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Apple Cider Cocktail is grown up cider with a fun fall twist! Serve it warm or on the rocks – it’s completely up to you!
Apple Cider with spiced rum makes the perfect party drink. It can easily be prepared in advance to serve at Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or your next bonfire.
Originally shared November 2013, updated September 2020.
‘Tis the season for everything apple cider! Pork Medallions with Apple Cider Glaze, Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing, Apple Cider Donut Holes and so much more!
It’s no secret, I’m a fan of signature drinks. I offer a signature cocktail based on season and occasion for ease in entertaining. It allows guests to serve themselves while I can enjoy their conversation or finish last minute preparations.
For Fall, one of my favorites is an apple cider cocktail. Just enough punch for showers, weddings, Thanksgiving and tailgates. I’ve brought you this Apple Cider Bourbon Slush, as well as this incredible Cinnamon Apple Old Fashioned.
I love everything about apples for fall. That’s why I created Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Apple Recipes, which is a complete recipe round-up of all the best apple recipes for autumn and beyond!
Apple Cider Cocktail
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s Versatile – Serve it warm or cold!
- It’s Easy – You can make it start to finish in less than 3 minutes.
Apple Cider Cocktail Ingredients
- Apple Cider – Homemade or store bought.
- Rum – Dark or spiced rum is preferable adding a lot of fall flavor.
- Cinnamon Schnapps – Otherwise known as cinnamon liqueur, this ingredient spices it up and adds a little warmth.
- Orange Juice – A fresh squeeze of orange juice adds bright flavor.
- Optional Garnish – Apple slice, cinnamon stick, star of anise and or a sprig of thyme or rosemary.
Variations
- Make it with Pear Cider instead of apple cider.
- Make it with vodka! I often interchange rum and vodka (see my Vodka Mojito!)
- Rim this cocktail with a gorgeous Cinnamon Sugar blend.
How to Make an Apple Cider Cocktail
- Combine – Combine in a cocktail shaker or pitcher. Shake or stir.
- Serve – Pour over a glass of ice (to serve chilled) and garnish with a cinnamon stick, star of anise and a rosemary or thyme sprig.
Recipe Shortcuts
- Use store-bought apple cider to make this cocktail in just a minute!
- To warm this apple cider cocktail for a crowd ahead of time, use a crockpot or a pretty pot on the stove!
What kind of rum should I use with apple cider?
Dark liquor tends to have a warmer, more caramelized flavor that works beautifully in this apple cider cocktail. Try Zaya brand rum or Goslings for a dark rum to sip and savor.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, you can make this apple cider cocktail ahead. Simply add ingredients into a large pitcher, cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before your event. Keep in mind though that each person’s tastes might require a different amount of rum vs. cider!
How to Store
- Refrigerate – this apple cider cocktail can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours in an airtight pitcher or other container.
- Freeze – You can freeze this apple cider cocktail into a slush! Simply freeze, already combined, in an airtight container with a couple inches left at the top to make room for expansion. When ready to drink as a slush, simply stir- it’s already the best consistency!
Tools to Use
Shaker – I love this antique brass cocktail set.
Jigger – This jigger and muddler set is perfect!
You can get these Fleur de Lys cocktail glasses here.
How to Serve
- For a Crowd – Combine in a punch bowl and have pre-garnished glasses to serve. To make a large amount use the adjustable servings in the recipe card.
- Single Serving – With a cinnamon stick to stir, sprig of rosemary or thyme and a star of anise.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
Cheers!
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More Fall Cocktail Inspiration
Fall Cocktails
Bourbon Smash Cocktail
Easy Spiked Apple Cider with Bourbon
Cinnamon Toast Cocktail
Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
Apple Cider Cocktail
Easy 3 minute apple cider cocktail made with apple cider, rum, cinnamon schnapps and a hint of orange and served with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. It's a memorable fall cocktail you'll crave again and again!
Yield
Ingredients
- 8 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce rum dark or spiced
- 1 ounce cinnamon schnapps
- 1 tablespoon orange juice fresh squeeze
Instructions
- Combine apple cider, rum, cinnamon schnapps and orange juice in a pitcher or cocktail shaker. Mix well.
- Pour over a glass of ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick, star of anise and a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
Tips
How to Serve
- For a Crowd – Combine in a punch bowl and have pre-garnished glasses to serve. To make a large amount use the adjustable servings in the recipe card.
- Single Serving – With a cinnamon stick to stir, sprig of rosemary or thyme and a star of anise.
How to Store
- Refrigerate – this apple cider cocktail can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours in an airtight pitcher or other container.
- Freeze – You can freeze this apple cider cocktail into a slush! Simply freeze, already combined, in an airtight container with a couple inches left at the top to make room for expansion. When ready to drink as a slush, simply stir- it’s already the best consistency!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 282kcal (14%), Carbohydrates: 39g (13%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 1g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1g (5%), Sodium: 10mg, Potassium: 229mg (7%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 34g (38%), Vitamin C: 11mg (13%), Calcium: 18mg (2%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Ivory says
We made this drink, and wow, it was amazing
Julie Blanner says
Thanks, Ivory! I appreciate your feedback. Cheers!
Kenny Bain says
Great and simple recipe. I added Fireball Cinnamon Whisky (4oz) as well for a little extra kick!
Julie Blanner says
What a great idea! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing!
D says
Yum! I made something similar to this the other evening, but with pinot grigio instead of vodka, off of Pinterest. Thank you for this twist! Also, I am in LOVE with the gold bar cart/table-can you provide the source please? Thank you!!
Julie says
Yum! Of course! All of the details can be found here. https://julieblanner.com/brass-bar-cart/
Happy Thanksgiving!
Julie @ Creating This Life says
Yum! I want to do a signature cocktail for Thanksgiving and this may be just the thing. Thanks!
Julie says
Thanks Julie! Happy Thanksgiving!