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Spiced Apple Cider Slushies: The Ultimate Fall Drink (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)

As the crisp autumn air arrives, bringing with it the vibrant hues of changing leaves and the comforting scent of woodsmoke, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful fall beverage. These refreshing **apple cider slushies** capture the very essence of autumn in a glass. Blending a mix of frozen and fresh spiced apple cider to smooth, icy perfection, and enhanced with a touch of maple syrup and your choice of spirits (or not!), they offer a unique and irresistible twist on a seasonal classic.

Each sip delivers a crisp, authentic apple flavor, beautifully balanced with warm, inviting notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. This perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and spicy will undoubtedly have you and your guests reaching for more, making them an instant favorite for any fall gathering.

This invigorating apple cider slush is truly the best drink for fall, appealing to both adults seeking a festive cocktail and children looking for a special treat. The vibrant taste and refreshing texture make it a standout choice for any occasion. Make sure to pick up a jug (or two!) of high-quality apple cider during your next visit to an apple orchard or grocery store run. Opt for fresh-pressed cider, if possible, as its rich flavor is unmatched and will elevate your slushie experience.

Beyond these delightful slushies, any leftover apple cider can be transformed into a sticky, concentrated syrup, perfect for enriching your baked goods and desserts. I frequently use it to create delectable apple cider caramels throughout the fall, and it’s also a fantastic addition to recipes like this luscious Caramel Pecan Cheesecake, comforting Apple Cider Caramel Thumbprint Cookies, and decadent Salted Caramel Cookie Bars with Shortbread. Its versatility in both drinks and desserts makes apple cider an indispensable ingredient for the autumn season.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider Slushie Recipe

There are countless reasons why these apple cider slushies are destined to become your new favorite fall indulgence. From their irresistible flavor to their effortless preparation, they tick all the boxes for a perfect seasonal drink:

• Authentic Fall Flavors – Each sip transports you to an apple orchard on a crisp autumn day, filling your senses with the aroma of fresh, ripe apples intertwined with warm, comforting spices. The carefully selected blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice creates a rich, complex profile that’s reminiscent of your favorite fall candle or homemade apple pie. It’s truly a celebration of autumnal tastes.
• Incredibly Refreshing – Despite their warm spice notes, these frozen apple cider slushies are wonderfully refreshing. The icy texture provides a cooling sensation, making them ideal for those unexpectedly warm fall afternoons or as a palate cleanser during a festive meal. As the slushie slowly melts, it transforms into a deliciously spiced liquid, offering a dynamic drinking experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Any Crowd – Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large fall party, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. While they look stunning served in tall, elegant glasses as pictured, they can also be presented in smaller portions, allowing you to cater to multiple guests with ease. The recipe can also be effortlessly doubled or tripled to accommodate larger crowds, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this delightful treat.
• Customizable for All Ages – One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. You can prepare a delicious non-alcoholic version that kids and adults alike will adore, or easily transform it into a spirited cocktail by adding your favorite liquor. This makes it a perfect choice for family-friendly events, allowing you to cater to diverse preferences with a single base recipe.
• Simple & Quick Preparation – Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you; these slushies are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps and a bit of foresight for freezing the cider, you’ll have a show-stopping beverage ready in no time. The clear instructions ensure a smooth preparation process, even for novice entertainers.

Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Slushies

Crafting the perfect apple cider slushie begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this frosty fall delight:

• Apple Cider: The star of our show! It’s crucial to use fresh-pressed apple cider, not the alcoholic version. Look for jugs of cloudy, natural cider with visible sediment at the bottom at farmers markets, local orchards, or your grocery store’s produce section. This natural sediment indicates a fuller, richer apple flavor. While spiced apple cider works wonderfully, you can also easily add your own spices if you can only find an unspiced variety. The fresher, the better!
• Warm Fall Spices: If your apple cider isn’t already spiced, you’ll want to add a blend of warming spices to enhance that signature fall flavor. Essential spices include **cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.** These work harmoniously to create a fragrant, comforting aroma and taste. Ground spices are easiest for blending into a slushie, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds a touch of earthy sweetness and a beautiful depth of flavor that complements the apple and spices perfectly. Use pure maple syrup for the best results. It can be adjusted to your taste or omitted entirely if you prefer a less sweet slushie, allowing the natural sweetness of the apple cider to shine through.
• Cinnamon Sugar: (Optional, but highly recommended for a festive touch!) This mixture is used to coat the rim of your serving glasses, adding a sweet and spicy crunch with every sip. It’s incredibly easy to make by simply combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
• Your Favorite Alcohol: (Optional, for an adult-only version.) To transform this into a boozy slushie, simply add 2-3 ounces of your preferred liquor per batch. Excellent choices that pair beautifully with apple cider and fall spices include dark rum, spiced rum, bourbon, or even a smooth vodka. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

For precise quantities and a detailed recipe, please refer to the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Creative Variations

• **Apple Juice vs. Apple Cider:** It’s important to note that **apple juice cannot be substituted for apple cider** in this recipe. Apple juice is filtered and pasteurized, resulting in a much thinner consistency and a sweeter, less complex flavor profile compared to fresh-pressed apple cider, which is cloudy, unfiltered, and retains more of the apple’s natural tartness and body. The distinct production processes yield very different beverages, so stick to apple cider for the best slushie experience.
• **Alcohol Adjustment:** For an alcoholic version, you can either blend up to 3 ounces of your chosen alcohol (dark rum, spiced rum, bourbon, or vodka are excellent) directly into the entire recipe batch, or you can add it as a “floater” to the top of each individual glass just before serving. The latter allows guests to choose their boozy level or enjoy a non-alcoholic version alongside.
• **Blender Alternatives:** If you don’t have a high-powered blender, you can still make these delicious slushies! A food processor can work in batches, though it might require more scraping down of the sides to achieve a smooth consistency. Alternatively, an ice cream maker can also churn the mixture into a slushy texture, though the process will be slower.
• **Granita Method:** For a truly unique texture without any electric appliances, consider making this into a granita. Simply pour the spiced apple cider mixture into a shallow metal pan and freeze. Every 30-60 minutes, use a fork to scrape the ice crystals, creating a beautiful, flaky granita. This method is similar to how you would prepare a berry sangria granita, yielding a wonderfully refreshing and elegant dessert-drink hybrid.
• **Spice Profile Customization:** Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth, a star anise for a licorice note, or even a touch of cardamom for an exotic twist. If using whole spices (like cinnamon sticks or star anise), simmer them gently with a portion of the liquid apple cider before chilling and freezing to infuse their flavors deeply.
• **Fruity Enhancements:** For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, consider blending in a small amount of other frozen fruits, such as cranberries, pears, or even a few slices of fresh orange. This can add a lovely tartness or sweetness that complements the apple cider beautifully.

To ensure your apple cider slushies achieve that perfect icy consistency, it’s essential to plan ahead. The freezing process is the most time-consuming part, so be sure to start the night before. Allow the cider ice cubes a full 8 hours (or preferably overnight) in the freezer before you plan to make and serve your slushies.

One: Prepare Frozen Cider. Pour 3 cups of apple cider into ice cube trays or spread it flat into zip-top bags. Place them in the freezer and allow a minimum of 8 hours to fully freeze, ideally overnight. This extended freezing time is crucial due to the sugar content in cider, which makes it freeze slower than plain water.

Two: Wet Glass Rims. Take your serving glasses and dip their rims into a shallow plate of apple cider or water. This step helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better to the glass. For an extra chilled experience, place the wet-rimmed glasses in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Three: Apply Cinnamon Sugar. Immediately after wetting the rims, dip them into a shallow dish containing your cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently twist the glass to ensure an even coating. Once coated, place the glasses back into the freezer to chill thoroughly. This not only enhances presentation but also helps the slushies melt more slowly, maintaining their frosty texture longer.

Four: Load the Blender. Carefully transfer the frozen apple cider cubes (or broken up frozen cider from bags) into a sturdy blender. Ensure your blender is capable of handling ice for the best results. If using a standard blender, you might need to add liquids first to help the blades catch.

Pro Tip! If you froze your cider in zip-top bags, the block of ice can be quite solid. Before adding it to the blender, place the bag on a sturdy surface and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently break the frozen cider into smaller, more manageable pieces. This protects your blender blades and ensures a smoother blend.

Five: Add Sweetener and Alcohol. Pour the maple syrup directly over the frozen cider in the blender. If you’re making an alcoholic version, now is the time to add your chosen liquor (dark rum, spiced rum, bourbon, or vodka). The maple syrup helps to ensure the mixture blends smoothly and evenly distributes the sweetness.

Six: Introduce Remaining Cider & Spices. Add the remaining 2 cups of cold, liquid apple cider to the blender. If you are using unspiced cider and adding your own spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves), sprinkle them in at this point. The liquid cider will help the blending process and prevent the mixture from becoming too thick too quickly.

Seven: Blend to Perfection. Secure the lid and blend the apple cider mixture until it reaches a smooth, consistent slushie texture. Start on a low setting and gradually increase speed, using the tamper if your blender has one, to push ingredients towards the blades. If the mixture is too thick, add a tiny splash more liquid apple cider (a tablespoon at a time) until it blends smoothly. The ideal consistency is thick enough to spoon, yet still pourable.

