Description
A cozy and flavorful Pumpkin Apple Cider recipe that combines warm apple cider with pumpkin puree and festive spices. Topped with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, this comforting drink is perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. Optionally spiked with bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur for an adult twist.
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: In a small dish, combine 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This mixture will be split for both the whipped cream and garnish.
- 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.
- Heat the cider mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 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. Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Serve: Ladle the hot pumpkin apple cider into heatproof mugs. Optionally add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur for an adult version of the drink.
- Garnish and enjoy: Top each mug with the cinnamon-spiced whipped cream, sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture, and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust spices to taste, you can add more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger based on your preference.
- To make it a cocktail, add bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur sparingly to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the optional liquor.
- Whipped cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
