Cheers to the Transitional Season With Apple Cider Slushie Cocktails

As fall arrives and we crave all the quintessential autumnal flavors, we often find ourselves at odds with the lingering warmth of the season. Thankfully, the Apple Cider Slushie comes to the rescue! This delightful concoction encapsulates the essence of early autumn–the crispness of apples, the warmth of maple, and the comforting embrace of cinnamon–all in a chilled drink tailor-made for those still-hot days.

This isn’t just any cider cocktail; it’s an apple cider alcoholic drink that marries the quintessential flavors of fall with the cool, refreshing texture of a slushie. From the frosty cider cubes to the spirited blend of flavors, these slushies capture the essence of early fall while providing a welcome respite from the late summer heat.

To craft the perfect Apple Cider Slushie, the first order of business is freezing a portion of your apple cider into cider cubes. This step is pivotal in achieving that slushy texture we desire; you can plan ahead and do this up to a few days prior. Then, in your blender, you’ll combine the frozen cider cubes with additional apple cider, a touch of brandy or bourbon, a pinch of cinnamon, and a dash of maple syrup. You can also opt for a non-alcoholic version by substituting an equal amount of apple cider. Note: The ideal tool for this job is a high-powered blender; it will ensure the smoothest consistency for your slushie.

Chilled glasses are preferred for the full experience here. For an added touch of flavor and presentation, you can optionally rim the glasses with maple syrup and gently dip them in cinnamon sugar. Then, just pour the apple cider slushie mixture into your prepared glasses. Remember, when it comes to drink recipes, flexibility is key. Adjust the quantities to meet your needs, whether you’re serving a few or a crowd. Depending on the size of your blender, you might need to work in batches for larger quantities.

I’m breaking down the steps to whip up an apple cider, the slushy blender version. So scroll for the complete recipe–and cheers!

Apple Cider Slushie:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Yield: 3 slushies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups apple cider, for freezing
• 1 cup apple cider, for blending
• ¼ cup bourbon or apple brandy
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Splash of maple syrup
• Maple syrup, for glass rims
• Cinnamon sugar, for glass rims
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
• Apple slices, for garnish

Instructions:

Prep: Pour the 3 cups of apple cider into ice cube trays and freeze until completely solid.

Prep glasses: Add a little maple syrup to a plate, and some cinnamon sugar or raw sugar to another. Dip the rims of your glasses into the maple syrup then into the sugar. Chill glasses while you blend the slushies.

Make the slushies: Add the frozen apple cider cubes to a high-powered blender, along with the apple cider, bourbon, pinch of cinnamon, and a splash of maple syrup. Blend until well combined and you have a slushie consistency. Pour into chilled glasses, then garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick, and enjoy immediately.

Did you make this boozy apple cider cocktail? Show us your slushies on Instagram and TikTok @lulus–and shop styles to sip in all season in our Fall Fashion Shop! 

This recipe comes from our food contributor, Stephanie Simmons, of Blue Bowl. Her goal with her kitchen-tested recipes is to get you excited about cooking, show you how good food can taste, and prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a good meal.