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I like drinks that feel cozy and refreshing at the same time, and this Apple Cider Cold Brew has become one of my favorite fall treats. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and tastes like coffee and apple pie had the perfect little moment together. The combination of cold brew coffee, crisp apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon makes it the ideal drink for cool mornings or sunny fall afternoons.

I have been making this every autumn because it gives me that coffee shop feeling without leaving the house. I use homemade cold brew because it’s less bitter and blends beautifully with the apple cider. I add a pinch of cinnamon for that warm, seasonal flavor that makes every sip comforting.

You can serve it over ice, top it with cream, or also make it festive with a caramel drizzle. It’s easy, delicious, and makes your kitchen smell like fall without turning on the stove.

It’s Perfect For:

Busy mornings when you want something different from regular coffee
Fall brunches or cozy afternoons
Hosting friends or small gatherings
A make-ahead drink for the fridge all week
Coffee lovers who enjoy seasonal twists

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large jar, pitcher, or French press (for cold brew)
Measuring cups and spoons
Fine mesh strainer or coffee filter
Spoon or stir stick
Glasses for serving
Optional: milk frother or whisk (for creamy versions)

Ingredients

1 cup coarsely ground coffee
4 cups cold filtered water
1 cup apple cider (fresh, not vinegar!)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ice cubes
Optional: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, caramel drizzle, or cream

How to make Apple Cider Cold Brew

Step 1

Make the cold brew: Add the ground coffee and cold water to a large jar or French press. Stir gently so all the coffee grounds are soaked. Cover the jar and let it steep in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours; overnight yields the richest flavor.

Step 2

Strain the coffee: After steeping, strain the cold brew through a fine mesh strainer or a paper coffee filter. Pour the filtered coffee into a clean jar or pitcher. You now have smooth, strong cold brew concentrate ready to mix.

Step 3

Mix the drink: In a glass, pour ½ cup of apple cider and 1 cup of cold brew. Add maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir well until fully blended. Taste it — if you like it sweeter, add a bit more cider or syrup.

Step 4

Serve: Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in your apple cider cold brew mixture. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for a cozy fall look.

Step 5

Optional creamy twist: Add a splash of milk, half-and-half, or oat milk to make it creamy and smooth. For a coffee shop vibe, top it with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel syrup.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Cold Brew

Use fresh apple cider. The kind sold in the refrigerated section tastes much better than shelf-stable juice. It adds that real fall apple flavor.
Make strong cold brew. A stronger concentrate mixes perfectly with the cider without losing the coffee flavor. Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for a bold base.
Sweeten naturally. Maple syrup or honey blends better with cold liquids than granulated sugar and gives a cozy, earthy sweetness.
Chill everything. Cold ingredients make the drink taste crisp and refreshing. Don’t mix warm cider — it will melt the ice and dull the flavor.
Play with spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice to give it a deeper fall flavor.
Batch it for the week. Make a big jar of cold brew and store it in the fridge. Mix with cider when you’re ready to drink for a quick grab-and-go morning treat.

Optional Ingredients

Splash of vanilla extract for a warm, dessert-like flavor
Oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free creamy option
Caramel syrup or brown sugar syrup for sweetness
Pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall twist
Dash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor
Apple butter stirred in for extra apple richness

How to Enjoy Apple Cider Cold Brew

I love serving this Apple Cider Cold Brew over a tall glass of ice on a sunny fall day. The mix of cold coffee and sweet cider is so refreshing, especially when topped with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice. It looks beautiful and feels like something you’d order from a fancy café.

For a cozy weekend brunch, I like to make a cold brew bar. I set out a pitcher of coffee, a jug of apple cider, small bottles of maple syrup, cinnamon, and milk. Everyone can build their own version — some add cream, others keep it black and strong. It’s fun, easy, and always a hit.

And if you want to turn it into a dessert drink, top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel. It tastes like an iced caramel apple latte — sweet, creamy, and full of fall flavor.

Is Apple Cider Cold Brew Healthy?

Yes! Apple Cider Cold Brew can be a lighter choice compared to sugary coffee drinks. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and cider instead of heavy syrups or cream. You get antioxidants from both coffee and apple cider, and it’s lower in calories if you skip the whipped cream.

For an even lighter version, use unsweetened cider or reduce the maple syrup. You’ll still get that crisp apple flavor with less sugar. Plus, because it’s made cold, it’s less acidic on your stomach than hot coffee — gentle and refreshing.

Variations and Substitutions

Pumpkin Apple Cold Brew – Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall twist.
Caramel Apple Cold Brew – Stir in caramel syrup or drizzle it over the top for a dessert-style drink.
Cinnamon Maple Cold Brew – Use extra cinnamon and replace cider with a bit more maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Vanilla Cream Cold Brew – Add vanilla extract and top with frothed milk or cold foam for a Starbucks-style drink.
Sparkling Apple Cold Brew – Mix in a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly version that’s light and crisp.
Mocha Apple Cold Brew – Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a chocolate-apple combo.
Non-Coffee Version – Use black tea instead of coffee for a softer, less caffeinated drink.
Warm Apple Coffee – Heat the apple cider and mix with strong brewed coffee instead of cold brew for a cozy hot drink on cold mornings.

How to Store

Storing this drink is easy. Keep your cold brew concentrate in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to one week. It stays fresh and ready to mix anytime. The apple cider should also stay chilled and be used within 7–10 days once opened.

If you want to prep the drink ahead, mix the cold brew and cider (without ice) and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir well before pouring over fresh ice. Don’t add milk or cream until serving — it can separate if stored too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought cold brew?
Yes! Store-bought cold brew works great if you’re short on time. Choose an unsweetened one so you can control the sweetness yourself.

Can I make this drink hot?
Absolutely. Just heat the apple cider and mix it with hot brewed coffee instead of cold brew. Add cinnamon and maple syrup for the same flavor, but in a cozy, warm version.

What type of coffee is best?
Medium or dark roast coffee works best because it balances nicely with the sweetness of the cider. A smooth, low-acid roast gives the cleanest flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free twist. These blend beautifully with the maple and apple notes.

How sweet is this drink?
It’s lightly sweet — not sugary. The maple syrup and apple cider give it natural sweetness. If you like it sweeter, just add an extra splash of cider or syrup.

Calories and Nutrition

Each serving (without cream or toppings) has around 80–100 calories, depending on how much maple syrup you use. It’s low in fat, has about 15–18g carbs, and gives a gentle caffeine boost without the heaviness of lattes or mochas.

Apple Cider Cold Brew

Recipe by ElizabethCourse: Drinks, BeverageCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

100

kcal

This Apple Cider Cold Brew blends smooth coffee with crisp apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon for the perfect fall drink.

Ingredients

1 cup coarsely ground coffee
4 cups cold filtered water
1 cup fresh apple cider
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ice cubes
Optional: apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions

Make the cold brew: In a large jar or French press, combine ground coffee and cold water. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for 8–12 hours (overnight gives the best flavor).
Strain the coffee: After steeping, strain the cold brew using a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove the grounds. Pour into a clean jar or pitcher.
Mix the drink: In a glass, combine ½ cup apple cider with 1 cup cold brew. Add maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon, then stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the apple cider cold brew mixture over it. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for a festive fall touch.
Optional twist: Add a splash of oat milk or cream for a creamier version, or top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for a coffee shop–style treat.