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If you want to spice up your cocktail drinks menu, why not try spiked cider cocktails? Now, when fall is upon us, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your offers or build a whole new seasonal menu. But before that, we need to look into all the great cocktails you can create and the mixology behind them!
Spiked cider can be combined with different ingredients to create unique cocktails. It can be used to make some delicious food and spiked cider pairings, too. Whether you want to experiment with some locally-sourced ingredients or try well-known combinations, chances are you are going to need the help of a mixologist and some inspiration.
You can make simple fruit-infused spiked ciders for your menu or some more complicated bar drinks. Below, we will give you a list of options to try out!
Original Spiked Cider Cocktails to Serve
If you don’t want to stick to the most popular fall cocktails again this year, you should try some of these creative spiked cider cocktails. You can, of course, modify the recipes to utilize better the different types of alcohol you already have in the restaurant beverage inventory.
Another option is to work with a cocktail expert on the modifications or entirely new, unique spiked cider drinks.
Key Takeaway: Add spiked cider cocktails to your seasonal menu to make it even more fall-appropriate. People love a delicious cocktail that matches the weather outside. Try any of these recipes or create your own and you will have plenty of happy customers this fall season!
Classic Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria is one of the most common cocktails worldwide and for a good reason. No matter if you make it with white or red wine, the aromas and flavors go perfectly with different fruits. It’s a lovely summer cocktail to have during the warmer days.
But if you want to make Sangria a more fall-appropriate drink, make it an Apple Cider Sangria! Here’s what you will need:
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1 bottle of dry white wine
- 1/2 cup of brandy
- Sliced apples and oranges
- Cinnamon sticks
How to make Apple Cider Sangria:
- In a pitcher, combine the apple cider, white wine, and brandy.
- Add sliced apples, oranges, and a couple of cinnamon sticks.
- Stir well and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
- Serve over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Spiced Rum Cider Punch
Rum punch is another popular cocktail drink that many people love and look for in a beverage menu. If you want to spice it up for the new season, you can try this recipe! Both customers who love a good dark rum drink and those wanting to experiment with something new will love it.
Here are all the ingredients you need to make this delicious fall drink:
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1 cup of spiced rum
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for cocktail garnish
How to make Spiced Rum Cider Punch:
- In a shaker, combine the apple cider, spiced rum, orange juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
- Shake well and pour into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
Caramel Apple Moscow Mule
Moscow Mule is another true classic loved by people from all over the globe. It’s a drink most commonly ordered during the summer months. However, if you transform it into one of the spiked cider cocktails you serve, it will become a fall favorite for sure.
To make the classic Moscow Mule into a delicious fall drink, you will need:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz caramel syrup
- 4 oz apple cider
- Ginger beer
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
How to make Caramel Apple Moscow Mule:
- In a copper mug, combine vodka, caramel syrup, and apple cider.
- Fill the mug with ice and top off with ginger beer.
- Stir gently and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Hot Bourbon and Cider Toddy
Fall is the time to enjoy delicious hot drinks. Although the most common ones are coffee and tea, hot spiked cider cocktails also deserve attention. If you want to infuse a fall atmosphere in your bar or restaurant through your cocktail menu, this option is a must-try!
Here’s what you are going to need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 cup of hot apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Cloves and star anise (optional)
- Lemon peel
How to make Hot Bourbon and Cider Toddy:
- In a heatproof glass or mug, combine bourbon, hot apple cider, and the cinnamon stick.
- If desired, add a few cloves and a star anise for extra flavor.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Cranberry and Cider Fizz
Gin is among the most popular base alcohols for cocktail drinks. That’s why we can’t skip to recommend this amazing cocktail! It would be a great addition to any cocktail menu for the colder months. If you want to try it out, make sure you have the following:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz apple cider
- Club soda
- Fresh cranberries and apple slices for garnish
How to make Cranberry and Cider Fizz:
- In a shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, and apple cider.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda (see: club soda vs sparkling water) and garnish with fresh cranberries and apple slices.
As fall sets in, these creative spiked cider cocktails offer a delightful way to embrace the flavors of the season. Whether you're into the warmth of spiced rum or the crispness of gin, there's a cider cocktail here for every palate! By offering a variety, you will provide a better customer experience.
If you are not sure which offers to leave on your menu for the whole season, offer a few of your favorites for a while. Examine customer behavior to see which recipe is worth making and which ones you can skip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spiked Cider Cocktails
If you want to know more on the topic of spiked cider cocktails, this section is for you. We will answer some frequently asked questions and give you even more information that you could find helpful.
What Types of Spirits Work Best in Spiked Cider Cocktails?
Common choices of spirits for spiked cider cocktails include whiskey (especially bourbon), rum, brandy, and vodka. Each gives its unique flavor profile to the cocktail. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
You can also decide to build the cocktail around the alcohol you already have in stock and need to use up before it expires.
Are There Non-Alcoholic Alternatives for Spiked Cider Cocktails?
It’s possible to create non-alcoholic spiked cider cocktails by using alcohol-free versions of spirits or by not using alcohol at all. For instance, you can make a non-alcoholic "spiked" cider with ginger ale and flavored extracts.
If you decide to do so, people who can’t or don’t want to have alcohol will be happy to see this fall drink your non-alcoholic beverages list!
What Are Some Popular Spices and Garnishes for Spiked Cider Cocktails?
Popular spices and garnishes include cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, and citrus slices (such as orange or lemon). These ingredients can add warmth and complexity to your cocktail.
Sometimes, the garnish is what turns a delicious cocktail into a fabulous fall drink that gives a cozy and warm feel!