Eight: Serve Immediately. Once blended, retrieve your chilled, cinnamon-sugar-rimmed glasses from the freezer. Carefully pour or spoon the frosty apple cider slushie into each glass. Garnish with an apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant touch. These slushies are best enjoyed immediately to savor their ideal frozen texture.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Apple Cider Slushie

• **Source the Best Cider:** The quality of your apple cider makes a huge difference. Seek out the most flavorful, unfiltered cider you can find. It should have a rich, darker color and noticeable sediment at the bottom – this indicates natural goodness and deeper apple flavor. Local farmer’s markets and apple orchards are typically the best places to find premium cider.
• **Shake the Jug:** Before pouring apple cider to freeze and before adding the liquid cider to the blender, always give the jug a good shake. The flavorful sediment, which contains much of the apple’s essence, tends to settle at the bottom and needs to be thoroughly incorporated for consistent flavor.
• **Overnight Freeze is Key:** Due to its natural sugar content, apple cider takes longer to freeze solid than plain water. For the best, smoothest slushie consistency, allow the 3 cups of cider to freeze for a full 8-12 hours, or even overnight. Don’t rush this step!
• **Pre-Chill Your Glasses:** Freezing your serving glasses for at least 30 minutes before pouring the slushies will significantly slow down the melting process. This allows you and your guests to enjoy the frosty beverage longer, especially in warmer environments.
• **Serve Immediately:** For the ultimate enjoyment, serve the apple cider slushies as soon as they are blended. Their perfect icy consistency is fleeting, and immediate serving ensures everyone experiences them at their best.
• **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** Taste your apple cider before adding maple syrup. If your cider is already very sweet, you might need less maple syrup or none at all. Conversely, if it’s tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two.
• **High-Powered Blender Recommended:** While alternatives are possible, a high-powered blender will yield the smoothest, most consistent slushie texture with minimal effort. If using a less powerful blender, break your frozen cider into smaller chunks and blend in smaller batches to avoid overheating the motor.
• **Garnish Creatively:** Beyond cinnamon sticks and apple slices, consider other fall-inspired garnishes like star anise, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or even a dollop of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon for a dessert-like treat.

Storage and Leftovers

These apple cider slushies are undeniably at their best when served immediately, while they retain their perfectly frozen and icy consistency. The delightful texture begins to melt over time, which is why quick enjoyment is key.

However, if you happen to have any leftovers, don’t fret! Once the slushie has melted back into a liquid, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. While it will lose its frosty texture, it will transform into a wonderfully delicious and intensely spiced apple cider beverage. You can enjoy it chilled as a refreshing drink, or even warm it gently for a comforting spiced cider on a cooler day. It’s a versatile fall treat, even in its melted form!

Did you make this recipe? Share your creations with us! Tag @thecozyplum on Instagram & Facebook and leave a star rating ⭐️ below! We love seeing your delicious results!

Spiced Apple Cider Slushies Recipe Card

Spiced Apple Cider Slushies

By Callan Wenner

These crisp, refreshing apple cider slushies use a mix of frozen and fresh spiced apple cider that gets blended to smooth icy perfection and mixed with maple syrup and your favorite alcohol (or not) for the perfect fall cocktail or mocktail.

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Freeze Time:

12 hrs

Total Time:

12 hrs 15 mins

Course:

Drinks

Cuisine:

American

Servings:

8

Calories:

164 kcal

Equipment

• Ice cube trays or zip top bags
• Blender

Ingredients

• 5 cups apple cider, spiced, divided (see notes section)
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2-3 oz alcohol (dark rum, spiced rum, bourbon, vodka, or preferred alcohol – optional)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Freeze 3 cups of apple cider in an ice cube tray or a few zip-top bags (freezing flat). Do this the day before so it has time to fully freeze overnight. Keep the remaining apple cider in the fridge.
2. Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Dip the rims of the glasses in water or cider, then into the spiced sugar to create a garnished rim. Add the rimmed glasses to the freezer. All of this is optional, but a nice touch.
3. Note: Add your glasses to the freezer at least 1 hour before serving, then make the slushies right before serving.
4. Add the cider ice cubes, maple syrup, remaining 2 cups of apple cider, and alcohol (if using) to a blender and blend until a slushy, icy consistency forms. It’s better to keep it thicker, as the frozen slush will begin to melt, but add a small amount more of the apple cider if needed to finish blending.
5. Note: If the cider is frozen in zip-top bags, break up or smash the cider in the bag using a meat mallet or rolling pin to break it up slightly.
6. Carefully pour the slushies into glasses.
7. Serve with sliced apple garnishes and cinnamon sticks, or other fall-inspired garnishes.

Notes

If you can’t find spiced apple cider, add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon allspice, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg before blending.

Tips:

• Shake the apple cider to incorporate all the sediment before freezing and adding to the slushies.
• Freeze the glasses before serving for a slower slushie melt.
• After blending, serve the slushies immediately.
• If you don’t want to add alcohol to the entire batch, you can add floaters to the top of individual glasses.

Nutritional Information (Estimate per Serving)

• Calories: 164 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.04 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01 g
• Sodium: 9 mg
• Potassium: 217 mg
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Sugar: 32 g
• Vitamin A: 2 IU
• Vitamin C: 2 mg
• Calcium: 24 mg
• Iron: 0.3 mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.