Paul Kushner
The Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail blends two favorite fall flavors pumpkin and apple into one festive drink. Dark rum provides depth and warmth, while pumpkin spiced apple cider brings seasonal sweetness and spice. Cinnamon simple syrup adds another layer of coziness, balanced by the brightness of fresh lemon juice. Topped with chilled ginger ale, the cocktail gains a refreshing fizz that keeps it light and drinkable. Served over ice and finished with a cinnamon stick garnish, this cocktail is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or simply unwinding with a seasonal twist on a refreshing rum drink.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail blends autumn flavors into a refreshing yet cozy drink. Dark rum adds depth with notes of molasses and spice, while pumpkin spiced apple cider provides warmth and fruitiness. Cinnamon simple syrup enhances the spice character, giving it a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of lemon juice. Ginger ale tops the drink with bubbles and a hint of spice, making each sip crisp and smooth. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, the cocktail is aromatic, layered, and perfectly suited for fall gatherings or seasonal celebrations.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare this Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling the base ingredients. A bar jigger ensures accurate measurements of each component, while a strainer helps achieve a clean pour over fresh ice. A bar spoon is useful for gently stirring after topping with ginger ale. For presentation, a chilled highball or rocks glass works best, offering enough room for the mixture and ginger ale topper. A small plate for preparing garnishes and a paring knife may also come in handy if you wish to add apple slices or additional decorative elements.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider chilled
- 1 ½ oz Dark Rum
- ½ oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- Ginger Ale Chilled
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider, dark rum, cinnamon simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the container is ice-cold to the touch.
- Fill chilled glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
- Top off glass with chilled ginger ale, adding a refreshing fizz to the cocktail.
- Gently stir to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive and aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more balanced flavor.
- Chill both cider and ginger ale ahead of time for a crisper cocktail.
- Homemade cinnamon syrup provides deeper spice flavor than store-bought.
- A large ice cube keeps the drink cold with less dilution.
- Garnish with an apple slice alongside the cinnamon stick for extra presentation.
- Opt for a bold dark rum to stand up against the spiced cider.
- Stir lightly after adding ginger ale to preserve carbonation.
When to Serve
The Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail is perfect for fall entertaining, making it a great choice for Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy autumn evenings. Its balance of spice, fruit, and fizz makes it versatile enough to serve before dinner, as a party centerpiece, or even alongside dessert. The cocktail pairs especially well with seasonal dishes like roasted meats, apple pie, or pumpkin-based desserts. Because it’s lightened with ginger ale, it doesn’t feel too heavy, making it ideal for sipping throughout an event. It’s festive, approachable, and perfectly aligned with cooler weather occasions.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- Myers’s Dark Rum
- Plantation Original Dark Rum
- Diplomatico Mantuano
- Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Similar Cocktails
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Buttered Rum
- Spiced Pumpkin Punch
- Pumpkin Spice Gin Sour
- Pumpkin Rum Tini
- Pumpkin Spice Dark and Stormy
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider chilled
- 1 ½ oz Dark Rum
- ½ oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- Ginger Ale Chilled
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider, dark rum, cinnamon simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the container is ice-cold to the touch.
- Fill chilled glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
- Top off glass with chilled ginger ale, adding a refreshing fizz to the cocktail.
- Gently stir to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive and aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor balance.
- Homemade cinnamon syrup adds richer flavor than store-bought versions.
- Opt for a spicier ginger ale if you want extra kick.
