Pages
Home
My Bar
Cocktails
Listmania
A.I. Search
Level-up
Ingredients
Log in
Cocktails We Love
Midnight Stinger
Midnight Stinger Bourbon, Amaro, Sugar / simple syrup, Lemon juice
Espresso Martini
Espresso Martini Vodka, Coffee liqueur, Sugar / simple syrup, Coffee
Cañitas
Cañitas White rum, Coffee
Orgasm
Orgasm Vodka, Amaretto, Coffee liqueur, Bailey's, Cream
Christmas Cake Martini
Christmas Cake Martini Cognac, Whiskey, Cherry brandy, Lime juice, Sugar / simple syrup, Almond extract
Level Up
Mastering the Shake
Shaken or Stirred?
The History of the Manhattan
Pairing Cocktails with Food
Muddling - The Why, What, and How?
No results found
esc to close
enter to select
Congratulations!

Welcome to Make Me a Cocktail PREMIUM - where your cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. As a premium member, you've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and using our most advanced AI-driven cocktail tools.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!

Congratulations!

Welcome to Make Me a Cocktail - where your cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. You've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and storing your bar for future use.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!

Congratulations!

You've just been upgraded to our super amazing PREMIUM membership - where your new cocktail adventure begins!

We're absolutely delighted to have you join our community of spirited enthusiasts. As a premium member, you've just unlocked a shaker full of exciting features: from crafting personalized cocktail lists, jotting down those tasty tasting notes and using our most advanced AI-driven cocktail tools.

Our platform is your playground to mix, mingle, and explore the vibrant world of cocktails, so get shaking and get mixing!

Register to continue

Almost there. You are one step away from unlocking this feature.

Register below to continue and keep your bar, lists, and preferences synced.

Join thousands of members and get access to this and a heap more.

You want to be an even better mixologist, get access to cutting-edge tools and use the power of AI to create wonderful cocktails.

    Personalised Cocktail Mastery

  • Cocktail recipe masterclass tips
  • Access to Cocktail Connie
  • Cocktail creator plus
  • Supercharged Tools

  • Serving size alteration
  • Powerful A.I. search
  • All menu creator themes
  • Smarter Home Bar Management

  • Multiple bars
  • Photo your bar
  • Ignore kitchen cupboard staples
  • Personal My Bar image
  • A Cleaner Experience

  • No ads, no intrusions
  • ... and so much more ...
Register

The 10 best Cider cocktails

An editorial shortlist of the Cider cocktails most worth starting with.

Introduction

Infuse Bright Cider into Cocktails!

Cider, a deliciously versatile ingredient, elevates cocktails with its crisp and refreshing character.

Whether enjoyed hot or cold, its natural sweetness and subtle tartness add depth and complexity to any drink. Perfect for any occasion, cider enhances everything from sophisticated sippers to casual mixes, making it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. As a beverage, cider offers a unique combination of fruity and tangy notes, usually derived from apples or pears, making it an ideal pairing with a variety of liquors and mixers. Its adaptability allows for warmth in spiced drinks or cool refreshment in sparkling creations, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences. Cider's effervescence and flavor profile make it a key ingredient for cocktails that aim to delight and surprise the senses.

In this curated listicle, we've handpicked the top 10 cider-based cocktails that showcase its versatility and vibrant taste. These selected recipes demonstrate how cider can transform a simple drink into a complex flavor experience, whether you're indulging in the comforting warmth of Mulled Cider or the refreshing spark of Air Cleaner.

On this page

Jump through the ranked list, then head into the conclusion or FAQs.

1. Snakebite
2. Mulled Cider
3. Warm Bourbon Cider
4. The Colonel
5. Air Cleaner
6. Save Yourself!
7. Mimi
8. Pink Pixie
9. Wankered
10. Sheepdip
Conclusion
More about Cider

1. Snakebite

A striking balance between the tartness of blackcurrant cordial and the crispness of cider, cut through with the effervescence of lager, crafts a drink with a unique profile. This cocktail, often associated with the British pub scene, has gained popularity for its refreshing yet bold taste. It's a testament to the simplicity of ingredients coming together to create something unexpectedly complex and delightfully drinkable.

Ingredients

Method

Get a half pint of cider and fill the rest with lager
Add a dash of blackcurrant and serve
Go to recipe

2. Mulled Cider

This drink is a quintessential winter warmer, combining the comforting flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla with the fruity sharpness of pomegranate and orange. The base of quality cider is elevated with these spices, creating a cocktail that's as aromatic as it is flavorful. Ideal for gatherings or a quiet night in, it encapsulates the essence of the colder months, providing a cozy, festive twist on traditional cider consumption.

Ingredients

Method

Put the cider into a pan with all the spices and the juices of the fruits
Bring to the boil and then allow to simmer for five minutes
Sweeten with sugar to taste
Garnish with a star anise and cinnamon stick, and serve
Go to recipe

3. Warm Bourbon Cider

Mixing the smooth, rich warmth of bourbon with the sweet, tartness of cider, this cocktail is further enriched by the addition of spices like ginger and nutmeg. Each sip promises a multi-layered experience, where the heat of the bourbon is mellowed by the cider's sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced drink that's ideal for chilly evenings. It's a modern twist on traditional cider, introducing a sophisticated, spiced depth to the palate.

