10 Delicious Apple Cider Recipes: From Hot Spiced to Refreshing Mocktails
Introduction
Apple cider has been enjoyed for generations and is a timeless drink that warms the soul. Whether you’re looking for a hot, spiced beverage for the chilly evenings or a cool, refreshing mocktail to quench your thirst on sunny days, we’ve got you covered with our top 10 apple cider recipes. We’ll start off with a classic hot spiced version and end with a tantalizing non-alcoholic mocktail. Let’s get ready to make some delicious beverages!
1. Hot Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients:
– 8 cups apple cider
– 4 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– Zest of one orange (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Add the orange zest for extra flavor if desired. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally.
2. Allow the flavors to infuse for 20-30 minutes. Serve hot in mugs with garnishes of your choice such as cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or apple wedges.
2. Apple Cider Mimosa
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sparkling apple cider
– ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 4 oz champagne or sparkling wine (per serving)
Directions:
1. In a glass, combine sparkling apple cider and orange juice. Mix well.
2. Gently pour the desired amount of champagne into the glass, allowing it to mingle with the other ingredients.
3. Serve immediately for an elegant, bubbly drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
3. Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml)
– 6 cups apple cider
– 2 apples, chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
– 2 pears, thinly sliced
– ½ cup brandy
– ¼ cup brown sugar
Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and chopped fruits (apples, oranges, and pears). Stir in the brandy and brown sugar until dissolved.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to mingle before serving over ice with a garnish of choice such as apple slices or orange wheels.
4. Apple Cider Mojito
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 6 cups apple cider
– ¼ cup simple syrup
– ½ cup mint leaves, roughly chopped
– 10 oz light rum (per serving)
– Mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lime juice, apple cider, and simple syrup. Add the chopped mint leaves and stir well to infuse the flavors.
2. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving over ice in individual glasses.
3. Just before serving, add 1 oz of light rum to each glass and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with mint sprigs if desired.
5. Apple Cider Float
Ingredients:
– 6 cups apple cider
– 4 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
– Whipped cream (for garnishing)
– Cinnamon sticks or apple slices (for garnishing)
Directions:
1. In a large bowl or pitcher, gently combine the apple cider and softened vanilla ice cream until it reaches your desired consistency (you can adjust the ratio of cider to ice cream as per taste).
2. Pour the mixture into individual glasses and top with whipped cream. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or apple slices before serving.
6. Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 cups apple cider
– ½ oz ginger beer (per serving)
– ¼ cup simple syrup
– 8 oz vodka (per serving)
– Lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix lime juice, apple cider, and simple syrup. Add the desired amount of vodka (2 oz per person).
2. Serve over ice in individual glasses with ½ oz of ginger beer added to each serving. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge before enjoying.
7. Apple Cider Fizz
Ingredients:
– 4 cups apple cider
– 1 cup sparkling water
– ½ cup cranberry juice
– ¼ cup lemon juice
– Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, sparkling water, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
2. Pour over ice in individual glasses and add a lemon slice for garnishing. Serve immediately for an effervescent drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
8. Apple Cider Mule
Ingredients:
– 4 cups apple cider
– ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 oz ginger beer (per serving)
– 4 oz bourbon (per serving)
– Lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix apple cider and lime juice. Add the desired amount of bourbon (2 oz per person).
2. Serve over ice in individual glasses with ½ oz of ginger beer added to each serving. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge before enjoying.
9. Spiked Apple Cider Punch
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml)
– 4 cups apple cider
– 4 oz brandy
– ½ cup lemon juice
– ½ cup simple syrup
– Orange slices, apple wedges, and cranberries for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, apple cider, brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup until thoroughly mixed.
2. Refrigerate the punch for at least an hour to allow the flavors to mingle before serving over ice in individual glasses. Garnish with orange slices, apple wedges, and cranberries if desired.
10. Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients:
– 4 cups apple cider
– ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ¼ cup maple syrup
– 4 oz bourbon (per serving)
– Lemon slices for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup until well combined. Add the desired amount of bourbon (2 oz per person).
2. Serve over ice in individual glasses and add a lemon slice for garnishing. Enjoy this sweet and tangy apple cider cocktail as an easy yet sophisticated drink.