperol Spritz with apple cider and a hint of warm spice, striking the perfect balance between crisp and comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Aperol (opens in new window)
• 3 oz Apple cider
• 2 oz Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C
• Pinch Pumpkin spice or cinnamon
• Ice
• Apple slice or cinnamon stick, for garnish

Method

1. Fill a wine glass with ice
2. Add Aperol and apple cider
3. Sprinkle in pumpkin spice or cinnamon and stir gently
4. Top with Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C
5. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick
6. Serve

SERVING SUGGESTION: Make a batch version by combining apple cider and spices in a pitcher ahead of time, then top it with Prosecco just before serving.

9. Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail

Pimp your everyday fizzy apple juice with our delicious Sparkling Apple Cider cocktail recipe. It’s a delightfully zesty sip that’s easy to love and made in a minute. All you need for this simple pour are four basic ingredients.

TOP TIP: Add a twist of lemon peel and a thyme sprig on top; the citrus oils and herbs mingle with the cider’s bubbles for a zesty, aromatic finish.

Spirit-forward fall classics (for whiskey/rum lovers)

10. Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

Give your apple cider a grown-up twist with this bourbon apple cider cocktail recipe. Mixed with ginger beer and spices, it’s the perfect drink to warm you up on a winter evening at home. Choose your favorite bourbon and make sure you get fresh apple cider and cinnamon sticks to nail the fall flavors.

11. Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Whiskey lovers, this one’s for you. The Apple Cider Old Fashioned combines the timeless appeal of the classic cocktail with the warmth of fall flavors. Maple syrup steps in for sugar, adding depth and richness, while apple cider and orange bitters round it out beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon 101
• 1 oz Apple cider
• 25 oz Maple syrup
• 2 dashes Orange bitters
• Ice
• Orange peel and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Method

1. Add maple syrup and orange bitters to a mixing glass
2. Pour in bourbon and apple cider
3. Fill with ice and stir until well chilled
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
5. Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick
6. Serve

12. Apple Cider Manhattan

Give this timeless classic a fall-inspired twist. The Apple Cider Manhattan balances smooth whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with a touch of cider for subtle sweetness and depth..

Ingredients

• 2 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon 101 (or rye whiskey)
• 1 oz Cinzano Vermouth Rosso (opens in new window)
• Splash Apple cider
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Apple slice or cherry, for garnish

Method

1. Add bourbon, vermouth, apple cider, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass
4. Garnish with an apple slice or cherry
5. Serve

13. Fall Moscow Mule (Apple Cider Mule)

Break out your copper mug for this fall-ready twist on the classic Moscow Mule where crisp apple cider brings sweetness and tang to the mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime. Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for a fun Halloween treat that tastes just like a candied apple.

Ingredients

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka (opens in new window)
• 2 oz Apple cider
• 5 oz Lime juice
• 4 oz Ginger beer
• Optional: Drizzle of salted caramel sauce
• Ice
• Apple slice or cinnamon stick, for garnish

Method

1. Fill a copper mug with ice
2. Add vodka, apple cider, and lime juice
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine
4. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top if desired
5. Garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick
6. Serve

Party pitchers & batches (easy entertaining)

14. Apple Pie Punch

Brimming with warm, fruity flavor, this Apple Pie Punch is made for sharing. Apple pie vodka, apple cider, pear nectar, and ginger ale come together in a pitcher-ready mix that captures everything we love about fall. Serve it warm in mugs or chilled over ice.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

• 2 cups Apple pie vodka
• 2 cups Apple cider
• 1 cup Pear nectar
• 2 cups Ginger ale
• Apple and pear slices, for garnish
• Ice (optional, for cold serve)

Method

1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apple pie vodka, apple cider, pear nectar, and ginger ale
2. Stir gently to mix
3. Add apple and pear slices for garnish
4. Serve warm in mugs (gently heated beforehand) or cold over ice

15. Rum & Apple Cider Punch

This Rum & Apple Cider Punch is a festive favorite that fills the room with the scent of fall. With smooth rum, citrusy orange, and clove-spiced apple cider, it’s the perfect batch cocktail for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

• 2 cups Appleton Estate Signature Jamaica Rum
• 4 cups Apple cider
• 2 Oranges, sliced
• 6 Whole cloves
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 25 cup Brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• Ice (optional, for cold serve)

