Food Shopping and Storing Beverages 16 Incredibly Delicious Apple Cider Cocktails for Coziness in a Glass 'Tis the season for apple cider cocktails and fall drinks. By Ananda Eidelstein Ananda Eidelstein Ananda Eidelstein is a vegetable-loving food writer, recipe developer, and editor with nearly a decade of culinary and food media experience. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Lauren Phillips Lauren Phillips Lauren is a former editor at Real Simple and currently serves as a senior digital editor for Better Homes & Gardens. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 09, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Getty Images 'Tis the season for apple cider cocktails and fall drinks. When people trade their spaghetti-strap shirts for plaid flannels, gallons of fresh apple cider pop up at farmers' markets and grocery stores and start flying off the shelves. You may even get into the seasonal spirit by making apple cider after a day of soaking up fall foliage while picking apples for your favorite apple recipes. No matter what kind of apple cider you start with, adding a few simple ingredients will help you transform this classic fall drink into an even more festive treat. Check out the creative and easy apple cider cocktail recipes below (we've even put together an easy-to-save, easy-to-share graphic to make trying some of these cocktail recipes easier). There's a sparkling apple cider drink, an apple cider sangria, and even an apple cider punch perfect for fall gatherings. onethread design; recipes developed by Charlyne Mattox 01 of 16 Apple Cinnamon-Spiced Cocktail a_namenko Get the Recipe This tasty apple cider cocktail is an autumn twist on your favorite summer drink, the Aperol Spritz. Crisp and refreshing in every glass, this drink comes together quickly—it's just vodka, apple cider, lemon juice, and Aperol—but tastes as good as anything you might order at the bar, especially if you splurge on the optional garnishes. 02 of 16 Cider and Pomegranate Margarita Emma Darvick Get the Recipe It's a margarita with cider. If you need more convincing than that, consider that it contains pomegranate juice for a slightly sweet kick. For the strongest flavors, serve this apple cider cocktail without ice. You'll be ready for round two before you know it. 03 of 16 Citrusy Cider, Scotch, and Lavender Emma Darvick Get the Recipe For a cold lightweight fall drink—hey, not everyone wants hot drinks this time of year—try this cocktail, which keeps it simple with scotch, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It's subtly sweet with a warm, rich undertone from the scotch, which makes it perfect for early fall. 04 of 16 Boozy Apple Cider Slushie J MUCKLE; STYLING: REBEKAH PEPPLER Get the Recipe Whether it's a warm autumn or just craving a frozen drink, this spiked apple cider slushie offers fall flavors and cool refreshments in equal measure. You need to freeze this drink, so plan to ensure you have plenty of time to get that just-right slushie texture before happy hour or Friendsgiving. 05 of 16 Cider Dark and Stormy Emma Darvick Get the Recipe If you love a good Dark and Stormy, then you're bound to love one with an autumnal apple cider twist—with apple cider, dark rum, and ginger beer, this cocktail has everything you love about a good Dark and Stormy, plus some more seasonal flair. 06 of 16 Spiced Apple Kombucha Cocktail Stephen DeVries Get the Recipe A kombucha base—with apple cider, of course—adds some healthy points to this drink. It calls for spiced rum for the kick, but you can make your own spiced rum (it's easier than you think) or pick some up at the store. This drink is bound to be one of your new go-to casual cocktails. 07 of 16 Gingery Cider with Tequila Emma Darvick Get the Recipe For a more elevated apple cider cocktail, try this concoction, which is a little more involved than most at-home cocktails—but well worth the effort. With ginger for a bit of a bite and tequila for the boozy kick, this drink is an excellent option for a casual fall evening at home. 08 of 16 Cider Shandy Emma Darvick Get the Recipe The classic shandy gets autumnal with the addition of apple cider in place of lemonade. Not too sweet and very light (and low-effort), this drink is perfect for movie nights or game days. 09 of 16 Spicy Bourbon-Apple Punch Victor Protasio Get the Recipe This big-batch cocktail will keep any crowd happy. A dash of cayenne pepper brings the heat, while a mix of bourbon, sparkling apple cider, and orange juice serves as the not-too-sweet base. Want to dress this apple cider punch up even more? Try a hard apple cider for a boozier blend. 10 of 16 Smoke & Spice Cider Emma Darvick Get the Recipe For a smokier fall drink, try this easy concoction with mezcal for a bite and a little jalapeño for a spicy kick. The apple cider base keeps it plenty autumnal, but the added sophistication from the smoke and spice make this cocktail perfect for a dinner party or other dressed-up gathering. 11 of 16 Molasses-Spiced Spiked Cider Caitlin Bensel Get the Recipe This warm apple cider cocktail is perfect for a chilly fall day. It serves eight, too, so it's an excellent pick for a party or a grown-ups-only trip to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard. To take it on the go, pour it into a sturdy thermos. 12 of 16 Cider Bellini Emma Darvick Get the Recipe When you thought nothing could beat a mimosa or classic Bellini: A cider Bellini uses a dash of apple cider instead of peach puree (or orange juice, in the case of a mimosa) for a brunch-ready beverage that's perfect for fall. Incredibly simple to make, these drinks are sure to impress a crowd. 13 of 16 Fall Cider Sangria Emma Darvick Get the Recipe Make sangria even more ready for leisurely fall afternoons and evenings by using apple cider instead of your typical juice of choice. Apple, pear, orange, and apple brandy add more fall flavors, while the white wine makes a good cider's warm color shine. 14 of 16 Salted Caramel Apple Punch Diana Rattray Get the Recipe With only five ingredients, this simple apple cider punch is an excellent cocktail for get-togethers where you want to spend more time on the food than on prepping drinks. Ideally, you'll let the ingredients chill together before serving, but you can mix up a batch last minute and serve over ice for a group beverage. No one will know you just threw them together. Add the caramel ice cream topping and flaky salt topping for extra garnishes. 15 of 16 Spiked Cider Tea Emma Darvick Get the Recipe A hot drink makes everything better—and this rich tea (with some gin for a little pick-me-up) is sure to boost your day, whether you're enjoying it on a crisp morning or as an evening treat. 16 of 16 Rum and Pineapple Punch Emma Darvick Get the Recipe Fall and tropical flavors meet with delicious results in this simple punch. The apple cider base brings the autumn bite, while pineapple, orange juice, brandy, and rum offer those rum punch flavors we all know and love. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit