Simple Apple Cider Slushies Recipe - How to Make

You probably associate apple cider with the fall season, but there's a good chance you haven't yet experienced one of my favorite fall drinks, fresh apple cider slushies.

Apple cider slushies are a fun twist on a classic beverage and are the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors after a trip to the pumpkin patch or an afternoon of apple picking. 

Close up slightly overhead view of two stemless wine glasses filled with homemade apple cider slushies garnished with apple slices

The best part of an apple cider slush is how surprisingly easy they are to make with just a few basic ingredients. Simply freeze the apple cider mixture in ice cube trays then blend! Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of autumn charm. This great recipe is the perfect drink for fall parties.

You may also like these other apple recipes! They're the perfect addition to fall weekends - Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter (no apple peeling required), Old-Fashioned Caramel Apple Pound Cake, Baked Apple Pancake, or this tasty Apple Spice Cake

Jump to:

Ingredients

To make this simple recipe you will need a few key ingredients. Here's what you'll need to get started:

Jug of apple cider with fresh apples in the background and a white ice cube tray in the forefront
  • Apple Cider: The star of the show! Choose a high-quality apple cider for the best flavor.
  • Cinnamon: This warm spice is a must-have for any apple cider recipe.
  • Ground Cloves: Another classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with apple cider.
  • Cinnamon Stick: A cinnamon stick makes a lovely garnish for your slushie.
  • Nutmeg: For added warmth and depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your slushie.
  • Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples make a beautiful and delicious garnish.
  • Brown Sugar: If you prefer a sweeter slushie, you can add a little bit of brown sugar.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Empty ice cube tray with glass measuring cup filled with apple cider and mixed with nutmeg

Combine the Spices: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and nutmeg.

Mix with Cider: In a pitcher or large mixing bowl, combine the apple cider, vanilla extract, and the mixed spices. Stir until well blended.

white ice cube tray filled with spiced apple cider to make slushies

Freeze: Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, proceed to the next step.

Close up of two stemless wine glasses filled with freshly made apple cider slushies with a red and white striped paper straw and garnished with apple slices.

Blend: Place the frozen apple cider cubes into a blender. Pulse the blender until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency.

Pour the apple cider slushies into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired.

Substitutions

Looking for some creative ways to enjoy apple cider slushies? Here are some variations to try out:

Apple Cider Slush Cocktail

For a more adult version of this classic drink, try adding some bourbon or Fireball whiskey to your apple cider slushies. This will give your drink a little extra kick and make it perfect for sipping on a cool fall evening. Just be sure to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

Overhead view of a stemless wine glass filled with freshly made apple cider slushies garnished with an apple slice.

Variations

Apple Cider Slushies with Ice Cream

For a sweeter version of this classic drink, try adding some vanilla ice cream to your apple cider slushies. This will give your drink a creamy and indulgent texture that's perfect for a sweet treat. This version is kid-friendly and perfect for a fun family activity after a trip to your local orchard. 

Whether you prefer your apple cider slushies spiked or kid-friendly, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this classic fall drink. Experiment with different homemade recipes and find the perfect variation for your taste buds.

Equipment

To make apple cider slushies, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. Here is a list of the necessary items:

  • Blender or Slushie Machine: A blender or slushie machine is required to turn the apple cider into a slushie consistency. If you have a slushie machine, it will make the process easier and quicker, but a blender will also do the job.
  • Freezer: You will need a freezer to freeze the apple cider ice cubes. If you don't have ice cube trays you can use a good old freezer bag. 
  • Spoon: You will need a spoon to mix the ingredients and to scoop the slushie into the glasses.
  • Stemless Wine Glasses: These glasses are perfect for serving apple cider slushies. They are elegant and allow the slushie's colors to shine.
  • Straw: A straw is optional but can be helpful when sipping the slushie.

Serving Suggestions

Two glasses filled with apple cider slushies garnished with cinnamon sticks

Party Table

If you're hosting a party or get-together, apple cider slushies are a great addition to your party table. You can serve them in a large punch bowl. This way, your guests can help themselves to the slushies, and you won't have to keep refilling glasses.

To make your apple cider slushies look more festive, consider adding some garnishes. You can add a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple to each glass, or sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the slushies. This will not only make them look more appealing but also add a touch of flavor.

Sweet Cider

If you're using sweet cider to make your apple cider slushies, you can adjust the sweetness level to your liking. If the cider is too sweet, you can add some lemon juice or lime juice to balance out the sweetness.

You can also experiment with different spices to add more flavor to your slushies. For example, you can add some ginger or cardamom to the cider to give it a spicy kick.

Overall, apple cider slushies are a versatile and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed in many different settings. By following these serving suggestions, you can make your slushies look and taste even better.

FAQ

How long can you store frozen apple cider before it goes bad?

Frozen apple cider can last up to six months in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container. However, it is best to consume it within two months for optimal taste and quality.

Can you use hard cider to make apple cider slushies?

Yes, you can use hard cider to make apple cider slushies. However, keep in mind that the alcohol content may affect the freezing process and the taste of the final product.

What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Apple cider is made by pressing apples and extracting the juice, while apple juice is made by filtering and clarifying the juice. Apple cider is usually unfiltered and has a more complex flavor profile, while apple juice is clear and has a simpler taste.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

📖 Recipe

Apple Cider Slushies

Capture the essence of fall with these refreshing Apple Cider Slushies. Combining the classic flavors of apple cider with a blend of vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg, this simple recipe creates a chilled, tangy treat perfect for savoring the season. Enjoy a glass on a crisp autumn day and revel in the delightful symphony of flavors!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Close up of two stemless wine glasses filled with freshly made apple cider slushies with a red and white striped paper straw and garnished with apple slices.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Freezing:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
    ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • In a pitcher or large mixing bowl, combine the apple cider, vanilla extract, and the mixed spices. Stir until well blended.
    ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 cups apple cider
  • Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, proceed to the next step.
  • Place the frozen apple cider cubes into a blender. Pulse the blender until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency.
  • Pour the apple cider slushies into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired.

As with any of my recipes, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly depending on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 170kcal
Author: Mary Beth
Cost: $2.00
Signature Block - with photo of Mary Beth, your homemaking coach, and a pink stand mixer

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating