Description
This Pumpkin Apple Cider recipe is a warm and cozy fall beverage perfect for chilly days. Combining spiced apple cider with creamy pumpkin and aromatic spices, it’s topped with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a delightful seasonal treat. You can also turn it into a cocktail with an optional splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur.
Ingredients
Scale
Whipping Cream / Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Cider:
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch ground clove
Additional Garnish:
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon sticks
Optional:
- Bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In a small dish, mix together 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon thoroughly to make a cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Make Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream: Using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar mixture until soft peaks form. Set aside the whipped cream for garnishing later.
- Heat the Cider Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 3 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground clove. Whisk well and heat the mixture until it is hot but not boiling.
- Serve the Cider: Once the cider mixture is hot, ladle it into heatproof mugs. At this point, you can optionally add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur to create a warm cocktail.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top each mug with the prepared cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cream. Garnish with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick for added aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- This beverage can be served as a non-alcoholic drink or transformed into a cocktail by adding bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur according to preference.
- Use fresh or store-bought apple cider for best flavor; avoid clear apple juice as it lacks the spiced depth.
- If canned pumpkin is unavailable, use fresh pumpkin puree but ensure it’s smooth for easy mixing.
- The cinnamon-spiced whipped cream adds a rich texture and enhances the warm spice flavor of the cider.
- Adjust the spice quantities to suit your taste, especially if you prefer a more or less spiced drink.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for the whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
