Ginger Beer and Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always enjoyed mixing up simple drinks that actually taste fresh and balanced. This ginger beer and apple cider cocktail? It’s honestly one of my go-tos because it brings together that crisp apple thing with the punchy spice of ginger.

You can whip up this cocktail in just a few minutes—no fancy steps or weird ingredients needed.

The combo of sweet cider and zingy ginger makes a drink that feels both refreshing and, somehow, cozy. I tend to make it when the weather cools off, but honestly, it’s great on a random warm night too.

The best part? You don’t need any bartending skills to nail it.

You’ll see how straightforward the recipe is. I’ll also try to give you an idea of the flavor, just so you know what you’re getting into.

Ginger Beer And Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

There’s just something about the way crisp apple cider and spicy ginger beer work together. It’s refreshing, but still has enough warmth to fit right in with fall.

Equipment

I’m not big on complicated setups, so I keep the tools simple. A cocktail shaker is handy for blending the cider, lime, and ginger beer, but if I can’t find mine, I just grab a jar with a good lid.

• Cocktail shaker or a jar with a lid
• Measuring jigger or even a small measuring cup
• Bar spoon or just a long spoon
• Strainer (only if you’re using a shaker)
• Knife and cutting board for the apple and lime
• Serving glass—I like a highball or a mason jar

I usually keep a little plate nearby for garnishes so I’m not scrambling mid-mix.

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make a world of difference, in my opinion. The cider, ginger beer, and lime balance each other out so you don’t need to add extra sugar.

• 4 oz apple cider (make sure it’s cold)
• 3 oz ginger beer (non-alcoholic or boozy, totally up to you)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Apple slices (garnish)
• Cinnamon stick (optional, but looks nice)
• Fresh ginger slice (optional, for extra kick)
• Ice cubes

I’m partial to Honeycrisp or Gala apples for garnish—they’re crisp, colorful, and don’t get mushy.

Instructions

Honestly, it’s just a few steps. Once you’ve got everything out, it goes fast.

• Fill your shaker about halfway with ice.
• Add the apple cider and lime juice.
• Shake it gently for maybe 10 seconds.
• Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
• Top it off with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
• If you’re feeling bold, add a thin slice of fresh ginger for more spice.

I like to serve it right away so the ginger beer stays fizzy and lively.

Notes

Unfiltered apple cider makes the drink taste richer, at least to me, while clear cider keeps things lighter. If I’m craving a more fall-ish vibe, I’ll toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

For a less sweet version, I’ll pick a dry ginger beer. If I want it sweeter (sometimes I do), I’ll use a sweeter brand or maybe add a little honey before shaking.

It’s good as a non-alcoholic drink, so it works for family get-togethers. If I want to make it boozy, a splash of spiced rum does the trick.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the ginger beer’s gentle spice jumps out at me. It’s got this crisp, slightly sharp edge that plays off the sweetness from the apple cider.

The apple cider brings in this round, fruity vibe—kind of like biting into a fresh apple on a fall afternoon. It really smooths out the spice, leaving the drink with a mellow finish.

There’s also this light fizz that keeps the cocktail feeling refreshing, never too heavy. Those bubbles really lift everything, making each sip feel bright and, well, kind of lively.

Flavor highlights:

• Spice: Warm ginger with just enough bite
• Sweetness: Real apple, maybe even a touch of caramel hiding in there
• Texture: Effervescent, but still smooth

Honestly, this mix just fits the whole fall mood. The ginger brings that little bit of warmth, and the cider? It’s just cozy, almost nostalgic.

I think the sweet and spicy balance here makes it dangerously easy to go back for another glass. It’s simple, refreshing, and thankfully not too strong.