Chilled Sparkling Apple Cider

Chilled sparkling apple cider tastes amazing as a mocktail or a cocktail. Either way it’s a perfect Fall drink for Thanksgiving or Christmas that everyone raves about!!

It’s Fall!! I’m all about family, friends, and anything pumpkin and/or apple flavored this time of year.

Grab a few of your favorites as the store and get ready!

What is sparkling apple cider?

• If you’ve bought the popular Martinelli’s brand you probably have a good idea what this is. Bottled this way is not how it was once made though.

Authentic sparkling cider is actually a naturally carbonated beverage made from unfiltered apple cider, not mechanically carbonated. Sparkling apple juice is often confused with it, and sometimes even labeled as such. 

If you want to make your own, this is how you do it. It’s the perfect drink for Fall really.

You can make it as a mocktail or cocktail…your choice. 😉 I had a few families coming over so I decided to make this one non alcoholic, and it didn’t last long.

I love cooking and decorating during the holidays but let’s be honest. When you work full time and have kids time is of the essence.

I have ideas though! Make this drink, throw up some burlap garland and celebrate!

My philosophy when it comes to recipes is if I can’t find what I need at my local store and/or I don’t have a spice I need at home I probably won’t make it.

First you’ll want to prepare your glasses. When I have a party or have people over the last thing I want to do when they leave is clean up….so I am all about disposable plates and glasses (but want them to look nice too).

Even though I made this apple cider sangria non alcoholic didn’t mean I couldn’t use cute Chinet® Cut Crystal® wine glasses. They are the perfect size, add a sparkle to the already “sparkling” drink, and can be tossed at the end of the night.

Now put a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on a small plate, dampen the edge of the glass (wet paper towel will do).

Gently press into the mixture (rotating the glass from side to side) just so it leaves a little on the rim for taste and “prettiness”.

The only two ingredients are really apple cider and ginger ale, seriously, that is it!!  Of course I garnish it with apples and cinnamon sticks but the base is super easy, I told you it would be. 😉

Chilled sparkling apple cider

• Apple cider
• Gingerale
• Cinnamon sticks
• Apples
• Ice
• Cute pitcher

Looking for other holiday recipes to enjoy?

• Apple pie bread pudding
• Best Crockpot apple crisp
• Crockpot hot apple cider
• My favorite island cocktail
• Sparkling cranberry sangria

Do you chill sparkling cider?

Cider should best be served chilled, not warm. Most people prefer that it is not ice-cold, but that is preference really. If it’s too cold the flavor is muted. You want it to be refreshing.

If you do want to get the full flavor, a temperature of around 46–50 degrees is perfect.

What alcohol is good in apple cider?

• Rye Whiskey
• Rum is what I prefer
• Beer, a blonde version is good
• Tequila is sometimes a favorite, not for me
• Scotch
• Sparkling Wine

If you like a hot version, try our Instant Pot apple cider recipe too.

This is a perfect refresher for brunch, Christmas morning, or when people come over to your house!

A real hit during the Fall when apple everything is all the rage. 😉 It’s really pretty too if you ask me (which is always of the utmost importance right).

Happy Fall Y’all!