This apple cider cocktail is a grown up take on seasonal apple cider. With all the flavor you crave in the fall, you’ll love this fragrant, vibrant cocktail.
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.
‘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!
We’ve been making this cocktail for a long time – I originally shared this recipe in 2013! I love rotating through some seasonal sips, as we enjoy crafting special drinks to share with friends during every season of the year.
It’s no secret, I’m a fan of signature drinks. I like to serve 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.
I’ve brought you this Apple Cider Bourbon Slush, as well as this incredible Cinnamon Apple Old Fashioned. Today, we’re focusing on another favorite, and I just know you’re going to love it too.
Apple Cider Cocktail
This cocktail is infused with the perfect little kick – making it perfect for showers, weddings, Thanksgiving and tailgates.
Why You’ll Love It
Ingredients and Substitutions
See printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.
- 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 instead of rum.
- Rim this cocktail with a gorgeous Cinnamon Sugar blend.
How to Make
- 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.
Tips
- Make it With Crushed Ice – Crushed ice chills it quickly white reducing the tart flavor, balancing the cocktail.
- Use Quality Rum –The liquor you choose can enhance or detract from your cocktails.
- Serve a Crowd -It’s easy to double or triple this recipe – just use the yield tab in the printable recipe card to multiply ingredients!
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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
More Fall Cocktail Inspiration
Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- 8 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce rum dark or spiced
- 1 ounce cinnamon schnapps
- 1 tablespoon orange juice fresh squeezed
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.
Julie’s 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!
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
We made this drink, and wow, it was amazing
Thanks, Ivory! I appreciate your feedback. Cheers!
Great and simple recipe. I added Fireball Cinnamon Whisky (4oz) as well for a little extra kick!
What a great idea! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing!
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!!
Yum! Of course! All of the details can be found here. https://julieblanner.com/brass-bar-cart/
Happy Thanksgiving!
Yum! I want to do a signature cocktail for Thanksgiving and this may be just the thing. Thanks!
Thanks Julie! Happy Thanksgiving!