Method

1. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine apple cider, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and brown sugar if using
2. Simmer gently for 30 minutes to infuse the flavors (do not boil)
3. Stir in the rum just before serving
4. Ladle into mugs for a warm version, or chill and pour over ice for a cold one
5. Garnish with orange slices or a cinnamon stick

16. Pumpkin Pie Sangria

¡Hola fall! This Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider Sangria brings a Spanish classic into the season of spice. With wine, apple cider, spiced rum, and a touch of pumpkin spice syrup, it’s fruity, festive, and perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

• 1 bottle Dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 2 cups Apple cider
• 1 cup Spiced rum
• 25 cup Pumpkin spice syrup
• 1 Apple, sliced
• 1 Pear, sliced
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• Ice

Method

1. Add sliced apple, pear, and cinnamon stick to a large pitcher
2. Pour in wine, apple cider, spiced rum, and pumpkin spice syrup
3. Stir to combine and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors mingle
4. Serve over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice

Dessert-style sippers (sweet crowd-pleasers)

17. Apple Pie Martini

You can never have too many fruity Martinis, and this Apple Pie Martini is pure dessert magic in a glass. With vodka, apple cider, and cinnamon schnapps, it tastes just like a slice of apple pie. The graham cracker, brown sugar, and cinnamon rim make it extra-special.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Apple cider
• 5 oz Cinnamon schnapps
• 25 oz Simple syrup
• Pinch Apple pie spice
• Ice
• Graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon, for rimming
• Apple slice, for garnish

Method

1. Rim a Martini glass with a mix of graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon
2. Add vodka, apple cider, cinnamon schnapps, simple syrup, and apple pie spice to a cocktail shaker with ice
3. Shake until well chilled
4. Strain into the prepared glass
5. Garnish with an apple slice
6. Serve

18. Salted Caramel Apple Cider

Get ready for the ultimate fall crowd-pleaser! Sweet apple cider and salted caramel vodka come together in this easy, three-ingredient cocktail that’s simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Salted caramel vodka
• 3 oz Apple cider
• Club soda, to top
• Ice
• Optional: Caramel drizzle, for garnish

Method

1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add salted caramel vodka and apple cider
3. Top with club soda and stir gently
4. Drizzle caramel around the inside of the glass or over the top for an extra treat
5. Serve

TOP TIP: To make salted caramel vodka at home, combine 3 cups plain vodka with about 20 chopped chewy caramels and a pinch of sea salt. Seal and shake the bottle, then let it sit in a cool, dark place for 3–4 days, shaking a few times daily until the caramels fully dissolve. Strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove any residue, then reseal the bottle.

19. Fireball Apple Slushies

There’s a whole world beyond Fireball shots, and this recipe is proof! These Fireball Apple Slushies are a fun dessert-style drink where sweet apple cider meets spicy cinnamon whiskey and ice for a fiery, frosty treat.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cinnamon whiskey
• 4 oz Apple cider
• Ice
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Method

1. Add cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, and ice to a blender
2. Blend until slushy
3. Pour into a serving glass
4. Sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon
5. Serve

Moonshine & retro

20. Apple Pie Moonshine

With the crisp taste of apple and the warmth of moonshine whiskey, the Apple Pie Moonshine Cocktail is exactly what you need to serve on an icy cold day. It’s also adaptable, so have fun experimenting with this recipe!

Learn more: Perfect Holiday Food & Cocktail Pairings to Impress Your Guests

Pro tips on spices, garnishes & batching

Every host deserves a few shortcuts to make their fall apple cider drinks shine. Start with spices, AKA the true backbone of the season. A gentle simmer with cinnamon, clove, star anise, allspice, or nutmeg turns even simple cider into something spectacular.

Next up, garnishes. Fall cocktails love a little flair, and your options are endless: fan out thin apple slices, tuck in a dried orange wheel, or perch a cinnamon stick across the rim. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme bring that just-picked aroma that wows every time.

Finally, never underestimate the finishing touch! A sprinkle of spiced apple sugar or grated nutmeg across the top adds instant comforting vibes and a little sparkle to every glass.

For bourbon apple cider drinks, try adding a few cinnamon sticks and cloves before heating. For apple cider and rum cocktails, let slices of pear or citrus steep for extra warmth. Always add the booze right before serving so your flavors stay bright and balanced.

There you have it, fellow fall lovers! Our amazing apple cider cocktails to try at home. Discover more apple-inspired recipes (opens in new window) and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix. In the meantime, visit the Wild Turkey (opens in new window) and SKYY Vodka (opens in new window) websites to stock up on cozy cocktail essentials