• Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Bakingdom

All you need is love. And dessert.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Basic Recipes
  • Travel
  • Shop
  • Meet Darla
    • FAQ
    • Press
  • Contact

Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner: Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by Darla

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.

Thanksgiving….poor holiday. It’s practically looked over nowadays, what with Christmas only a month later.

Now, this year, Black Friday (the biggest sale/shopping day if the year here in the states) is even encroaching on the day. Black Friday always falls on the day after Thanksgiving. It’s a day of supposed huge sales and markdowns leading up to Christmas, and it’s usually only for the day, sometimes for the weekend (I say supposed because I’m not a Black Friday shopper, so I can’t speak from experience).

This year, Black Friday has pushed it’s way onto Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas is being a total holiday hog (it’s actually pretty disgusting…really).

That’s what I love about blogging, particularly food blogging.

We food bloggers never miss an occasion to make treats, so Thanksgiving gets it’s time in the spotlight with us. What with our amazing pumpkin cakes, adorable cupcakes, darling scarecrow cookies, irresistible mac n cheese, candy mixes and printables, and Autumn themed rice crispy treats…we’ve got your back Thanksgiving!

It’s like The Night They Saved Christmas…only Thanksgiving…and over weeks, not just one night. But it’s practically the same thing, and all because of us food bloggers. You can thank us after the tryptophan wears off.

But just in case you find yourself in the middle of the mall, being swarmed by the Black Friday (on Thursday) crowds, how about a little cocktail?

Or maybe it’s your first time having the whole family to your place for the holiday, and you’re cooking everything for everyone with overly critical Aunt Ruthie breathing down your neck?

Here, have a drink.

I’m not a big drinker, so the fact that I made this drink up from scratch, and it’s incredibly delicious, is something of a minor miracle.

I made this at the last minute, for the heck of it. I got the urge to taste something Autumnal and grown up. What’s more Autumnal than spiced, or mulled, cider? And what’s more grown up than vodka??

Why not put them together?

There is no reason why not. Trust me on this one.

Oh yeah, and P.S. This can be made kid friendly by simply omitting the vodka. And, AND! It’s vegan/dairy free, and gluten free.

Boom!

Awesome.

**Double check your vodka and orange juice to make sure it’s gluten free and vegan.**

One more thing…those glittery coasters? Paper doilies + glue stick + glitter = oh my cute coasters.

There’s a little bit of cooking involved in this, but it’s quick and easy, and the result is the syrup that makes this drink spiced.

Before mixing the drinks, use the spiced syrup to rim the glasses.

Once you’ve dipped the rim of the glass into the syrup, coat it with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or cinnamon-sugar. I used Wilton gold sugar.

I seriously love this drink, you guys. It tastes just like mulled cider, except better. I’ve never been a spiced cider fan…something about hot apple cider just didn’t do it for me, but this stuff is fantastic. I love it chilled and the bubbles from the sparkling cider make it something special.

We’re talking mulled cider here, so expect this to be sweet…good and sweet, but also spicy, and a touch tart…and completely perfect.

Do you ever create something and think, “Well, this might be pretty good. We’ll see,” then you finish it and view/try on/taste it and you’re all like, “Holy wow! Did I really just make this up all by myself? Cause it’s flipping wonderful!” Yeah? You do that, too? That’s what happened here.

I made this on a whim; whipped it up from guesstimates and sounds-good-to-me’s…and it’s abso-freaking-lutely delicious.

I love it when that happens.

And if you go make this, now, you will, too.

Go. Make. Enjoy!

Sparkling Spiced Cider [Printable Version]
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

**1 shot equals 1.5 ounces (35 ml)**

1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) orange juice
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

4  shots (6 ounces, or 188 ml) chilled vodka (omit for kid-friendly version)
16 shots (24 ounces, or 700 ml) chilled sparkling cider

Combine the sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a small saucepan set over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is the consistency of syrup. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Allow to cool completely.

Use the syrup to rim 4 glasses, then dip the glasses into a sugar mixture (sanding sugar or cinnamon-sugar).

Add 1 shot of the syrup to each glass. Stir in 1 shot of vodka, then add 4 shots of sparkling cider per glass. Stir gently and serve.

For a stronger drink, increase the vodka to 2 shots per glass, and reduce the cider to 3 shots.

Recipe by Darla

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
Leave a comment

Filed Under: Dairy Free, Drinks, Fall Recipes, Gluten-free, Holidays, Recipes, Vegan Tagged With: Apple Cider, Cocktails, Dairy Free, Drinks, Gluten-free, Holidays, Martinis, Mulled Cider, Sparkling Cider, Sparkling Spiced Cider, Spiced Cider, Thanksgiving, Vegan

« Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Recap
Perfect Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey and Dumplings »

Comments

  1. Wenderly says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:29 am

    THAT is spectacular! Can only have a HAPPY Thanksgiving with one of those beauties in hand! Happy Thanksgiving love!

