There’s just something about sipping a seasonal cocktail when the air finally gets crisp. Spiced apple cider brings this warm, inviting flavor that plays so well with sparkling wine.
My Spiced Apple Cider Mimosa mixes sweet cider, bright bubbles, and a little hint of spice for a drink that’s honestly great at brunch, fall parties, or even just when you want to treat yourself on a quiet evening. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it makes any gathering feel a bit more festive, if you ask me.
If you’re after a cocktail packed with autumn flavor but still light and refreshing, you might want to give this twist on a classic mimosa a try. It’s a simple upgrade and—well, why not?
Equipment
- Champagne flutes: These just feel right for serving.
- Measuring jigger or small measuring cup: For getting the amounts just so.
- Small saucepan: Only if I’m heating or simmering the cider with spices first.
- Fine mesh strainer: Handy if I infuse the cider and need to strain it before pouring.
- Bar spoon: A gentle stir does the trick here.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing the apple garnish.
- Cinnamon sticks or cocktail picks: For stirring or just making things look nice.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. apple cider I usually go for unsweetened for a fresher flavor.
- 2 oz. sparkling wine or Champagne gotta be chilled!
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon for that cozy spice
- Pinch of nutmeg totally optional, but I like the extra warmth
- 1 thin apple slice garnish, looks pretty
- 1 cinnamon stick garnish, again, for looks and aroma
- Maple syrup or honey optional, if you want it sweeter
- Sugar and cinnamon mixture for rimming the glass, also optional
Instructions
- If I want a spiced rim, I’ll dip the rim of my glass in maple syrup or honey, then in a sugar-cinnamon mix. It’s not necessary, but it’s fun.
- I pour in the apple cider, then sprinkle in ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
- A gentle stir with a bar spoon helps the spices blend in.
- Next, I slowly add the sparkling wine or Champagne so it doesn’t foam over. That’s always a mess.
- I top with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Looks fancy, right?
- Sometimes I’ll simmer the cider with whole spices first, let it cool, and strain it for a deeper flavor. Only if I’m feeling extra.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip? Crisp apple flavor, right up front. The spiced cider blends nicely with the sparkling wine bubbles.
Cinnamon gives it gentle warmth. I can pick up a bit of nutmeg and clove, but they don’t take over.
Texture:
- Light and bubbly
- Smooth with a fresh finish
Flavor highlights:
- Sweetness: Moderate, mostly from the cider itself
- Spice: Mild, mostly cinnamon and a hint of clove
- Fruitiness: Bright apple vibes
The drink isn’t too strong, so the apple and spices really stand out. Each sip balances sweet and tart, with just enough fizz to keep things lively.
The aroma is lovely—apples and autumn spices, exactly what you’d hope for. That first whiff is kind of irresistible.
This cocktail is easy to enjoy with friends or at a small get-together. It goes well with light snacks or desserts, or honestly, whatever you’ve got around.
Substitute
Sometimes I can’t find all the original ingredients for a Spiced Apple Cider Mimosa. So, I end up using substitutions to get pretty close to the same taste.
Equipment substitutes I use:
- Champagne flute → Regular wine glass or mason jar
- Small whisk → Spoon
Ingredient swaps I often choose:
- Sparkling wine → Ginger ale, club soda, or non-alcoholic sparkling cider
- Spiced apple cider → Regular apple cider with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Orange liqueur → Orange juice or orange-flavored syrup
- Fresh apple slices → Pear slices or orange slices
Alternate instructions when using substitutes:
- I pour the sparkling beverage and spiced cider first. Then I add orange juice or syrup if it feels like it needs it.
- If I’m using powders like cinnamon or nutmeg, I make sure to stir them in well.
- I just garnish with whatever fruit slice I’ve got on hand, honestly.
