Pumpkin Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always liked mixing drinks that capture the mood of the season, and honestly, nothing screams fall more than pumpkin and apple cider together. The warm spice from pumpkin just melts into the crisp, sweet tang of apple cider, creating something that’s both comforting and a little bit fresh.

This pumpkin apple cider cocktail is ridiculously easy to throw together, and it really does taste like autumn in a glass.

When I’m mixing this up, I try not to let any one flavor take over. Pumpkin gives it a creamy, almost velvety feel, and the apple cider keeps things lively. Toss in a hint of spice, and suddenly it’s the perfect drink for a chilly day or a relaxed get-together.

Pumpkin Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s got that perfect blend: cozy pumpkin warmth meets crisp apple cider. It’s a crowd-pleaser for fall, and you don’t need to be a pro bartender to pull it off.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – helps mix everything up nicely.
• Measuring jigger – so you don’t overdo it.
• Fine mesh strainer – catches any pulp or spice bits.
• Tall glass or mason jar – whatever you’ve got handy.
• Bar spoon – good for a quick stir if you need it.
• Small saucepan – only if you’re making your own simple syrup.
• Ice cube tray – because nobody likes a warm cocktail.

I try to keep my tools close by, just to make things easier. A shaker with a tight lid is a lifesaver—trust me, you don’t want sticky cider everywhere.

Ingredients

• 4 oz apple cider
• 1.5 oz vanilla vodka (or just plain vodka if that’s what’s around)
• 1 oz pumpkin puree
• 0.5 oz pumpkin spice liqueur (totally optional)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or maple syrup
• 1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnish: cinnamon stick, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nutmeg

Fresh apple cider is always my first pick—it just tastes better. If you’re after a little more kick, swap the vodka for bourbon. And you can always tweak the sweetness by messing with the syrup amount.

Instructions

• Toss apple cider, vodka, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice liqueur, syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon into a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice until the shaker’s about halfway full.
• Shake it up for 15–20 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain into a tall glass packed with fresh ice.
• Finish with a cinnamon stick, whipped cream, or nutmeg—if you’re feeling fancy.

I’ve found that shaking with ice really helps blend the pumpkin puree. Straining keeps things smooth, so you don’t get any weird bits.

Notes

Sometimes I’ll use maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a deeper flavor. If I’m feeling lazy, pumpkin spice creamer works instead of puree and makes it extra creamy.

Want something lighter? Splash in some club soda. Or if you’re craving dessert, add a little Irish cream and a whipped cream cloud on top.

Freshly grated nutmeg smells amazing—way better than the pre-ground stuff. And if you’re serving a crowd, just scale it up and mix everything in a big pitcher before pouring over ice.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the crisp sweetness of fresh apples jumps out at me. The apple cider brings a smooth, natural fruitiness that just feels light and, honestly, pretty refreshing.

The pumpkin? It adds this gentle earthiness. It’s subtle—definitely not overwhelming—but it gives the drink a warm, cozy edge that sort of wraps around the fruit.

I pick up a little citrus from the orange. It perks things up and keeps the whole thing from feeling too rich or heavy.

Then there are the pomegranate seeds. They add a tart note, plus a tiny burst of juice when you bite into one. That little bit of texture is just fun.

Flavor Highlights:

• Sweetness: Mostly thanks to the apples and cider.
• Warm spice: Comes from the pumpkin and whatever spices you throw in.
• Citrus note: Light and fresh, courtesy of the orange.
• Tart pop: That’s all pomegranate seeds.

The drink feels smooth, maybe a little thick from the pumpkin, but the cider keeps it easy to sip.

I really enjoy how the fruit flavors play together—nothing takes over, and each sip is a little different, depending on which flavor lands first.