  2. Cookbook Queen says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:46 am

    These are SERIOUSLY adorable!! And now I want one. Love it and looove your coasters!!

  3. Connie / Marinating Online says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:49 am

    I was trying to figure out a fun beverage for tomorrow and this is definately it.

  4. Kim says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:29 am

    Thanksgiving is very much the food holiday. Just as food bloggers concentrate on Thanksgiving themed posts (and I give thanks that you do (see what I did there? Ha! I crack myself up)), so too do only food retailers and baking product companies have Thanksgiving commercials. And that’s why little ol’ foodie me has the only Thanksgiving decorations in the company. My sweet little banner and sparkly leaves have since been swamped by multitudes of poinsettas, but they are not coming down until Monday. Thanksgiving-ers unite!

    Btdubs- the sparkling apple cider is a stroke of genius. I’m so making this for the after-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving with the sister-in-law.

  5. nicole {sweet peony} says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    this is the prettiest cocktail i’ve ever seen!!! i love the colors (& your sparkly coasters hehe). happy thanksgiving darla! 🙂

  6. Choc Chip Uru says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    I adore how pristine and polished this drink looks!!!

  7. Mary Anne says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    Oh, yummy and pretty!
    Might have to make some if I get off my butt and invite the neighbors over!!

  8. Karyn says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    Love this! Looks so elegant and adult. Beautiful presentation.

  9. Anna says

    Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    With all the rush, the stress and all the holiday preparations…We need to pause and have a drink sometime in between. I say, how about right now? Thanks for this cocktail treat…makes me enjoy the holidays more! Have a great holiday celebration! Happy Thanksgiving! =)

  10. Lucy says

    Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 7:33 am

    These look gorgeous!
    Have been looking for Mulled Cider / Wine recipes since coming home from Copenhagen last week, as they have stell everywhere selling Glogg (their version of mulled wine ) and i couldn’t get enough of it!

    Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! 🙂

  11. Léa says

    Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 7:39 am

    It s So preeeeeeettttyyyyyy! Happy thanksgiving!

  12. sue says

    Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    Oh my that looks so good, and without the vodka I could have a few!

  13. a spoonful of yumm says

    Friday, November 25, 2011 at 4:34 am

    looks fabulous….happy thanksgiving !

  14. Zoe says

    Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    This sounds yummy, however Im a little confused as in the UK cider is alcoholic.. so can you explain what your cider is please?

    • Karen says

      Monday, December 26, 2011 at 7:56 am

      We have plain cider (similar to apple juice) that’s called cider. When it’s distilled, the portion that is alcohol is called “hard cider.” I think that’s what’s similar to your cider.

  15. Dana at Cooking at Cafe D says

    Monday, November 28, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Oooh, looks so tasty.
    I recently posted a “Perfect Pumpkin Martini” and was *swoon* worthy.
    Thanks for sharing~!

  16. Lyka Ricks says

    Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6:46 am

    I love the apple cider! These recipes are surely yummy!

  17. Karen says

    Monday, December 26, 2011 at 7:52 am

    I made this for our Christmas cocktail. It was a crowd pleaser! This is a save-in-my-phone to take wherever I go recipe! Thanks

Trackbacks

  1. Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider | The Luxury Spot says:
    Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    […] Step up your fall cocktail game with this bubbly, spicy, and sweet drink. It’s made even spicier with a splash of vodka! Recipe and image via Bakingdom. […]

  2. Drinkable: Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider « Gâteaux Maliniak says:
    Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 5:19 am

    […] Apple cider is rich and complex in flavor, much better suited to making tasty cocktails than its watered down, artificially sweetened apple juice brethren. Photo Via: http://www.bakingdom.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-sparkling-spiced-apple-cider-cocktail.html […]

  3. PinLaVie... Make your pins come true – Sparkling Spiced Cider says:
    Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    […] Sparkling Spiced Cider […]

  4. Chloe’s Inspiration ~ Celebrate New Year’s Eve | Celebrate and Decorate says:
    Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 6:05 am

    […] Source:  Bakingdom […]

  5. Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider | Paradisepin says:
    Monday, November 18, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    […] Recipe: http://bakingdom.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-sparkling-spiced-apple-cider-cocktail.html […]

welcome!
Baker.
Photographer.
Geek.
Read More…

Weight Conversions

Faves

Butterbeer?! Oh Yes, Friends! Butterbeer!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Donald Duck Tsum Tsum Cupcakes

