3 Easy Apple Cider Cocktails to Sip This Fall

From a spicy margarita to a cozy bourbon smash, these three easy apple cider cocktails are perfect for fall evenings, Friendsgiving, and everything in between.

There's something about fall that makes me want to slow down a little. The cooler evenings, changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and the excuse to light a few candles and enjoy a good cocktail.

And if there's one ingredient that deserves a permanent spot in the refrigerator this time of year, it's apple cider.

I decided to experiment with three different apple cider cocktails, and what I love most is how completely different they turned out. One has a little kick, one is crisp and refreshing, and the last is warm and rich with those wonderful caramel notes you get from bourbon.

The best part? None of these require complicated ingredients or fancy bartending skills. They're easy enough to make on a quiet evening at home but special enough to serve when friends come over.

So grab your favorite glass, a bottle of apple cider, and let's make something delicious!

1. Spicy Cinnamon Apple Cider Margarita

For the person who likes a little heat with their happy hour.

I love a good margarita, and this fall-inspired version brings together sweet apple cider, tart citrus, cinnamon, and a little heat from fresh serrano pepper.

The serrano gives this cocktail a noticeable kick, but that's what makes it fun. The combination of sweet, tart, and spicy is especially good for anyone who wants something a little unexpected.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila blanco

• 2 oz apple cider

• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

• ½ oz orange liqueur

• ¼ oz cinnamon simple syrup, optional

• 1–2 thin slices of fresh serrano pepper

• Ice

• Cinnamon sugar for the rim, optional

• Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions

1. If desired, rim a rocks glass with lime juice and cinnamon sugar.

2. Add the serrano slices to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release some heat.

3. Add tequila, apple cider, lime juice, orange liqueur, cinnamon syrup if using, and ice.

4. Shake well until chilled.

5. Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.

6. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.

   
   

A little tip: Serrano peppers vary in heat. Start with one thin slice and add more if you like a spicier cocktail. Remove the seeds for a gentler kick.

Best for: Fall girls' nights, taco nights, and anyone who loves a cocktail with personality.

2. Apple Cider Moscow Mule

For the person who loves something crisp, refreshing, and just a little festive.

There's something about a Moscow Mule served in a copper mug that makes even an ordinary evening feel a little special.

This fall version is incredibly simple. Apple cider brings a little sweetness, fresh lime keeps it bright, and ginger beer gives it that familiar spicy fizz.

It's probably the easiest of the three cocktails, making it a great choice when you're entertaining and don't want to spend the evening mixing drinks.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka

• 2 oz apple cider

• ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice

• 3–4 oz ginger beer

• Ice

• Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with ice.

2. Add the vodka, apple cider, and fresh lime juice.

3. Top with ginger beer.

4. Stir gently to combine.

5. Garnish with a fresh apple slice and cinnamon stick.

   
   

A little tip: Use a good, spicy ginger beer rather than ginger ale. That ginger bite balances the sweetness of the cider beautifully.

Best for: Friendsgiving, casual fall get-togethers, and anyone who prefers a refreshing cocktail.

3. Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Smash

For the person who loves a cozy evening, a good book, and a cocktail worth savoring.

Of the three, this one feels the most like fall in a glass.

Bourbon already has those wonderful vanilla and caramel notes, and when you combine it with apple cider, a little maple syrup, and fresh lemon, you get something rich, balanced, and delicious.

I served mine in a simple rocks glass with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Add a candle or two, and it's exactly the kind of drink I want to enjoy on a chilly autumn evening.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon

• 2 oz apple cider

• ½ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz pure maple syrup (Optional if you want more sweetness)

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters, optional

• Ice

• Thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters if using.

3. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.

4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

5. Garnish with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

   
   

A little tip: If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the maple syrup to ¼ oz. For a sparkling twist, top it with a splash of ginger beer.

Best for: Cozy nights at home, after-dinner drinks, and intimate fall gatherings.

Which Apple Cider Cocktail Should You Try First?

That's the fun part—there's a cocktail for just about every mood.

Feeling adventurous? Try the Spicy Cinnamon Apple Cider Margarita.

Want something light and refreshing? The Apple Cider Moscow Mule is calling your name.

Ready to settle in for a cozy evening? Pour yourself a Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Smash.

You don't need a fully stocked bar or an elaborate party to make an ordinary evening feel a little special. Sometimes it's as simple as lighting a candle, putting on some music, and trying something new.

And if you're having friends over this fall, these three cocktails are an easy way to offer a little something for everyone.

A Little More Fall Inspiration

If you're planning a gathering, don't miss my Five Fun Friendsgiving Party Ideas, filled with creative themes and entertaining inspiration.

Which cocktail would you try first? I'd love to hear your favorite!

Here's to good drinks, cozy evenings, and making the everyday a little more beautiful.

The Lavender Hazel