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.
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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
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- Get a half pint of cider and fill the rest with lager
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- Add a dash of blackcurrant and serve
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
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- Put the cider into a pan with all the spices and the juices of the fruits
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- Bring to the boil and then allow to simmer for five minutes
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- Sweeten with sugar to taste
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- Garnish with a star anise and cinnamon stick, and serve
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
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- In a large pan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
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- When the liquid is hot but not boiling, remove from heat and add your bourbon whisky of choice
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- Stir to distribute the spices, pour into a heat resistant glass and serve
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
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- Combine all the ingredients along with 60ml/2 shots of hot water in a mixing glass
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- Stir and pour into a teacup
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- Garnish with an apple wedge, sliced into a fan, and serve
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
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- Muddle the blackberries and orange slice in a highball glass while adding the liquids
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- Add crushed ice and stir
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- Garnish with a slice of lemon, a feather of pineapple leaves and some cherries, and serve
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
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- Mix half a pint of cider, two shots of Jack Daniel's and half a pint of lager in a pint glass
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- Stir well and add in a shot of blackcurrant cordial and serve
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
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- Stir half a pint of cider, two shots of vodka and half a bottle of WKD Blue together in a pint glass and serve
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
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
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
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- Pour a bottle of WKD Blue into a pint glass then top up with Strongbow cider before serving
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
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- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir
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- Pour into the glass over ice and serve
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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