14 Apple Cider Variations to Try This Fall

Posted by Food Network Editors on September 28, 2017

Unpack your fuzzy socks and grab the coziest blanket — apple cider season has arrived. Whether you like it spiced, spiked or plain and simple, here are 14 ways to warm up with the taste of fall in a cup.

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Spiced Apple Cider

Make this hot and bubbly stovetop apple cider when you’re expecting guests — the smell of all those cloves simmering away with cinnamon and star anise will blow them away. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spiced-apple-cider/9732/" target="_blank">Spiced Apple Cider</a>
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Hot Mulled Cider

Though it may seem counterintuitive, a hot cocktail can help calm your cold. Alcohol expands blood vessels allowing immune cells to rush in while lemon juice delivers vitamin C and honey soothes the throat. Cheers! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hot-mulled-cider/17788/" target="_blank">Patricia Heaton's Hot Mulled Cider</a>
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Slow Cooker Hard Cider

The same great appliance that delivers weeknight stews can also play bartender at your next soiree. Preserve this big batch cocktail’s potency by adding in the gin right before guests arrive. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-hard-cider/20694/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Hard Cider</a>
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The Bourbon Apple Cider

A cinnamon-sugar rim adds some sweet sparkle to this bourbon-infused, apple cider and seltzer cocktail. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-bourbon-cinnamon-apple-cider/15127/" target="_blank">Bourbon Apple Cider</a>
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Spooky Apple Cider Punch

Shrunken apple heads swim around in this spooky <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/fall-apple-cider-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apple cider</a> spiced with cinnamon sticks and cloves. It's a refreshing and fun way to serve up some punch! The recipe doesn't call for alcohol, but you can easily add a splash of bourbon or rum to your Halloween sipper. Get the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spooky-apple-cider-punch/14951/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spooky Apple Cider Punch</a>
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Drunk Uncle Cider Cocktails

Inspired by the popular <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOElj5M_r88&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hLpEmT6T1MOTisIUQWdOxXc&index=3" target="_blank">SNL skit</a>, this boozy gin and mulled cider cocktail is mixed in a cocktail shaker and garnished with lime, ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick. Get <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-drunk-uncle-christmas-cocktail/15078/" target="_blank">The Drunk Uncle Cocktail recipe</a>
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Mulled Cider

Cloves, allspice and cinnamon will have your home smelling like Autumn in no time. Add thinly sliced oranges to the pot or serve them in glasses for a decorative touch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mulled-cider/17401/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Mulled Cider</a>
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Sparkling Apple Cider Punch

 Tangy orange and tart cranberry juices balance out the sweetness of the apple cider in this bubbly booze-free beverage. Perfect for a cozy day lounging in front of the fireplace or curled up on the couch. Get the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sparkling-apple-cider-punch/16935/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sparkling Apple Cider Punch</a>
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Whisky Apple Cider

A hint of cinnamon pairs perfectly with a touch or two of brandy, this cool-weather sipper that will be sure to warm you from the inside out. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/blog/apple-cider-from-the-hot-plate-2950/" target="_blank">Whisky Apple Cider</a>
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Apple Cider Punch

Punch is both festive and effortless for large holiday parties, and this refreshingly fruity drink can be prepared early in the day and brought out right when your guests arrive. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-cider-punch/15084/" target="_blank">Apple Cider Punch</a>
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Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to stir up a big seasonally-inspired pitcher of sangria — the perfect way to kick-off the cold-weather season. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sparkling-apple-cider-sangria/19575/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria</a>
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Apple Cider Shandy

This easy cocktail pairs up lager and sparkling apple cider for a sweet, bubbly, refreshing beverage. Obsessed with apple cider? Try making this warm, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/apple-cider-coffee-cake-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cider-flavoured coffee cake</a> for your New Year's morning brunch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-cider-shandy/18320/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Apple Cider Shandy</a>
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Algoma Apple Martini

Fresh cider is best for this fall take on a classic cocktail. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/algoma-apple-martini/11068/" target="_blank">Algoma Apple Martini</a>
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Festive Cranberry Cocktails

Question: what's better than one <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/fresh-cranberry-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cranberry</a> cocktail? Answer: a trio of festive cranberry cocktails to choose from! Pick a favourite or offer all and let each guest decide. Whether you feel like fizzy champagne, vanilla vodka or apple cider, brandy and white wine, these three fall cocktail recipes have you covered. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/3-festive-cranberry-cocktails/18813/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Three Festive Cranberry Cocktails</a>
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