Fall is in the air and the crisp nights are calling for a warm and delicious pumpkin cider! It is the perfect seasonal beverage to enjoy on a chilly night or serve at your Thanksgiving feast. It is simple to make, and it makes your home smell delicious. Pumpkin cider is made with a combination of apple cider, pumpkin puree and warm spices. This drink is typically served hot, but it can also be enjoyed cold! If you have leftover pumpkin puree from making pumpkin pie or other pumpkin dishes, you can use it to make pumpkin cider. Pumpkin cider is a delicious and festive drink that is perfect for the fall season. It is also a healthier alternative to other sugary drinks. Serve the cider with your favorite fall treats, such as pumpkin pie, apple cider donuts or caramel popcorn!

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cider
It’s a twist on the classic apple cider!
It has a delicious, light pumpkin flavor.
This drink is perfect for crisp fall nights!
It is kid-friendly.
You only need a few ingredients to make it!
It is super warm and cozy!
It is naturally gluten free and dairy free.
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this recipe is a pot. Alternatively, you can make this pumpkin cider in the crockpot or even the instant pot. For serving, you will need some mugs!
Ingredients Needed
Apple Cider: Apple cider is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made from the fermented juice of apples, and it has a tart, sweet flavor that is perfect for the fall season. Apple cider can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be used to make other drinks, such as cider cocktails, mulled cider, and hot apple cider. Apple cider is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Choose fresh, high-quality apple cider. The cider should be clear and have a bright apple flavor.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a delicious and versatile winter squash that can be used in a variety of recipes, both sweet and savory. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Pumpkin is also low in calories and fat. You can use fresh or canned pumpkin in your recipes. Fresh pumpkin is available during the fall and winter months. To prepare fresh pumpkin, cut it in half and remove the seeds and stringy flesh. Then, bake the pumpkin halves until soft. Once the pumpkin is cooked, you can puree it in a blender or food processor. Canned pumpkin is a convenient option for year-round use. It is typically pureed and ready to use. When choosing canned pumpkin, be sure to select a variety that is unsweetened.
Warm Spices: Cinnamon, ginger and cardamom are three warm spices that I used in this pumpkin cider. They have a distinctive flavor and aroma that can add depth and complexity to dishes. Warm spices are also known for their health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
Whipped Cream: Whipped cream is typically made with heavy cream, sugar and vanilla extract. However, there are many variations on this recipe. Since I am dairy free, I love using coconut whipped cream!
Cinnamon Sticks and/or Star Anise: Cinnamon sticks are the dried inner bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon sticks have a warm, sweet, and spicy flavor that can add depth and complexity to dishes. Star anise is a spice made from the dried fruit of the star anise tree. It is a native to China and Vietnam, but it is now grown in many other parts of the world. These can both be used in this drink to make it look pretty and give it extra flavor!
Mineral Drops: I used Trace Mineral Drops to add some replenishing minerals into my warm drink. This is perfect for after fall festivities! It is totally optional as well.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the apple cider, pumpkin puree and spices to a pot.
Step 2: Cook over low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until hot and combined.
Step 3: Pour into mugs.
Step 4: Add minerals, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and star anise (all optional). Top with extra cinnamon if you desire!
Crockpot Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except the whipped cream and cinnamon sticks to the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cider is heated through and the spices are fragrant. Top with whipped cream, cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Instant Pot Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except the whipped cream and cinnamon sticks to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Secure the lid. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 8 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Serve the cider warm and enjoy!
Storage
Pumpkin cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store pumpkin cider in the refrigerator, simply transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the coldest part of the fridge. When you’re ready to drink it, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warm. To freeze this cider, let the cider cool completely. Pour the cider into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. This is to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents. Place the containers in the freezer.
Recipe FAQ
What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
The main difference between apple cider and apple juice is the processing that they undergo.
Apple cider is typically fresh-pressed, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. This means that it still contains all of the pulp, sediment, and nutrients from the apples. Apple cider is also typically cloudy or opaque in appearance. Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered and pasteurized. This means that the pulp and sediment are removed, and the juice is heated to kill any harmful bacteria. Apple juice is also typically clear in appearance and has a longer shelf life than apple cider.
Can I make this in the instant pot?
Yes, you can make this in the instant pot! Add all of the ingredients except the whipped cream and cinnamon sticks to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Secure the lid. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 8 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Serve the cider warm and enjoy!
What is the difference between regular cider and mulled cider?
Regular cider is simply unfiltered apple juice. It is typically cloudy in appearance and has a tart, earthy flavor. Mulled cider is a warm beverage made with regular cider that has been heated with spices and citrus fruits. The spices most commonly used in mulled cider include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are also often added to mulled cider.
Can I add alcohol to this?
Yes, you can add alcohol to this! Cider is usually spiked with rum or bourbon, but feel free to also try vodka and ginger.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pumpkin cider ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to drink it, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warm.
What is pumpkin cider made of?
Pumpkin cider is made of apple cider, pumpkin and spices!
How long does pumpkin cider last?
This pumpkin cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these delicious fall recipes next:
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you make this pumpkin cider recipe, I would really appreciate a review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
Pumpkin Cider
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple cider
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1 container whipped cream
- 1 jar cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add the apple cider, pumpkin puree and spices to a pot.
- Cook over low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until hot and combined.
- Pour into mugs.
- Add minerals, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and star anise (all optional). Top with extra cinnamon if you desire!
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