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Easy Irish Soda Bread

Friday, March 14, 2014

Rainbow-filled Chocolate Icebox Cookies

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Happy Garland Cake

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Archives

Instagram

bakingdom

The best good boy that ever lived. 🤍 My brain i The best good boy that ever lived. 🤍 My brain is struggling to comprehend how it’s been almost two years without him. It feels like a flash in time and an eternity, simultaneously. #LittleMightyLoki
Twentieth New Year’s Eve together and he still m Twentieth New Year’s Eve together and he still makes me laugh til I cry {swipe}.
😂
I’m ready for new adventures, new memories, more kindness, and lots of healing in 2021. Among so many things I want for you, I’m especially wishing you belly laughs, abundant pleasure, endless excitement, and great food in the new year. Cheers and  happy New Year, my friends!
I always knew that I would be bounding as Olaf tod I always knew that I would be bounding as Olaf today because he is the epitome of a happy character. But it’s not just Olaf...I’m also bounding today as @joshgad, in a roundabout way, because Josh has brought so much joy and compassion to people. Yes, with his portrayal of Olaf (and so many other characters), but also, and mainly, as himself. He’s such a joyful and kind person, it has been a pleasure laughing and crying along with him, and Olaf, this year. Thank you, sir, for making my 2020 more magical and joyful than it would have been without you!
❄️
Today is the last day of dressemberbound! Thank you to everyone who helped me meet my goal, and helped our team achieve TWICE our original goal!! Please visit the blue link on my profile to see my @dressember funraising page and to make a donation. 💗 You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. 💜
I’m so excited to get to share a fellow bounder I’m so excited to get to share a fellow bounder today for #dressemberbound! It was really, really hard to narrow it down to one because everyone is SO talented and SO fun, but I had to share @rogue_princess_ today because every bound she does brings a smile to face and fills me with joy!
💛
I’d also like to take a moment to share our fearless team leaders: @shebounds and @libraryladylife. They’re both so creative and they’ve been so encouraging throughout the whole month. 
❤️
We’ve been wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. 💗 You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. 💜
You can do anything in a dress, even slay a dragon You can do anything in a dress, even slay a dragon!
🗡
Pick a prince, any prince! He’s not my favorite, but Prince Phillip sure is dashing.
🛡
Today is the perfect day to make a big impact with @dressember in the fight against human trafficking! There is a donation match running today, with matches up to $84,000!!! Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. 💗 You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. 💜
“I’m practically perfect in every way.” -Mar “I’m practically perfect in every way.” -Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers
🪁 
Although, truth be told, I’m much more like Michael and Jane... noisy, mischievous, and short-tempered. 😅 Or stubborn, suspicious, and inclined to giggle, if you want to use the movie for reference. 
🌂 
Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to my FUNdraiser! I’m wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. There will be donation matching beginning Tuesday, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to make a bigger impact! Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. 💗 You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. 💜
“If you are what you eat, then I only want to ea “If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff.” -Remy
🧀
“Good food is like music you can taste, color you can smell. There is excellence all around you. You need only be aware to stop and savor it.” - Chef Gusteau
🥘
I couldn’t pick just a Remy quote for today because the one by Chef Gusteau is one of my favorites from any movie. I think it’s clear from several of my other bounds this month that food is one of my love languages, and Remy and Gusteau totally get it.
🥐
Please visit the blue link on my profile to see my @dressember funraising page and to make a donation. 💗 You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. 💜
I do not know whether to kill you, or to kiss you. I do not know whether to kill you, or to kiss you.
🕷😘
Miss Spider, James and the Giant Peach
🍑🕸 
I’m wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. 💗 You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. 💜
And I am here for the food. 🍎 Rizzo the Rat is And I am here for the food.
🍎
Rizzo the Rat is the best part of The Muppet Christmas Carol and when he kisses Gonzo’s nose over the jellybeans, I lose it every time. 😍 And to top it all off, he’s a Gryffindor. 😘
🎄
Merry Christmas to those celebrating today! Happy holidays to those celebrating their special days this season! Love you guys like Rizzo loves food.
❤️
I’m wearing dresses every day in December to help raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. I will be making donation matches to any contribution made by Christmas Day, up to a total of $75. Please visit the blue link in my profile to see my @dressember FUNdraising page and to make a donation. 💗 You can also click through to visit my dressemberbound group to see all of the great people who are participating in this funraiser. 💜
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright

Creative Commons License
Bakingdom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. All writing, photography, original recipes, and printables are copyright © 2010-2017 Bakingdom, Darla Wireman. All Rights Reserved. Endorsement Disclosure: Purchases made through Amazon Affiliate links on this blog yield a small referral fee. For more information, click here.

Queenie’s Apple Strudel Dumplings

Happy Happy Narwhal Cake

Prickly Pair Valentine Cake

Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes with Perfect Chocolate Buttercream

Happy 7th Birthday, Bakingdom!

A Life Update and An Announcement

Follow on Facebook!

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • Copyright © Bakingdom. Design & Development by Melissa Rose Design