If you're looking for the perfect drink to sip this fall season, look no further than this apple cider slushie. It's the ultimate blend of cool, refreshing apple cider with just the right touch of caramel and maple sweetness, making it a favorite for fall festivals and cozy nights in!
Apple cider has been a fall staple for generations thanks for its natural sweetness and rich flavor. Fresh apple cider is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, which can help support your immune system, which can be especially useful as the weather gets colder.
As a dietitian, I love showing people how to create a fun, low-calorie way to enjoy one of autumn's favorite fruits! Whether you're hosting a Halloween movie night or relaxing after a day at the pumpkin patch, this refreshing mocktail is the perfect way to celebrate this fall.
Looking for more apple recipes? Try my apple cider mocktail, cinnamon roll apple cobbler, or caramel apple pretzel bark for even more fall flavor!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: These apple cider slushies come together in just minutes with a handful of ingredients.
- Fall flavors in one mocktail: The classic taste of fresh apple cider combined with the warm notes of maple and caramel creates the ultimate cozy fall experience in a cup.
- Family-friendly and fun: This easy recipe is a hit with all ages. Kids love the fun, icy texture, and adults can even add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for a grown-up twist!
Ingredients
To make this slushie, you only need a few simple ingredients that deliver big on flavor.
- Apple Cider: We freeze it to make apple cider ice cubes for a thicker texture and use a little extra cider for mixing. Support a local orchard by picking up fresh cider when you go apple picking! If you're in Georgia, B.J. Reece Orchards is one of my favorites. Grocery stores also sell apple cider, typically found in the produce section.
- Caramel Extract: This adds a touch of caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with apple cider.
- Maple Syrup: A splash of maple syrup complements the other ingredients and enhances the fall vibes.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Instructions
Turn fresh apple cider into a frosty slushie in just a few steps!
Step 1: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
Step 2: Add your frozen apple cider cubes, additional apple cider, caramel extract, and maple syrup to a blender. Blend until smooth and slushy.
Step 3: Pour the apple cider mixture into glasses, garnish with apple slices or cinnamon sticks for an extra festive touch. Enjoy immediately!
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some easy swaps to customize your cider slushie!
- Swap apple cider for apple juice for a slightly sweeter with less spiciness.
- Use your preferred alternative sweetener like honey, agave syrup, brown sugar, caramel sauce, or even monk fruit simple syrup.
- Add even more fall flavor with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg!
- To make this a boozy slushie, add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or apple-flavored vodka for an adult version.
- If you don't want to freeze apple cider, you can use regular ice cubes instead. Just blend the cups of ice with apple cider for a slightly less intense apple flavor but still a refreshing slushie.
Tips For the Best Apple Cider Slushie
- If you have the time (and remember), freeze the apple cider more a more intense apple flavor. Freeze the cider overnight for the best texture.
- To get the perfect slushy consistency, make sure to use a high-speed blender. This makes sure that the ice blends evenly without leaving any large chunks behind.
- Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving to help your slushie stay icy cold for longer.
- I love serving this drink in stemless wine glasses or these adorable pumpkin mugs!
- If you want to get fancy, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert-like treat.
Storage
Got leftover apple cider slushie? Here are a few tips so it stays frosty and flavorful as long as possible!
- Fridge: This apple cider slushie is best enjoyed fresh to keep its icy, slushy texture. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, but the slushie will melt and lose its frosty consistency. For a quick refresh, simply blend the chilled mixture with additional ice.
FAQ
Make sure your apple cider cubes are fully frozen before blending and serve the slushie in pre-chilled glasses.
This slushie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cider in cubes in advance. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them and re-blend with ice later.
Yes, apple cider can be used in a slushie machine! Just pour the cider into the machine as directed and let it do the work. For an even richer flavor, consider adding a touch of caramel or maple syrup while it mixes.
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
Jessie
More Refreshing Drinks You'll Love!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Fall Apple Cider Slushie Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Ice cube tray
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups fresh apple cider
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon caramel extract
- Garnishes such as apple slices and cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups of apple cider into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
- Add your frozen apple cider cubes, ½ cup apple cider, maple syrup, and caramel extract to a blender. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour the apple cider mixture into glasses, garnish with apple slices or cinnamon sticks for an extra festive touch. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- If you prefer a thinner slushie, add more liquid apple cider during blending.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup, depending on your taste
- Want to save time? Freeze the apple cider cubes ahead of time, so they're ready when you need them.
- This slushie is best right after blending, but if you have leftovers, refrigerate up to 24 hours and re-blend with a few frozen apple cider cubes to bring back the icy texture.
Ashley B says
I love slushies and this is sooo easy to make! YUM