Pumpkin Cider 🎃🍎🍂 Spiced, Cozy, and the Perfect Blend of Fall Flavors
This pumpkin cider combines fresh apple cider with real pumpkin purée and warm spices for a rich, aromatic drink that feels like autumn in a mug.
Serve it hot for a cozy fireside sip or chilled over ice for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the cider
- 8 cups apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of cloves (optional)
- 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2–3 star anise (optional)
For serving (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon sprinkle
- Caramel drizzle
Step 1: Combine ingredients
In a large pot or slow cooker, whisk together apple cider, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well blended. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise.
Step 2: Heat gently
If using stovetop: bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 25–30 minutes.
If using a slow cooker: set on low for 2–3 hours.
Step 3: Strain and serve
Remove orange slices and whole spices. Whisk well before ladling into mugs. Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or caramel if desired.
Flavor Variations
- Add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or apple brandy for an adult version
- Replace orange with lemon for a brighter citrus balance
- Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract before serving for extra warmth
- Use spiced apple cider for an even deeper flavor profile
Pro Tips
- Whisk thoroughly to fully incorporate the pumpkin purée into the cider
- Taste before adding sweetener — some apple ciders are already quite sweet
- Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties and let guests serve themselves
- Use whole spices instead of ground for a clearer drink and cleaner finish
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Cider is smooth, spiced, and wonderfully autumnal — the perfect marriage of pumpkin spice and apple orchard freshness. Whether you serve it warm or cold, it’s sure to be a seasonal favorite.
Mix it. Heat it. Sip fall in a cup. 🎃🍎🍂
🥧 Pumpkin Pie Recipes 🎃
From classic Thanksgiving staples to creative twists for any fall occasion.
🍂 Classic Pumpkin Pies
- 🥧 Traditional Pumpkin Pie – The timeless holiday favorite with a spiced custard filling.
- 🥛 Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie – Creamy pumpkin pie without milk or cream.
- 🍁 Maple Pumpkin Pie – Sweetened naturally with rich maple syrup.
- 🧁 Mini Pumpkin Pies – Bite-sized pies perfect for parties or portion control.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie – All the flavor, none of the gluten.
- 🍫 Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie – Marbled with rich chocolate for extra indulgence.
- ❄️ No-Bake Pumpkin Pie – A quick, chilled pie with no oven required.
- 🥧 Classic Pumpkin Pies → From classic Thanksgiving staples to creative twists for any fall occasion.
🎨 Creative Pumpkin Pies
- 🥜 Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie – Nutty, creamy twist on the classic pumpkin pie.
- 🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – A rich, creamy fusion of cheesecake and pumpkin pie.
- 🔥 Brûléed Pumpkin Pie – Topped with caramelized sugar for a crème brûlée finish.
- 🍫 Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Pie – Decadent chocolate layer under pumpkin filling.
- 🥥 Coconut Pumpkin Pie – Tropical twist with coconut cream and flakes.
- 🍮 No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse Pie – Light and airy pumpkin filling with no baking.
- 🌰 Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie – Crunchy pecan topping over creamy pumpkin.
- 🍦 Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie – Frozen dessert perfect for warmer fall days.
- 🎨 Creative Pumpkin Pies → Fun Twists on a Fall Classic.
🍎 Apple Cider Recipes
Explore All Apple Cider Recipes → From cozy hot drinks to refreshing cocktails, these recipes highlight the crisp, sweet flavor of apple cider.
- 🥂 Apple Cider Mimosa – Bubbly brunch cocktail with a fall twist.
- 🍏 Classic Homemade Apple Cider – Fresh, spiced cider made from scratch.
- 🍺 Classic Hard Apple Cider – Naturally fermented for a crisp, boozy kick.
- 🍹 Apple Cider Cocktail – A simple, refreshing cider-based drink.
- 🍸 Apple Cider Margarita – A fall twist on the classic margarita.
- 🍷 Apple Cider Sangria – Fruity, spiced sangria perfect for parties.
- 🥂 Apple Cider Punch – Crowd-pleasing drink with a festive touch.
- 🔥 Hot Apple Cider – Warming, spiced comfort in a mug.
- 🥘 Crockpot Apple Cider – Slow-cooked cider for rich, deep flavor.
- 🍂 Mulled Apple Cider – Simmered with spices for a holiday favorite.