Hard cider is a stand-alone drink. Then again, so is whiskey, and yet people have been crafting new and exciting cocktails while still honoring old recipes. Theres no reason cider shouldnt get the same treatment with the creation of hard cider cocktails. A hard apple cider cocktail hits the spot, whether its fall or the weather is just starting to turn to spring.
Apple and bourbon is a natural pairing, so why fight it? If youre really short on time, you can skip the muddling and shake the lemons with the bourbon. Related Articles
Just when you thought youd seen all the possible riffs on a mule, the hard cider mule comes running to surprise you.
Traditionally cider is spiked with dark spirits, like the rum and bourbon in the recipes above. But what if you want something a little lighter? Vodka can do the trick. Since it doesn’t contribute much in the way of flavor, we add fresh ginger for its distinctive, peppery-sweet flavor.
More About Hard Cider
With just a splash of tequila and orange liqueur, youll have a crisp apple margarita in no time. Even shorter on time? Add the ingredients to a half-empty bottle of hard cider and give it a swirl.
- 1 ounce tequila
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- Ice
- Hard cider to top off
- Lime wedge for garnish, optional
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with hard cider.
- Garnish with lime wedge, if desired.
Fall in the Orchard
Go big on the crisp, fall vibes with this hard cider cocktail thatll take you directly to fall.
- 1 ounce apple brandy or bourbon
- ½ ounce maple syrup
- ¼ ounce allspice dram
- 3 dashes cinnamon bitters
- Ice
- Hard cider to top off
- Apple slices for garnish
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, apple brandy, maple syrup, allspice dram, and cinnamon bitters.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with hard cider.
- Garnish with apple slices.
Add a hint of tropical pineapple to give your apple hard cider a little boost of flavor and vitamins.
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce pineapple juice
- ¼ ounce raspberry liqueur
- Ice
- Hard cider to top off
- Apple sticks and raspberry for garnish
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with hard cider.
- Garnish with apple sticks and raspberry.
What beats that first bite of a honey crisp apple? Nothing, except for when you can sip this cider highball on the couch.
- ¾ ounce vodka
- ¾ ounce honey liqueur
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Hard cider to top off, preferably dry
- Apple slice, lemon wheel, and thyme sprig for garnish
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, honey liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with hard cider.
The apple pie hard cider cocktail: for when you cannot be bothered to watch your pie crust crumble in all the wrong ways.
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- ¾ ounce cinnamon whiskey
- ¾ ounce apple cider
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Hard cider to top off
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, and lemon juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with hard cider.
- Garnish with cinnamon stick.
Spiked Cider | How to Drink
FAQ
What goes well with hard apple cider?
What can I add to hard cider?
How do you drink hard cider?
What alcohol can you mix with apple cider?
Keep reading to learn about all the different types of alcohol you can use to enhance the taste of your favorite apple cider and create a boozy twist on this classic drink. Bourbons and whiskeys are, quite possibly, the best alcohols to mix with apple cider.
What can one mix apple cider with?
Here are some suggestions for popular blends: Apple cider with cinnamon: add a cinnamon stick to apple cider for a warm and cozy touch. Apple cider with orange juice: mix fresh orange juice with apple cider for a refreshing citrus taste. Apple cider with spices: try adding spices such as cloves, nutmeg or ginger to apple cider for a more complex flavor.
What to drink with hard cider & whiskey?
The crisp and slightly sweet taste of the cider pairs perfectly with the warmth of the whiskey, creating a drink that is both refreshing and comforting. Garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves hard cider or whiskey.
Is hard cider a good alternative to beer & wine?
Hard cider is a refreshing and delicious alternative to beer and wine, and it’s perfect for those who want a little bit of sweetness in their drinks. But what’s even better is that hard cider is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of cocktails.