9 Apple Cider Cocktails Perfect for Warming up in Chilly Weather

pomegranate-cider sangria with cinnamon sticks
Photo: Brie Passano

It's not really autumn until you start sipping on apple cider. But when you want to dress it up a little, turn to these crisp, refreshing apple cider cocktail recipes. Each of these apple cider mixed drinks has a splash of the classic spiced juice, but there are a few recipes in the mix that actually call for your favorite bottled hard apple cider, too. Grab a friend, because these fall drinks will make you want to clink glasses.

01 of 09

Snickerdoodle Cider Mimosa

snickerdoodle-style cider mimosa in glass
Brie Passano

If you're not enjoying a warm, fresh-from-the-oven snickerdoodle cookie when you sip on this apple cider cocktail, you're doing it wrong. Unlike baking, this cookie-inspired fall cider cocktail takes just 10 minutes and 5 ingredients to prepare. Apple cider, cream soda, and sparkling white wine make this a toast-worthy cocktail, while a cinnamon-sugar mix makes a deliciously sweet garnish on the rim.

02 of 09

Honeyed Hot Cider Sauvignon

Honeyed Hot Cider Sauvignon
Carson Downing

Save a bottle of your favorite summer white wine for this delicious apple cider mixed drink. Warm spices and honey infuse the wine and apple cider on a low simmer in the crockpot for a few hours. Spike your fall cider cocktail with a bit of rum, brandy, or bourbon for an extra punch.

Buy It: Crock-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker ($49, Target)

03 of 09

Pomegranate Cider Sangria

pomegranate-cider sangria with cinnamon sticks
Brie Passano

Sangria isn't just for summer. In fact, this spiced sangria was definitely made to sip in the fall. Apple cider and pomegranate juice give this yummy cider sangria its fruity flavor, while cinnamon sticks and star anise bring a powerful burst of fall flavor. Adding brandy is optional, but it's a must if you want a true fall sangria recipe.

04 of 09

Mulled Cider and Pineapple Cocktail

Mulled Cider and Pineapple Cocktail
Con Poulos

Apple cider, meet pineapple. While these fruits might traditionally hail from different seasons, they're absolutely irresistible mixed together in this refreshing apple cider cocktail recipe. Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks and star anise to let the fall flavors develop, then bring on a taste of summertime by mixing pineapple juice and rum into the spiced cider.

05 of 09

Cider Moscow Mule

Cider Moscow Mule
Brie Passano

If you haven't already, wash your copper mugs to make this apple cider mixed drink. All the Moscow mule ingredients we know and love are here, but a splash of apple cider puts a fall twist on this tasty drink. If you like your Moscow mules with a little extra zest, serve with a few extra lime slices.

Buy It: Godinger Moscow Mule Mugs ($8, Bed Bath & Beyond)

06 of 09

Cider Mulled Wine

cider mulled wine with apples and cinnamon
Brie Passano

White wine-lovers, it's time to celebrate—there's a mulled wine recipe for you! This white mulled wine recipe is even more than meets the eye because it has a few cups of apple cider mixed in, along with warm fall spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice. If you want your mulled wine to have even more kick, add a splash of spiced rum just before serving for an apple cider rum cocktail.

07 of 09

Apple Cider Punch

Apple Cider Punch
Tina Rupp

While this sparkling punch recipe keeps it simple, it's still worth making to toast a special celebration. If you like your apple cider drinks nonalcoholic, you can easily make this 5-minute punch with sparkling juice. But if your party is adults-only, make sure to use champagne. Dressing up your glass of bubbly with apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice makes it tangy and tasty enough for fall celebrations.

08 of 09

Cranberry Cider Sangria

Cranberry Apple Sangria
Andy Lyons

Besides apples, what other ingredient really says fall? Cranberries, of course! Mix the apple juice with pomegranate-cranberry juice and brandy to make this yummy cold-weather apple cider mixed drink. Of course, sangria is all about the garnishes you serve with it, so fill your pitcher with apple wedges, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise before you start doling out glasses.

09 of 09

Apple Cider Cocktail

Apple Cider Cocktail
Con Poulos

One of our favorite apple cider cocktails, this drink recipe has both traditional apple cider and bottled hard apple cider. Made for fans of fruity cocktails, this recipe also includes muddled grapes, lemon juice, and a dash of orange bitters. This simple 5-minute drink recipe makes 8 servings, so grab a few friends to share it with on a crisp fall night.

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