10+ Cozy Apple Cider Recipes for Fall

Updated October 02, 2019
Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Apple cider isn't just for sipping. Our favorite cozy fall drink enhances all sorts of sweet desserts, like doughnuts and fritters. You can add it to a mustard sauce or use it to make a glaze for your Thanksgiving turkey. Heck, you can even make apple cider margaritas for your next tailgate. No matter how you use them, our favorite apple cider recipes are sure to impress. 

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Apple Cider Doughnuts

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Apple Cider Doughnuts Recipe

Few things deliver fall comfort quite like sweet apple cider doughnuts. Gaining their distinct apple flavor from four sources—apple cider, freshly grated apple, apple butter, and apple cider vinegar—these homemade doughnuts are anything but bland.

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Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch Recipe

We created this refreshing punch with tailgating in mind, but it would be a hit at fall gathering. Made with frozen cranberries, sparkling apple cider, honey, brown sugar, fresh lemon juice, and bourbon, it’s deliciously sweet and tangy. Frozen cranberries are best for this recipe; be sure to let them thaw before you add them to the food processor.

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Apple Cider–Mustard Sauce

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Apple Cider–Mustard Sauce Recipe

Golden raisins add a layer of jammy natural sweetness that perfectly balances this tangy sauce. Pork loin, turkey, salmon—you name it, this sauce is the perfect partner.

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Granola and Rosemary Cider Caramel Apples

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Claire Spollen

Granola and Rosemary Cider Caramel Apples Recipe

Chopped fresh rosemary is added to sweet, golden caramel in this tasty take on the classic apple dessert.

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Apple Cider Margarita

Credit: Time Inc. Video Studios

Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

Our Apple Cider Margarita is the perfect, easy-to-shake-up cocktail for your next fall happy hour or holiday party. Serve it on special occasions (this drink was practically made for Thanksgiving) or cozy fall nights in. This autumnal twist on a summer favorite is easy to make as it is to drink (seriously, it's stronger than it tastes—don't say we didn't warn you). Instead of salt, we've rimmed this marg with cinnamon sugar. 

This simple recipe serves two and comes together in just five minutes. But, if you're planning to serve a crowd, you can easily adapt the recipe to accomodate more people. Just mix it up in a punch bowl instead of cocktail shaker! 

Still thirsty? Check out 10+ Apple Cider Recipes For Fall next. 

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Apple Spice Bundt Cake with Cider Glaze

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Apple Spice Bundt Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe

Don't be afraid to go 100% whole-grain with desserts; we use all spelt flour here with amazing results. The nutty flour boosts the taste of the butter, spices, and vanilla, unlike all-purpose flour, whose bland nature would dilute those flavors. Be sure to weigh the flour for accuracy; using too much will make the cake dry.

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Cider-Glazed Turkey with Roasted Apples

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Cider-Glazed Turkey with Roasted Apples Recipe

An overnight wet brine infuses and plumps up the meat so it stays moist. Line a roasting pan with the brining bag before adding the liquid and the turkey so everything stays in place.

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Hard Apple Cider Punch

Credit: PHOTO BY KATIE FOSTER

Hard Apple Cider Punch Recipe

Since no brunch is complete without booze, allow us to introduce this punch. There’s something about apple cider that just says “fall,” so we doubled up on the cider factor—both hard and bubbly—in this Friendsgiving cocktail.

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Apple Cider Hazelnut Doughnuts

Credit: Photo by Charity Burggraaf

Apple Cider Hazelnut Doughnuts Recipe

In New England, it’s traditional for cider makers to use freshly pressed juice to create the region’s beloved sweet and tangy treat: apple cider doughnuts. In this version from Ellen Jackson’s Portland Farmers Market Cookbook, reduced cider is replaced with applesauce, and the still-warm apple doughnuts are dunked in a cider and applesauce glaze.

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Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

Credit: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Rachel Haas

Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples Recipe

Wash apples well to remove any waxy coating, and dry thoroughly before dipping them. Work quickly, but if the syrup begins to set, you can reheat it over low heat to liquefy.

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Apple Cider Fritters

Credit: Time Inc. Video Studio

Apple Cider Fritters Recipe

These tender, sweet fritters deliver full-on fall flavor, and couldn’t be easier to make. Just be sure you’re starting with clean, fresh oil for frying so that the fritters don’t pick up any stale flavors, and use a candy thermometer to closely monitor your oil temperature. Going lower than 360 degrees will leave you with greasy fritters, but go over 370 degrees, and you run the risk of over-browning or burning. Finish the fritters off with a sweet creamy glaze and serve with coffee for a delightful autumn treat. 

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Apple Cider Syrup

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Apple Cider Syrup Recipe

Apple-Spice makes everything nice! Pair this syrup with Apple-Spice Pancakes for the ultimate wow-factor.

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Roasted Vegetable Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Roasted Vegetable Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe

Make Ahead: Store roasted vegetables in a zip-top plastic freezer bag or an airtight container in the fridge. Before serving, return to room temperature and check seasoning.

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