Yes, there are many varieties of pumpkin cider available, especially during the fall season. Pumpkin cider is a popular autumnal beverage made from pumpkin purée, apple cider, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes additional ingredients like orange juice. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
What is pumpkin cider?
Pumpkin cider, sometimes called pumpkin apple cider, is a variety of apple cider made with pumpkin. The pumpkin provides a creamy texture and warm pumpkin pie spice flavors. The base of the cider is usually fresh apple cider, then pumpkin purée, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and sometimes other ingredients are added.
Some common additions to create different styles of pumpkin cider include:
- Orange juice – Adds extra citrus flavor
- Vanilla – Enhances the warmth of the spices
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and deeper flavor
- Maple syrup – Provides maple notes and sweetness
- Honey – Also contributes sweetness and richness
The result is a cider that tastes like liquid pumpkin pie in a glass! It hits the spot on a brisk autumn day.
Where can I find pumpkin cider?
There are many places to find pumpkin cider in the fall season, typically September through November. Here are some of the most common places to buy pumpkin cider:
- Grocery stores – Look in the refrigerated section near other ciders and juices. Popular national brands like Woodchuck, Angry Orchard, and Wyder’s often release pumpkin ciders.
- Farmers markets – Many local orchards or cider mills will sell fresh pumpkin cider at farmers markets.
- Cider mills – Visit a nearby cider mill or orchard and they likely will have pumpkin cider varieties.
- Coffee shops and cafes – Pumpkin cider on tap or in bottles is popping up more and more at coffee shops when fall rolls around.
- Breweries or wineries – Craft breweries and cideries sometimes release hard pumpkin ciders too.
You can also find canned or bottled pumpkin cider online from a variety of brands if you can’t find it locally. Check delivery dates to get it in time for fall. Make sure to check the ingredients – some “pumpkin ciders” are just apple cider with pumpkin pie spices added, not actual pumpkin purée.
Popular brands of pumpkin cider
Some well-known and popular brands producing tasty pumpkin ciders include:
| Brand | Style Notes |
|---|---|
| Woodchuck Fall Cider | Made with pumpkin purée and cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice |
| Angry Orchard The Old Fashioned | Aged in oak with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla |
| Wyder’s Pumpkin Cider | Pumpkin and classic pie spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger |
| Crispin Browns Lane Pumpkin Cider | Pumpkin with molasses, brown sugar, and ginger |
| Seattle Cider Pumpkin Spice Cider | Fresh-pressed apple cider with pumpkin and fall spices |
These tend to be widely available at grocery stores, but you can explore your local cideries and orchards for their unique pumpkin ciders too.
How is pumpkin cider made?
Pumpkin cider is made in a similar process to regular apple cider but with the addition of pumpkin.
The basic steps are:
- Press fresh apples into juice to make apple cider
- Purée pumpkin flesh and combine with the apple cider
- Add desired spices and flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.
- Allow to steep and blend the flavors
- Strain out solids and pulp
- Bottle the pumpkin apple cider
The pumpkin addition can vary from around 5-30% of the total volume. Too much pumpkin can make it overly thick. The spices and other flavorings are adjusted to taste preference.
Some producers also pasteurize or use UV light to stabilize the cider. Unpasteurized pumpkin ciders should be refrigerated. When made unfiltered, pumpkin cider will have a cloudy, orange hue from the residual pumpkin solids.
Pumpkin cider cocktail ideas
Pumpkin cider on its own is delicious, but you can also use it as a base for festive fall cocktails. Some tasty pumpkin cider cocktail recipes to try:
Pumpkin Cider Mimosa
Combine equal parts pumpkin cider and sparkling wine or champagne.
Spiced Pumpkin Cider Margarita
Shake pumpkin cider, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice over ice. Rim glass with cinnamon sugar.
Pumpkin Cider Sangria
Stir together pumpkin cider, red wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and brandy.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Mix pumpkin spiced vodka, coffee liqueur, heavy cream, and pumpkin cider.
The autumnal flavors of pumpkin pair deliciously with cocktails. Get creative with your own pumpkin cider cocktail recipes!
Can I make my own pumpkin cider?
Absolutely! Making your own homemade pumpkin cider is fun and easy. You get to control the ingredients and flavors to your own tastes.
To make it at home:
- Start with fresh pressed apple cider or use a good quality store-bought apple cider.
- Purée canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin flesh if you have it available.
- Add pumpkin purée to the apple cider. Start with around 1 cup per quart of cider.
- Flavor with desired spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, vanilla, etc.
- You can also add extras like orange juice, brown sugar, or maple syrup.
- Allow to steep for 1-2 hours for the flavors to blend.
- Taste and adjust flavors as desired.
- Strain out any solids.
- Chill and serve!
Part of the fun is experimenting with different spice blends and ingredients to create your perfect pumpkin cider.
Nutrition facts for pumpkin cider
The nutrition facts for pumpkin cider can vary a bit based on specific ingredients, but in general a 1 cup serving provides:
- 120-180 calories
- 25-40g carbohydrates
- 2-4g protein
- 0-2g fat
- 20-40% Vitamin A
- 2-10% Calcium
- 2-10% Iron
Pumpkin is packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin cider made with 100% juice and no added sugars has a decent nutrition profile. However, some commercially made pumpkin ciders may be high in added sugars. Check the nutrition label and ingredients list when purchasing.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cider is the perfect sip to celebrate the fall season. It’s widely available at grocery stores, farmers markets, and orchards during autumn. Major cider brands along with small craft cideries and breweries are all coming up with their own spins on pumpkin ciders. With its flavors of pumpkin pie in liquid form and seasonal spices, it’s no wonder pumpkin cider is huge trend for fall. Savor it on its own or incorporate it into tasty holiday cocktails. You can even easily whip up your own homemade batch to enjoy. So grab a mug and cozy up with some pumpkin cider this season!
