Apple cider and cold brew may sound like an odd pair, but they work so well together. The coffee is smooth and bold, while the cider brings sweet apple flavor and a little fall spice. A splash of cream makes the whole drink rich without hiding the coffee.
This recipe makes 2 servings and takes about 10 minutes. There is no cooking if you use ready-made cold brew and apple cider.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first thing I love about this drink is how much fall flavor you get without making a complicated coffee shop drink. Apple cider already has a deep apple taste, so it does most of the work for you.
The first time I played with this combination, the trick was getting the balance right. Too much cider covered up the coffee. Too much coffee made the apple hard to taste. A little maple syrup and spice helped tie the two flavors together.
Here is why I keep coming back to it:
- It takes about 10 minutes.
- You do not need an espresso machine.
- It tastes like coffee and apple cider at the same time.
- Maple syrup adds sweetness without making it candy-sweet.
- Cream softens the coffee and gives it a pretty café-style finish.
- You can easily make it dairy-free.
What You’ll Need
For 2 servings, you will need:
- 1 1/2 cups chilled cold brew coffee
- 1 cup chilled apple cider
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Apple slices (for garnish)
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Apple Cider Base
Pour 1 cup chilled apple cider into a medium pitcher. Add 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Stir for about 30 seconds. The maple syrup should blend into the cider. The cinnamon and nutmeg may leave tiny specks in the drink, and that is fine.
Step 2: Add the Cold Brew
Pour 1 1/2 cups chilled cold brew coffee into the pitcher with the 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg mixture.
Stir gently until the color looks even.
Step 3: Fill the Glasses
Divide 1/2 cup ice cubes between two clear round glass tumblers. Pour the mixed coffee evenly over the ice.
Each glass should be filled with about half of the coffee-cider mixture.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Serve
Slowly pour 2 tablespoons heavy cream into each glass, using the full 1/4 cup heavy cream.
For pretty cream swirls, do not stir right away. If you want a smooth, creamy drink, give each glass a gentle stir before drinking.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cold brew is less sharp-tasting than many cups of hot-brewed coffee. That smooth flavor makes it a good match for sweet apple cider.
- Apple cider brings sweetness and acidity. This keeps the drink bright instead of flat.
- Maple syrup mixes easily. Liquid sweetener blends into a cold drink better than regular sugar.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg connect the flavors. They work well with both coffee and apples.
- Cream adds fat. Fat softens bitter flavors and makes the drink taste richer.
- Ice keeps everything cold. Starting with chilled ingredients also helps keep the ice from melting too fast.
Pro Tips
- Use cold brew concentrate only if you dilute it first according to the package. Straight concentrate can make this drink much too strong.
- Chill the cider and coffee before you begin. This keeps the ice from watering down your drink.
- Shake or stir the apple cider before measuring if spices or apple solids have settled at the bottom.
- Add the cream slowly if you want those pretty swirls.
- Taste your cider before adding extra sweetener. Some brands are much sweeter than others.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pitcher
- Long-handled spoon
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Two clear drinking glasses
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with oat creamer or your favorite plant-based creamer.
- Less sweet: Reduce the maple syrup to 1 tablespoon or leave it out.
- Sweeter: Add another 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup per glass.
- Extra spice: Add a small pinch of ground cloves or apple pie spice.
- Stronger coffee: Use up to 2 cups cold brew and reduce the cider slightly.
- Lighter drink: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Sparkling version: Add a small splash of plain sparkling water right before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the cold brew, apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg up to 24 hours ahead. Keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator.
Stir it well before serving because some of the spices will settle.
Do not add the ice or cream until you are ready to drink it.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold brew concentrate without diluting it: This can make the coffee too bitter and strong.
- Using warm ingredients: The ice melts quickly and waters down the drink.
- Adding too much spice: Cinnamon and nutmeg are strong. A little goes a long way.
- Expecting cinnamon to dissolve: Ground cinnamon does not fully dissolve in cold liquid. Tiny spice specks are normal.
- Adding ice too early: Wait until serving so the drink stays bold and flavorful.
- Using apple juice instead of cider: Apple juice will work, but it usually has a lighter apple flavor.
What to Serve With
Apple Cider Cold Brew is especially good with simple breakfast foods and fall treats.
- Cinnamon rolls
- Apple muffins
- Banana bread
- Pumpkin bread
- Oatmeal cookies
- Maple scones
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Pancakes or waffles
Macros Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 2 servings:
- Calories: 225
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated fat: 7 g
- Sugar: 29 g
- Fiber: less than 1 g
These numbers are estimates. The exact macros will change based on your apple cider, cold brew, maple syrup, and cream brands.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have leftover coffee-cider mixture, pour it into a sealed jar and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
For the best taste, store it without ice or cream. Stir or shake it before serving because the spices can settle.
Once ice and cream have been added, the drink is best enjoyed right away.
FAQ
Q: Does apple cider really taste good with coffee?
A: Yes. Cold brew has a smooth coffee flavor that pairs nicely with sweet, tart apple cider. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup help bring the two flavors together.
Q: Can I use regular iced coffee?
A: Yes. Use strong, chilled iced coffee. The taste may be a little sharper than cold brew, but it will still work.
Q: Can I use apple juice?
A: You can, but apple cider gives you a deeper apple flavor. If you use apple juice, you may want a little extra cinnamon.
Q: Can I make this without maple syrup?
A: Yes. If your cider is already sweet enough, simply leave it out.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. Oat creamer is a great choice because its creamy flavor works well with coffee and apples.
Q: Can I make a big batch?
A: Yes. Double or triple the ingredients and keep the mixture chilled. Add ice and cream to each glass when serving.
Q: Should Apple Cider Cold Brew be stirred before drinking?
A: That is up to you. Leave it unstirred for pretty cream swirls, or stir it for a smooth and creamy flavor from the first sip.
Final Thoughts
Apple Cider Cold Brew is an easy way to give your usual iced coffee a fall twist. You get bold coffee, sweet apple, warm spices, maple flavor, and creamy swirls in every glass.
Make a batch the next time you have apple cider in the fridge, and leave a comment about how yours turned out or any questions you have.
