Cocktail culture is always evolving, but there’s one trend that feels both refreshing and timeless: the rise of cider cocktails. Whether you’re already a cider lover or someone who’s never ventured beyond a pint, mixing cider into cocktails is the ultimate way to give your drinks a crisp, flavour-packed upgrade.
Think of cider as the secret ingredient that adds a tangy, slightly sweet twist to your favourite classics. From margaritas to martinis, it plays beautifully with spirits, fruit, and even herbs. Ready to elevate your home bartending game? Let’s explore why cider belongs in your cocktail shaker, the best brands to stock up on, and a few recipes you’ll want to make on repeat.
Here’s a list of exceptional ciders that are perfect for crafting exquisite cocktails:
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider: A classic choice with a crisp and refreshing apple flavour, making it an ideal base for a wide range of cocktails.
- Strongbow Gold Apple Cider: This cider balances sweet and tart, offering a robust apple character that adds depth to any cocktail creation.
- Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider: Known for its smooth and slightly sweet profile, this cider complements various flavours and adds a touch of warmth to your cocktails.
- Crispin Original Cider: Its bright and light apple notes bring a refreshing quality to your cocktails, making it perfect for those seeking a more subtle taste.
Why cider makes the perfect cocktail base
Cider is one of those drinks that bridges the gap between beer and wine. It’s light and refreshing like lager but has the fruit-forward complexity of wine. This balance makes it an amazing base for cocktails—you get body, sweetness, and acidity all in one pour.
Unlike soda or juice, cider doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Instead, it enhances them. Mix it with spirits like vodka, tequila, or brandy, and you’ve got a drink that’s layered, vibrant, and seriously moreish.
Now, let’s dive into the cocktail recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy:
Apple Cider Margarita
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. orange liqueur
- 2 oz apple cider
- Salt or sugar (for rimming)
- Apple slice (for garnish)
Rim the glass with salt or sugar. In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and apple cider with ice. Shake well and strain into the rimmed glass. Garnish with an apple slice and enjoy the perfect fusion of cider and margarita flavours.
Cider Sangria:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brandy
- Assorted fruits (such as apples, oranges, and berries)
In a pitcher, combine red wine, apple cider, orange juice, and brandy. Stir well. Add sliced fruits and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavours to meld. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh fruit slices for a refreshing twist on traditional sangria.
Cider Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- 2 oz apple cider
- Apple slice and fresh mint (for garnish)
Combine vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and apple cider in a copper mug filled with ice. Stir gently to mix. Garnish with an apple slice and a sprig of fresh mint for a cider-infused twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
Caramel Apple Martini
- 2 oz. vanilla vodka
- 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
- 2 oz apple cider
- Caramel sauce (for rimming)
- Apple slice (for garnish)
Rim a martini glass with caramel sauce. In a shaker filled with ice, combine vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, and apple cider. Shake well and strain into the rimmed martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice, and indulge in this decadent and fall-inspired cocktail.
Experiment and make it your own
The beauty of cider cocktails is that there are no strict rules. Prefer your drinks sweeter? Add a dash of honey or swap in a sweeter cider. Want something herbaceous? Throw in fresh rosemary or thyme. You can even play with seasonal fruit—pear, cranberry, and pomegranate all pair beautifully with cider.
Think of cider as your new mixology playground. The more you experiment, the more unique concoctions you’ll create.
Final sip: why you’ll love cider cocktails
Cider cocktails aren’t just a seasonal fad—they’re versatile, affordable, and endlessly customisable. They bring a refreshing twist to familiar recipes and give you an excuse to play bartender without needing a long ingredient list.
So the next time you’re planning drinks, skip the standard mixers and grab a few bottles of cider. From cosy autumn evenings to summer garden parties, these recipes will have you raising a glass in no time.
Just remember: experiment, have fun, and always drink responsibly.
