Holiday gatherings are the perfect opportunity to elevate your drink offerings beyond the usual fare. 7 festive cider cocktails perfect for the holiday season bring a warm, cozy vibe to your celebrations by blending the crispness of apple cider with spices and spirits. These creative cocktails are just what you need to impress your guests and add a touch of festivity to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these cider cocktail recipes will fill your home with holiday cheer.
Ginger and Pear Cider Fizz
Get ready for a refreshing twist on holiday drinks with the Ginger and Pear Cider Fizz. This cocktail combines the sweet and juicy notes of pear with the spicy kick of ginger, creating a delightful blend that’s both bubbly and revitalizing. It’s an easy cider cocktail idea that can elevate any festive gathering without much hassle.
The fizz from the ginger beer adds a fun sparkle to this drink, making it perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this drink will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. With its light, fruity flavors, it’s a must-try among fall cider cocktails.
Ingredients
- 2 oz pear juice
- 1 oz ginger liqueur
- 4 oz sparkling cider
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine the pear juice, ginger liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. Add ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling cider for that fizzy finish.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of pear if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your festive cider cocktail!
Spiked Hot Apple Cider
Spiked hot apple cider is a delightful twist on a classic warm drink that brings a cozy feel to chilly evenings. The sweet, spiced aroma fills the air as it simmers, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. This drink combines the comforting flavors of apple cider with a kick of spirits, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
Not only is this drink easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste by adding different spirits like rum or bourbon, and spices such as cinnamon and star anise. It’s a wonderful choice for warm cider cocktails for winter and will surely impress your guests at any festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 cup whiskey or spiced rum
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and sliced orange. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust sweetness with brown sugar if desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in the whiskey or spiced rum.
- Serve warm in mugs, garnished with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices if you like.
Cinnamon Spiced Apple Cider Mule
The Cinnamon Spiced Apple Cider Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Combining the warm notes of cinnamon with the crispness of apple cider, this cocktail is perfect for cozy gatherings during the holidays. It’s refreshing yet comforting, making it a hit at any festive gathering.
This easy cider cocktail is simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients. The combination of spicy ginger beer and sweet apple cider creates a balanced drink that embodies the essence of winter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cocktail is sure to bring warmth and cheer!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce ginger beer
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, apple cider, and ground cinnamon. Add ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a copper mug filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your festive cider cocktail!
Cranberry Citrus Cider Spritz
The Cranberry Citrus Cider Spritz is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and refreshing citrus that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season. This cocktail is not only tasty but also incredibly easy to make, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings with friends and family. The sweet and sour notes come together beautifully, bringing warmth and cheer to any celebration.
Light and bubbly, this drink is a fantastic addition to your list of winter cider cocktails. With its vibrant colors and festive flair, it’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for something special to enjoy by the fire, this Cranberry Citrus Cider Spritz will definitely add a splash of joy to your festivities.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice. Stir well to mix.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mixture over the ice, filling each glass about 2/3 full.
- Top each glass with sparkling water for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your holiday cocktail!
Pomegranate Cider Sangria
Pomegranate Cider Sangria is a festive twist on the classic sangria that’s perfect for the holiday season. This drink combines the sweetness of pomegranate juice with the warmth of spiced cider, creating a refreshing yet cozy beverage that everyone will love. It’s simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
The blend of tart pomegranate, crisp apples, and aromatic spices makes this drink a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy drink to enjoy by the fireplace, this sangria is sure to impress. It’s a wonderful option among spiked cider drinks for Christmas or festive cider cocktails!
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 sprig of rosemary (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider, pomegranate juice, red wine, and orange liqueur. Stir well to mix.
- Add the sliced apple and pomegranate seeds into the pitcher along with the cinnamon sticks.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend. For best results, let it chill overnight.
- Before serving, stir the sangria and pour it into glasses filled with ice, if desired.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch!
Maple Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
The Maple Apple Cider Bourbon Smash is a delightful blend of fall flavors that perfectly captures the essence of the season. This easy cider cocktail combines the sweetness of maple syrup, the crispness of apple cider, and the warmth of bourbon, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s a fantastic choice for gatherings, as it offers a unique twist on traditional holiday cocktails with cider.
Making this cocktail is simple and fun, ideal for both novice and experienced mixologists. Just mix, shake, and enjoy! It pairs beautifully with festive meals and is sure to impress your friends and family. Here’s how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser:
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh apple cider
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with apple slices and a sprig of rosemary.
- Serve and enjoy your festive cider cocktail!
Autumn Harvest Cider Cocktail
This Autumn Harvest Cider Cocktail is a delightful blend of warm spices and crisp apple flavors, perfect for celebrating the fall season. The mix of cider, spices, and perhaps a splash of whiskey offers a comforting drink that warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this cocktail stands out among festive cider cocktails. Serve it at your next holiday party or cozy get-together, and watch as it becomes a new favorite for friends and family. Whether you’re looking to make holiday apple cider drinks or spiced apple cider cocktails, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 cup whiskey (or rum for a twist)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 orange, sliced
- Apple slices for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine apple cider, whiskey, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Add orange slices and let simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove from heat and strain into glasses.
- Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks before serving warm.
Sip on Holiday Cheer
If you’re eager to try these festive cider cocktails or want to find local businesses offering inventive holiday drinks, check out our dessert directory to discover small businesses near you. Supporting local shops lets you enjoy creative and unique seasonal drinks crafted with care, adding flavor and fun to your celebrations.
For those ready to mix up these cider cocktails at home, why not share your favorite holiday drink recipes with us? Submit your recipe here and join a growing community of drink enthusiasts who love celebrating the holidays in style.
Cider cocktails are the perfect way to bring a festive twist to any holiday occasion. From spiced rum cider to warm apple cider margaritas, these drinks blend classic flavors with exciting new twists that will keep your guests coming back for more.
At Creme Filled Churros, we’re here to inspire your next celebration. Try these 7 festive cider cocktails perfect for the holiday season, and let us help you create memorable moments with drinks that are as delicious as they are festive!