A is for Apple Cider: Homemade Cider, Apple Cider Cocktails and a DIY Cider Bar
Fall is my favourite season. I love the glow of the warm sun while the air has that crisp coolness in it. But I also love the aesthetic of Autumn and apple cider is the ultimate symbol of my favourite season. A spiced apple cider is versatile, cozy and is an essential base to some great Fall cocktails. Let’s look at how to make your own homemade apple cider, a simple apple cider mimosa and some ideas for creating a DIY apple cider bar to wow your Autumn besties.
Why You’ll Love All of This
Homemade and cozy: Nothing beats the smell of apples and cinnamon simmering away
Versatile: Once you have your apple cider made you can serve it warm, cold, spiked or sparkling.
Party-worthy: A cider bar is a beautiful seasonal feature to any fall gathering.
Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
I had a young apple tree. Although, I didn’t get many apples, I was very excited for what I did get. I used my apples but use whatever apples you’ve got in the fridge or the cheapest ones you can find at the grocery store.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Serves
6
Ingredients
- Assorted apples (cut into wedges, no need to peel)
- 1 cup apple juice
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 orange slices
Steps
1
Add all the ingredients to a large pot. Cover with water until apples are just submerged.
2
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 2-3 hours.
3
Mash the softened apples with a potato masher to release flavour.
4
Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Serve warm or cold with cinnamon sticks.
5
Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Apple Cider Mimosa
This is a lovely addition to your brunch or a ladies fall gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/2 glass chilled apple cider
- 1/2 glass champagne or sparling wine
Serve and Garnish
- Serve in a champagne flute or a coupe
- Garnish with a thin slice of apple, a cinnamon stick or a single star anise
DIY Apple Cider Bar
A cider bar is an interactive, seasonal set up where guests can build their own cocktail or mocktail to their liking. It works beautifully for Thanksgiving, fall dinner parties or a cozy girls’ night in.
The Set Up
Place the apple cider in a pretty glass dispenser or a pot on the stove if you’re doing a hot cider bar. Surround it with some fall decor items like pumpkins, candles, or fall flowers as well as all your other ingredients for the perfect fall drink.
Consider arranging everything on a rustic tray or bar cart. Label the jars and bowls with fun tags like; ” Maple Magic” ,”Spiced Sugar”, “Rosemary Twists”.
Set out a selection of the following items for you Apple Cider Bar.
Mixers (1-2 oz)
- ginger beer
- ginger ale
- orange juice
- cranberry juice
- cherry juice
Syrups and Sweeteners
- maple syrup
- caramel syrup
- simple syrup
- brown sugar cubes
Bitters and Spices
- aromatic bitters ( 2 dashes is all you need)
- fresh ginger slices
- ground spices: cinnamon, ginger, cloves
- whole spices: star anise, cinnamon sticks
- Fresh herbs: rosemary or thyme sprigs
Spikes (1-2 oz)
- bourbon
- gin
- vodka
Garnishes
- Sugar Rims: mix sugar with ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamon
- Caramel -rimmed glasses for a decadent touch
- apple slices
- citrus wedges
- fresh cherries
- chili slice
- star anise
- cinnamon stick
Join the Conversation
Homemade apple cider, a sparkling cider mimosa, and a build-your-own cider bar is the trifecta of fall entertaining. This setup will serve you well for a casual night or a full holiday dinner.
