Elevate Your Fall Cocktails with Apple and Cider: Recipes and Inspirations
Fall in New York brings with it an abundance of fresh apples and crisp cider—perfect ingredients for crafting seasonal cocktails that embody the essence of autumn. Whether you’re cozying up at home or visiting one of the city’s many apple orchards, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by incorporating these flavors into your cocktails.
At Art of the Cocktail, we’re all about creating drinks that capture the spirit of the season, and this fall, we’re especially excited to feature apples and cider in our cocktail recipes. For those visiting the city, be sure to stop by Roof at Park South or Sweetbriar Restaurant, where our expert mixologists have crafted a special menu of fall inspired cocktails.
Let’s dive into some recipes and ideas for bringing the rich, tart flavors of apples and cider into your fall cocktail repertoire.
1. Apple Cider Old Fashioned
A fall twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail replaces the traditional simple syrup with apple cider for a touch of autumn sweetness.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz fresh apple cider
1 tsp maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel and apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
Combine bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir well until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the orange peel over the drink, then garnish with the peel and an apple slice.
This cocktail balances the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of apple cider and maple syrup, making it a perfect choice for a cool autumn evening.
2. Spiked Apple Cider Mule
A refreshing take on the classic Moscow Mule, this version adds a seasonal twist with spiced apple cider, creating a drink that’s both crisp and full of fall flavor.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
3 oz apple cider
1 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
In a copper mug, combine vodka, apple cider, and lime juice.
Add ice and top with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice for a festive touch.
The combination of ginger beer and apple cider gives this cocktail a zingy yet warming flavor, making it ideal for fall gatherings.
3. Cider and Bourbon Hot Toddy
Nothing beats a hot toddy when the temperatures start to drop, and this cider-infused version takes it to the next level. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for sipping by the fire.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz bourbon
1 cup apple cider
1 tbsp honey
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat the apple cider with the cinnamon stick until warm.
Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon and honey.
Pour into a mug, garnish with a lemon slice, and serve warm.
This cocktail is the epitome of fall coziness, with the rich flavors of bourbon and cinnamon pairing beautifully with the tart sweetness of the cider.
4. Sparkling Apple Cider Punch
If you’re hosting a fall gathering and want something that’s light and festive, a sparkling apple cider punch is a great way to incorporate apple flavors into a crowd-pleasing cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 cups apple cider
1 bottle prosecco or sparkling wine
1 cup brandy
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp cinnamon sugar for rimming
Sliced apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
Rim the edge of your punch glasses with lemon juice and dip in cinnamon sugar.
In a large punch bowl, combine apple cider, brandy, and lemon juice.
Stir gently, then top with prosecco or sparkling wine.
Add slices of apples and oranges, and cinnamon sticks for garnish, and serve chilled.
This punch is light, refreshing, and perfect for a fall brunch or outdoor gathering, with the effervescence of prosecco pairing beautifully with the apple cider.
Exploring New York’s Apple Orchards
Fall in New York isn’t complete without a visit to one of the many apple orchards in the surrounding area. From picking fresh apples to enjoying cider tastings, the experience is a quintessential fall activity that offers a connection to the rich agricultural tradition of the region.
Popular spots like Applewood Orchards, Harbes Family Farm, and Masker Orchards offer the perfect day trip from the city. After a day spent gathering apples or sipping on freshly pressed cider, there’s no better way to cap off your autumn adventure than by heading back into the city for an expertly crafted apple-inspired cocktail.
Visit Roof at Park South and Sweetbriar Restaurant for Apple-Inspired Cocktails
If you’re in New York City this fall, be sure to visit our mixologists at Roof at Park South or Sweetbriar Restaurant to experience apple-inspired cocktails that capture the essence of the season. Our team has created a special menu of fall cocktails that feature the finest seasonal ingredients, including locally sourced apples and cider.
From a refreshing Apple Mule to a warm Spiced Cider Old Fashioned, each cocktail is designed to showcase the flavors of fall in a unique and creative way. Whether you’re enjoying rooftop views at Park South or a cozy meal at Sweetbriar, our apple-inspired cocktails will be the perfect accompaniment to your autumn experience.
Book Your Fall Cocktail Event with Us
Looking to host a private fall-themed event? Art of the Cocktail offers personalized cocktail classes and mixology experiences that are perfect for any gathering. Let our talented team of mixologists create an unforgettable event featuring seasonal ingredients like apples, cider, and more. Contact us today to book your event and discover the art of crafting extraordinary fall cocktails.
