11 Things You Haven’t Thought to Add to Your Apple Cider

Looking for a new way to enjoy apple cider? You just found a bunch of them! We've got fun add-ons and mix-ins for fall's most iconic drink.

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Apple Cider Floats with caramel sauce and pumpkin pie spices.
Shutterstock / Oksana Mizina

Caramel

Caramel and apple is an iconic combination. Next time you heat up your favorite apple cider recipe to enjoy next to the fire, stir in some caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon and top with whipped cream. Trust us, this one is too tasty to pass up.

Love caramel and apples? Try these recipes.

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Red apples with frozen apple slushy drink in mason jar
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Crushed ice

Summer and fall tend to overlap. You’re craving those fall flavors but it still might be pretty warm outside! So why not combine some ice, some apple cider and a dash of cinnamon together in your blender? It makes for the perfect slushie and the perfect blend of fall and summer.

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maple syrup in glass bottle on wooden table
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Maple syrup

This one might sound a little strange, but maple and apple go so well together. Have this combo cold—just add a teaspoon or so of syrup to your cider and top with sparkling water. If you prefer your cider warm, just stir in a bit of syrup as you heat your cider.

Try these maple syrup recipes while you’re at it!

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Icy Cold Moscow Mule cocktail with Ginger Beer, Vodka, apple and cinnamon
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Ginger beer

Want to give your apple cider an extra kick? A splash of spicy ginger beer is just the thing. This ginger drink gives cider a bit of spice and some fizz. This combo is great on its own as a mocktail. If you want to make an Apple Cider Mule (a take on a Moscow Mule), add a splash of vodka to the mix.

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Homemade sangria (apple cider, punch, fruit wine) for autumn and winter holidays
Shutterstock / Oksana Mizina

Wine

Turn your apple cider into a fall sangria with just a few ingredients. Mix your favorite bottle of white wine (even a sparkling option will do) with two to three cups of cider, a splash of brandy and a cinnamon stick. Stir together in a pitcher and garnish with orange and apple slices.

Learn how to make your own variations on sangria here.

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Cranberry juice

You might already know that cranberry juice has some excellent detoxifying ingredients. On its own, apple cider packs a good dose of iron and potassium.

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Apple cider. summer refreshing drink
Shutterstock / Julia Sedaeva

Turmeric and ginger

Whether your tummy needs a little comfort or you just want to enjoy some of the health benefits of these spices, you can’t go wrong adding sprinkles of turmeric and ginger to your apple cider. A few dashes will do it when it comes to these spices is plenty. Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, too, and even heat it up for a cozier option.

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Refreshing iced tea with whiskey, honey, citron and sage on rustic wooden background
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Sparkling water

Looking to give your apple cider a bit of effervescence? Mixing apple cider and sparkling water together—we like half and half, but the ratio is up to you—is a great way to add a bit of fizz to this treat. Be sure to serve it over ice!

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Blended green smoothie with ingredients on wooden table
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Leafy greens

Superfood smoothies are nothing particularly new. These drinks offer you a burst of vitamins as well as being a seriously tasty treat. Blend up spinach and kale along with your favorite fruit. Instead of including smoothie basics like orange juice, sub in apple cider!

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Mulling spices

This one’s a classic! Combine classic warming spices like clove, allspice and cinnamon in your cider for an especially autumnal treat.

Get the recipe here.

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Hard apple cider cocktail with fall cinnamon, cardamom and star anise
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Your favorite spirits

In search of a fall cocktail? Combine your spirit of choice—though bourbon and rum work exceptionally well—with your cider (hot or cold!). Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice to really make it feel like autumn.