13 Apple Cider Recipes That Will Make You Forget Pumpkin Spice

Apple cider recipes are the unsung heroes of fall, bringing a fresh, crisp flavor that captures the season perfectly. Whether you’re sipping on something cozy or whipping up a meal, these recipes are great for adding that special touch to your autumn days. Forget pumpkin spice—apple cider is where the real magic happens, making every dish and drink a must-try this season.

A close-up of Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce. — Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce. Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

A white plate with cabbage slaw, sliced apples, and white beans on a metal sheet pan with a beige linen napkin. — White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This crunchy and tangy apple cabbage slaw, dressed in a flavorful apple cider vinaigrette, is an easy side dish that fits perfectly with any potluck or BBQ. A great choice for an apple cider-themed menu that stands apart from pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

Cider Sangria

This easy cider sangria is a light and refreshing drink, blending fresh fruit and apple cider. It's perfect for holiday gatherings and offers a delicious alternative to traditional pumpkin spice drinks.
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate. — Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

A creamy blend of butternut squash and crisp apples, enhanced by the tang of apple cider vinegar, creates a warming autumn soup. This dish celebrates the season's harvest while focusing on the unique flavors of apple cider.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Apple cider grilled chicken skewers bring together the sweetness of cider with the taste of grilled chicken. The Gouda cheese sauce adds a creamy finish, making this recipe a standout for fall and a strong contender in any apple cider-themed collection.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Instant Pot Apple Cider

A cup of apple cider with cinnamon sticks and apples. — Instant Pot Apple Cider. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot apple cider delivers a flavorful and aromatic drink full of fall spices. This simple and rich-tasting cider is a perfect showcase of apple cider’s appeal, making pumpkin spice unnecessary.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Apple Cider

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast combines the ease of slow cooking with the rich flavor of apple cider. This autumn dish is a fitting choice for those looking to explore the savory side of apple cider recipes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Simply Spiked Cider with Oven Baked Apple Crisps

Spiked cider with oven baked apple crisps in a glass. — Simply Spiked Cider with Oven Baked Apple Crisps. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simply spiked cider served with oven-baked apple crisps offers a warm and inviting fall beverage. A comforting drink that embraces the essence of apple cider, providing a refreshing break from pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Simply Spiked Cider with Oven Baked Apple Crisps

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes. — Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Beef Stew uses apple cider to create a slightly sweet and savory gravy for tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables. A comforting dish that highlights apple cider’s versatility, making it an excellent option over the usual pumpkin flavors.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Cinnamon sugar cookies on a plate. — Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Buttery apple cider shortbread cookies with a subtle apple flavor offer a simple yet elegant snack option. These cookies bring a refreshing twist to your coffee break, making them a memorable addition to any apple cider recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Apple Cider Tea

Overhead image of 2 mugs of applle cider tea. — Apple Cider Tea. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brewed black tea paired with apple cider creates a cozy and comforting non-alcoholic fall drink. This warm beverage is a delightful way to enjoy apple cider’s rich flavors without reaching for pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Tea

Frankenstein Apple Cider Halloween Donuts

Frankenstein Apple Cider Halloween Donut on a plate. — Frankenstein Apple Cider Halloween Donuts. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These Frankenstein apple cider Halloween donuts are baked with rich apple cider flavor, offering a fun and festive treat for the season. Their unique look and taste make them a great choice for standing out in a sea of pumpkin spice desserts.
Get the Recipe: Frankenstein Apple Cider Halloween Donuts

Fall Sangria with Apple Cider and Bourbon

A glass of red wine bourbon sangria with apple slices and cinnamon sticks sitting on a metal plate. — Fall Sangria with Apple Cider and Bourbon. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Seasonal autumn sangria combines apple cider, bourbon, red wine, and fruit, creating a flavorful cocktail that’s fun and easy to make. This drink is a fantastic option for gatherings, highlighting apple cider’s place in fall festivities.
Get the Recipe: Fall Sangria with Apple Cider and Bourbon

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Apple cider braised lamb shanks are tender and flavorful, with caramelized, crispy bits complemented by sweet apple and onion slices. A hearty and satisfying dish that showcases apple cider’s depth, offering a savory alternative to typical pumpkin dishes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks