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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.

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
- 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.
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, approximately 90 minutes.
Remove sage leaves and citrus peels.
Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
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
Maple syrup (100% pure, not pancake syrup), is a great substitute for the brown sugar in this recipe.
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.
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.
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Print the Recipe
PrintApple Cider Syrup for the BEST Fall Cocktails and Mocktails
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.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
Keywords: apple cider, cocktail syrup, mocktail syrup, non alcoholic drinks, fall drinks, apple cocktails
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