Ingredients

Method

In a large pan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
When the liquid is hot but not boiling, remove from heat and add your bourbon whisky of choice
Stir to distribute the spices, pour into a heat resistant glass and serve
Go to recipe

4. The Colonel

This drink presents an inventive blend of green chartreuse, Calvados, and bourbon with cider, creating an unparalleled depth of flavor. The inclusion of a pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle spice that complements the cocktail's complex character. It's a sophisticated choice that demonstrates how cider can serve as a foundation for more elaborate, spirit-forward creations, appealing to connoisseurs seeking a refined drinking experience.

Ingredients

Method

Combine all the ingredients along with 60ml/2 shots of hot water in a mixing glass
Stir and pour into a teacup
Garnish with an apple wedge, sliced into a fan, and serve
Go to recipe

5. Air Cleaner

Featuring a light, fruity base of cider topped with white rum, blackberries, and a hint of raspberry liqueur, this cocktail is a testament to cider's versatility. The orange slice garnish adds a citrusy note that brightens the overall flavor. It's a refreshingly innovative approach to cider cocktails, perfect for those who enjoy drinks that are as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Ingredients

Method

Muddle the blackberries and orange slice in a highball glass while adding the liquids
Add crushed ice and stir
Garnish with a slice of lemon, a feather of pineapple leaves and some cherries, and serve
Go to recipe

6. Save Yourself!

Combining whiskey, blackcurrant cordial, and cider with a splash of lager, this cocktail offers a bold flavor profile destined for those who appreciate a drink with depth. The whiskey's warmth, paired with the cider's crispness, creates a harmonious blend that's both invigorating and comforting. It's a versatile concoction suited for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to more contemplative moments.

Ingredients

Method

Mix half a pint of cider, two shots of Jack Daniel's and half a pint of lager in a pint glass
Stir well and add in a shot of blackcurrant cordial and serve
Go to recipe

7. Mimi

A daring mix that bridges the gap between spirited and soft drinks, combining vodka, WKD blue, and cider. This cocktail is a shining example of how traditional and contemporary flavors can unite to create something uniquely refreshing. It caters to a youthful, adventurous palate, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the classic cider applications in a fun and engaging way.

Ingredients

Method

Stir half a pint of cider, two shots of vodka and half a bottle of WKD Blue together in a pint glass and serve
Go to recipe

8. Pink Pixie

This cocktail charms with its visually appealing pink hue and a tantalizing mix of aniseed liqueur, gin, and cider, rounded off with a splash of lemonade. The blackcurrant cordial deepens the flavor, adding a layer of fruity sweetness. It's a playful yet sophisticated beverage that showcases cider's ability to mingle with a range of spirits and enhancers, offering a delightful sip that's both balanced and refreshing.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Go to recipe

9. Wankered

Catering to lovers of sweeter, more vibrant drinks, this combination of WKD blue and cider creates a lively concoction that’s both eye-catching and palate-pleasing. It's a simple mix that speaks to the modern trend of creating visually stunning cocktails that are equally enjoyable to drink. This cocktail proves that sometimes, less is indeed more, by focusing on the harmonious blend of just two ingredients.

Ingredients

Method

Pour a bottle of WKD Blue into a pint glass then top up with Strongbow cider before serving
Go to recipe

10. Sheepdip

This concoction is a lively fusion of vodka, lemonade, cider, advocaat, and blue Curaçao, resulting in a cocktail with a twist of tartness, sweetness, and creamy texture. It's a bold choice for those eager to experiment with their cider, venturing into creamy and citrusy territories. The combination yields a drink that is surprising in its complexity, proving cider's flexibility in blending with diverse flavor profiles.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir
Pour into the glass over ice and serve
Go to recipe

Conclusion

Our selection of the top 10 cider cocktails represents a diverse array of flavors and styles, crafted to highlight cider's unique contribution to mixology.

These cocktails were chosen for their ability to combine cider's natural appeal with a complementary blend of ingredients, resulting in well-balanced and standout drinks. Each recipe on this list celebrates cider's ability to be both familiar and exciting, making them the perfect picks for anyone seeking to elevate their cocktail game with this vibrant ingredient.

More about Cider

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What is the most popular cocktail made with cider?

Mulled Cider is a standout favourite, especially in cooler months. Warming spices and citrus lift cider’s natural apple sweetness while keeping it crisp and refreshing.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What ingredients pair well with cider in cocktails?

Cider pairs well with dark spirits like bourbon and spiced rum, plus warming flavours such as cinnamon, clove, and ginger. Citrus (lemon or orange), honey, and apple-friendly liqueurs also complement its fruity, slightly tart profile.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

How many cocktails can you make with cider?

You can make 57 cocktails with cider. That range includes everything from simple highballs to warm, spiced serves and fruit-forward punches.

INGREDIENT_SPECIFICS

What is cider and what does it taste like?

Cider is a fermented alcoholic drink most commonly made from apples (and sometimes other fruits like pears). It tastes crisp and refreshing with a gentle sweetness and light tartness, and typically sits around 3–8% ABV.

Explore even more about Cider

Jump back to the discovery hub or the ingredient guide if you want broader context beyond this ranked shortlist.

See every Cider cocktail in one place

Open the full results page to search, sort, and filter every cider cocktail beyond this shortlist.