This Apple Cider Cocktail is perfect for fall. It’s easy to make, full of delicious flavor, and is bound to become one of your favorite fall cocktails!
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One of the first things my family likes to do this time of year is take a trip to the apple orchard. We always bring home a huge bag of fresh apples and a gallon or two of fresh apple cider. Anyone else?! The cider from local orchards is just unbeatable! There’s just something about drinking a glass of hot apple cider on a chilly night. It’s definitely a favorite drink in my family.
This recipe is for that time of year when you’re craving fall flavors, but it’s still feeling hot like summer. If you’re not ready for hot apple cider, this one’s for you. Oh, and this one is for the adults! Everyone needs a good repertoire of fall cocktail ideas.
Once I decided to make this new recipe, I haven’t been able to get enough. I think the cinnamon sugar rim sets this recipe apart from all the other cider cocktails I’ve tried. It’s the perfect finishing touch that goes so well with the apple and cinnamon flavors without any added sugar in the actual cocktail itself. The rim is just enough! Plus, it’s pretty!
This recipe and my Apple Cider Old Fashioned are two of my favorite fall cocktails! I hope you give it a try😊
Ingredients needed:
Golden Sugar– The only difference between golden sugar and regular granulated sugar is the slight hint of molasses. You can easily substitute regular sugar or brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
Cinnamon– When you combine the cinnamon and sugar for the rim, it adds the perfect taste of sweetness that brings this apple cider cocktail to the next level!
Lemon– Using a lemon wedge to rub lemon juice on the glass rim is how you get the cinnamon sugar to stick. You can also taste the tiniest hint of lemon which adds the perfect touch.
Spiced Rum– Spiced Rum has hints of vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and fresh ginger which is perfect for this apple cocktail.
Apple Cider– The sweet apple flavors in fresh apple cider are irresistible. It’s the star ingredient in this apple cider cocktail recipe.
Sparkling Water– Sparkling Water adds a tiny bit of carbonation which is perfect in this cocktail.
Apple– Adding an apple slice is the perfect garnish.
Cinnamon Sticks (optional)- A cinnamon stick is the perfect way to top off this apple cider cocktail.
How to make this Apple Cider Cocktail:
- Pour the cinnamon and sugar in a small dish.
- Rub the lemon wedge on the rims of your cocktail glasses, and dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- In a small pitcher, stir the spiced rum, apple cider, and sparkling water. You can also use a cocktail shaker instead of stirring the mixture if you would like.
- Add your ice, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks to your glasses, pour the rum mixture, and enjoy!
Apple Cider Cocktail FAQS
Can I substitute the sparkling water?
Yes! I think the carbonation from the sparkling water is great in this recipe so I would recommend substituting it with something else carbonated. Ginger beer, ginger ale, or hard cider would be great options!
Can I serve this to a crowd?
You can always double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe if you’re making it for a crowd. If that’s the case, you could make it in a large pitcher or punch bowl. This recipe would definitely be a hit this holiday season!
Can I make it sweeter?
I think the apple cider along with the cinnamon sugar rim adds the perfect amount of sweetness. If you would like to make it sweeter, you can add some simple syrup, or use more apple cider.
Do I have to serve this right away?
Since this recipe contains sparkling water, it will only last for about 2 days. I would recommend serving it soon after you make it for the best results!
What is the difference between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?
Apple cider is basically made from ground up apples, and is typically unfiltered and unpasteurized. Apple juice is filtered and pasteurized to extend its shelf life. Unfiltered Apple juice is more similar to apple cider, but grocery stores usually don’t carry it.
Do I have to use spiced rum?
I think the spiced rum goes well with the apples and cinnamon, but you could also substitute any dark rum or dark liquor if you would prefer.
Looking for more cocktails or adult beverages? Try my Margarita recipe, Skinny Christmas Punch, and Mint Julep.
If you make this recipe or any Happy Healthy Mama recipe, please share it on Instagram and I’ll feature you! Also, if you try it, please leave a comment with a star rating below! Those star ratings are so helpful in helping my recipes get discovered. I appreciate you!
Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails 1x
Description
All of your fall favorites in a glass! This is an easy, healthier, and delicious fall cocktail made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon golden sugar, for the glass rims
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for the glass rims
- 1 fresh lemon wedge, for the glass rims
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) spiced rum
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) apple cider
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) sparkling water
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 2 fresh apple slices
Instructions
- Pour the sugar and cinnamon into the bottom of a shallow bowl.
- Rub the lemon wedge onto the rim of 2 cocktail glasses and dip them in the sugar.
- Stir together the spiced rum, apple cider, and sparkling water in a small pitcher.
- Divide the crushed ice between the 2 cocktail glasses and add 1 apple slice to each. Pour in the rum mixture.
- Serve. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: cocktail recipes
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Fat: 1.4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 39 grams
- Fiber: 11 grams
- Protein: 4.5 grams
This is my favorite fall cocktail!