Looking to elevate your holiday party with a bit of flair? Enter the DIY cider cocktail bar — a mix-it-yourself setup that brings cider’s versatility and holiday cheer together. It’s easy to set up, fun to use and makes you look like the holiday host everyone secretly wants to be.
Step 1: Start with the ciders
The first step is to get your base right. “My first priority would be having a couple of solid base ciders on hand,” says Christine Bauman Walter, founder and head cidermaker at Bauman’s Cider. “One completely dry, low or no tannin option is a great idea. This plays the same role as champagne or soda water in many cocktails — tons of versatility.”
For a dry cider, think crisp, refreshing and perfect for balancing out bold flavors. Walter suggests using a dry cider with Aperol or Campari as a bitter, vibrant start to the party.
Once you’ve established a dry, zero-sugar cider for those who like their drinks crisp and clean, consider a semi-sweet option for that “harvest apple” vibe. The semi-sweet cider “provides the harvest flavors of apple skins and a mild sweetness, like taking a bite out of a fresh apple,” says Walter. “If you’re going for a sweeter cocktail, a sweeter apple-only cider brings the juice without even requiring a simple syrup add.”
Step 2: The spirits
Once the cider lineup is set, it’s time to add the fun stuff — spirits. Whiskey and rum are classic cider pairings, but don’t limit yourself. Walter offers this advice: “You won’t know until you try it!”
Walter recalls a standout: “I had a cider cocktail recently crafted by Jim Meehan, the king of cocktails, and I could not have been more surprised at the flavors he put together. On paper I was skeptical: dry cider, aged apple brandy, and pimento bitters,” she says. “It was dry and sophisticated — so sublime.”
Inspired by that, include apple brandy on your bar cart, along with pimento bitters for adventurous guests. Bourbon, spiced rum, and even gin are great choices for pairing with cider. Apple-flavored liqueurs or a splash of tequila could also make for an unexpected but delightful mix. With these options, your guests can experiment with combinations and find their perfect holiday cocktail.
Step 3: Garnishes and mixers
This is where your cider cocktail bar comes to life. Give your guests a full spread of garnishes and mixers to play with. “Anything that nods in the direction of an apple pie is a win for me: cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, or a simple syrup of such things,” Walter says.
In addition to those warming spices, offer up fresh fruit slices like apples, oranges and lemons. Walter loves the idea of adding a bit of bitterness to balance things out. “I love balancing bitters or bitter herbs with a cider,” she says. “And a little oil from an orange rind is gorgeous, both aromatically and for the flavor nudge.”
For mixers, include options like ginger beer, soda water and sparkling wine. Simple syrups with caramel or vanilla add a sweet touch, while fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme offer more complex, savory notes. You could even make a spiced simple syrup with cinnamon and brown sugar to bring in those cozy, holiday flavors.
Step 4: Let the mixing begin
Now, with the ciders, spirits, garnishes and mixers set out, it’s time to let your guests get creative. They can start simply by blending a dry cider with whiskey or bourbon for a classic, warming cocktail. Or they can go wild and try something new — maybe mixing that semi-sweet cider with a splash of tequila and a sprig of rosemary.
Walter suggests experimenting with different flavors to discover unique combinations: “Some muddled herbs and even a splash of apple brandy are well in order,” she says. The beauty of this setup is that everyone can customize their drinks based on what they like best.
Step 5: Relax and enjoy
Once everything’s set, you can chill. The beauty of a DIY cider bar is its low-effort, high-reward nature. Let the bar become its own entertainment. Your guests will be entertained, mixing their own drinks and sharing their concoctions. And who knows, they may just stumble upon a new holiday tradition.
Feature Images by Jim Meehan (Cocktail) and Brandon Buza (Bauman’s Cider Co Building)
