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If you want an easy drink that feels festive without any fuss, this Sparkling Cider Recipe is one of my favorite things to make. It comes together in just minutes, tastes bright and bubbly, and is perfect for holidays, parties, special dinners, or even a cozy weekend at home. I love that I can make a little for a few glasses or scale it up for a crowd, and I do not need any fancy machine to get that sparkle.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this homemade sparkling cider because it is so simple, family-friendly, and budget-friendly. It gives me that same fun, festive feeling as bottled sparkling cider, but I can make a big batch for a lot less money. Since we have a big family, buying enough store-bought bottles for everyone adds up fast. Making it myself is easier, more affordable, and honestly just as delicious.
Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is that everyone can enjoy it. This is a non-alcoholic sparkling cider, so kids and adults can all have a glass. My kids get so excited when I serve it in a plastic flute or fancy cup because it makes the whole thing feel extra special.
🩷 Emily
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apple cider: Use still apple cider for the best flavor and make sure it is not already carbonated.
- Club soda: This adds the fizz and keeps the recipe light, crisp, and super easy.
- Sugar, optional: Most ciders are sweet enough already, but you can add a little if you want it sweeter.
- Garnishes: Thin apple slices, orange slices or peels, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, or chopped fruit make it feel extra festive.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Apple juice instead of apple cider: This works well if that is what you have on hand, as long as it is not already sparkling.
- Sweetener swaps: You can use brown sugar, monk fruit, or stevia instead of regular sugar.
- Flavor variations: I also love making this with cranberry, white grape, grape, pomegranate, or fruit punch juice.
- Mix and match juices: You can combine juices for a custom flavor, just avoid anything thick or pulpy.
- Garnish ideas: Add sliced citrus, fresh cranberries, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or whole spices to dress it up.
How to Make Sparkling Cider
- Pour the apple cider into a pitcher or drink dispenser large enough for the amount you are making.
- Add the club soda gently so you keep as much fizz as possible.
- Stir in sugar if using and mix just until dissolved.
- Pour into glasses, add garnishes, and serve right away while it is still bubbly.
Recipe Tips
- Use chilled ingredients so the drink stays cold and fizzy longer.
- Add the club soda last to keep the bubbles from fading too quickly.
- Stir gently instead of vigorously.
- Serve immediately for the best sparkle.
- Use a pitcher, punch bowl, cooler, or drink dispenser if you are serving a crowd.
- Skip the freezer because this drink is best fresh and chilled.
- Presentation matters with this recipe, especially for parties and holidays. A simple garnish makes it look beautiful with almost no extra effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this version is completely non-alcoholic. It is a fun and festive drink that everyone can enjoy.
Nope! This sparkling cider recipe is caffeine free.
Yes, you can. Either one works well as long as it is still and not already carbonated.
No. That is one of the reasons I love this recipe. All you need is a pitcher and glasses, or a punch bowl if you are serving a crowd.
Club soda is my go-to because it adds sparkle without making the drink overly sweet.
Yes. If your cider is not sweet enough for your taste, stir in a little sugar or your favorite sweetener.
I like thin apple slices, orange slices, orange peel, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, chopped fruit, star anise, or cloves.
I would not recommend bottling the homemade version ahead unless you know exactly how you want to store and serve it. When I make it myself, I usually keep it in a drink dispenser or cooler and serve it fresh.
Yes, and it is so fun to do. Cranberry, grape, white grape, pomegranate, and fruit punch all work really well.
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is best made right before serving. Since the club soda gives it the fizz, it will start to go flat if it sits too long.
If you want to prep ahead, I recommend doing this instead:
- Chill the apple cider ahead of time
- Prep your garnishes in advance
- Wait to add the club soda until just before serving
For leftovers:
- Store any extra in the refrigerator
- Drink it as soon as possible for the best texture
- Do not freeze it
- Do not leave it sitting at room temperature too long or it will lose its sparkle
More Drinks to Try
This sparkling cider is one of my favorite easy drink recipes because it is fast, festive, kid-friendly, and perfect for holidays or special dinners. I love that it tastes fancy without being complicated, and I can make a small batch or a big batch depending on who is coming over.
If you make this recipe, I would love to hear how you served it. Leave a comment and let me know your favorite garnish or flavor variation, and do not forget to leave a rating if you loved it. 💛🍹
Sparkling Cider
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup club soda
- 2 tablespoons sugar, optional
- garnishes
Instructions
- Mix together the apple cider and club soda in a pitcher or juice container.
- If adding sugar, add and mix until it dissolves.
- Pour into glasses and add garnishes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use still apple cider or apple juice, not anything already carbonated.
- Club soda should be added gently so the drink stays fizzy.
- Most apple cider is sweet enough, but you can add sugar or another sweetener if needed.
- This recipe is best served right away.
- Do not freeze leftovers.
- Great garnish options include apple slices, orange peel, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
- You can change up the flavor with cranberry, grape, white grape, pomegranate, or fruit punch juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Apple Cider or Juice?. Both are listed in instructions.
Either is fine!
You mentioned you bottled it for gifts. What type of bottle do you use?
Oh, in that story I had bought some glass bottles of cider. When I make it myself, I usually keep it in a drink dispenser or cooler.
This is such a great holiday drink! Love it!
I can’t wait to mix this together. I know that all my girlfriends will be joining in on the cheers and sips on this. It is truly perfect for fall and the upcoming holidays.
Thanks you. I really like it.
How come y’all quit using Ziplist? that was one of my favorite features of your website! it was so easy to keep track of the recipes!
Hi Juliann– we loved Ziplist, too. Unfortunately, Ziplist is no longer available to use… for anyone 🙁 No more recipe box– we had to convert to a different plugin by default. We wish they could have stuck around!