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    Home » Recent Posts » Simple Syrups for Drinks

    Apple Cider Syrup for the BEST Fall Cocktails and Mocktails

    Published: Oct 5, 2021 · Updated: Aug 12, 2022 by Katy McAvoy

    I love when you share my recipes!

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    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission.


    Nothing says fall like fresh apple cider. And while there are dozens of ways to enjoy cider, none are as uniquely delicious as Apple Cider Syrup. 

    We’re skipping the cinnamon and nutmeg for this recipe in favor of savory fresh sage and bright citrus. The cook time is minimal, making this syrup easy to make and perfect for keeping on hand for fall gatherings and cocktail hours. 

    Apple Cider Syrup

    Use Apple Cider Syrup to create amazing fall favorite cocktails and mocktails. Use it with sparkling water, bourbon, or my apple cinnamon gin. Drink recipes for all three of these tasty options are below! 

    What You Need

    Ingredients for Apple Cider Syrup
    • Apple cider
    • Brown sugar
    • Fresh sage 
    • Orange peel
    • Lemon peel

    How to Make Apple Cider Syrup

    Heat apple cider in a small pot over medium heat. 

    Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add sage leaves. 

    Apple cider, sage, and brown sugar in a pot.

    Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes. 

    Apple cider, brown sugar, and sage simmering in a pot.

    Remove from heat and add orange peel and lemon peel. 

    Orange peel and lemon peel being added to a pot on the stove.

    Set mixture aside and allow to cool to room temperature, approximately 90 minutes.

    Remove sage leaves and citrus peels. 

    Straining sage leaves and citrus peel from apple cider syrup

    Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use. 

    Apple Cider Syrup in a jar

    What to Make with Apple Cider Syrup

    Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail

    Combine 2 oz apple cider syrup, 1 oz ginger ale, and 2 oz sparkling water in a stemless wine glass. 

    Add ice. Garnish with slices of apple or red and green grapes. Enjoy! 

    Apple Old Fashioned

    Combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz apple cider syrup, 3 dashes aromatic bitters in a mixing glass half filled with ice. Stir for 10-15 seconds until mixture is well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Twist an orange peel over the glass and drop it into your drink. Enjoy! 

    Apple Gin Cocktail

    Combine 2 oz gin, 2 oz apple cider syrup, and 0.5 oz lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into a coupe glass and top with 1.5 oz ginger ale. Try it with apple cinnamon infused gin!

    Tips on Apple Cider Syrup

    What can I use instead of brown sugar? 

    Maple syrup (100% pure, not pancake syrup), is a great substitute for the brown sugar in this recipe. 

    Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? 

    Yes, but you’ll need to cook the apple juice first. To use apple juice instead of cider, add 2 ½ cups of juice to your pot over medium heat and cook until it reduces down to 2 cups before adding the brown sugar and continuing on with the recipe. 

    Can I use dried sage instead of fresh? 

    Nope. You need fresh sage leaves for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh sage, just leave it out. 

    Happy Hour Snack Pairing

    Enjoy your apple drinks with these tasty appetizers. 

    Apple Bacon Crostini
    Apple Bacon Crostini
    Homemade Potato Chips
    Homemade Potato Chips

    Don’t Miss These Apple Cocktails 

    Apple Orchard Cocktail
    Apple Orchard Cocktail
    Spiced Apple Cocktail
    Spiced Apple Cocktail

    More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

    • Tart and Refreshing Apple Cider Sangria
    • Caramel Apple Cocktail
    • Apple Cider Applesauce
    • The Perfect Fall Spiced Apple Cocktail
    • Apple French 75 Gin Cocktail

    Print the Recipe

    Print

    Apple Cider Syrup for the BEST Fall Cocktails and Mocktails

    Apple Cider Syrup
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Nothing says fall like fresh apple cider. And while there are dozens of ways to enjoy cider, none are as uniquely delicious as Apple Cider Syrup. 

    • Author: Katy McAvoy
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 5 min
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 2 cups 1x
    • Category: Cocktails
    • Method: Stove Top
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 cups apple cider
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 8 fresh sage leaves
    • 2 inch piece of orange peel
    • 2 inch piece of lemon peel

    Instructions

    Heat apple cider in a small pot over medium heat. 

    Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add sage leaves. 

    Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes. 

    Remove from heat and add orange peel and lemon peel. 

    Set mixture aside and allow to cool to room temperature, approx 90 mins. 

    Remove sage leaves and citrus peels. 

    Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use. 

    Equipment

    Image of Fine Mesh Sieve

    Fine Mesh Sieve

    Buy Now →

    Keywords: apple cider, cocktail syrup, mocktail syrup, non alcoholic drinks, fall drinks, apple cocktails

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag me @katymcavoy on Instagram! I can’t wait to see what you made!

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    I love when you share my recipes!

    • 42

    About Katy McAvoy

    Katy is the author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, and Michigander behind MittenGirl.com. Since 2017, she's been crafting easy-to-make cocktails and delicious meals, along with sharing her love of all things Michigan (a.k.a. The Mitten)!

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    Katy McAvoy

    Hi! I’m Katy (she/her). I’m an author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, Michigander, and lover of all things food and drink. I never turn down a good happy hour and believe that a couple hours of meal prep pays off for days. Follow me on Instagram to check out what I’m working on next!

    More about me →

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