You only need a few ingredients and just five minutes to spice up a gin and tonic for the fall season. Here's how to make a perfectly balanced gin & tonic with subtle notes of seasonal citrus, spices, and cider for fall!
When fall hits, everyone seems to flock to warm and cozy drinks, which I totally understand. I like a good cider or hot cocoa as much as the next person but if you're here for something a that hits a lil different, you're in the right place. Let's get into it!
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my Bourbon Caramel Apple Cider and Cranberry Apple Spice Mules.
What does it taste like?
To make this autumn gin & tonic recipe, I incorporate seasonal citrus, cider, and warming spices. The outcome is just perfect for sipping on this time of year. It tastes just as crisp like a classic G&T but also cozy and slightly sweet.
What's in a Fall Gin & Tonic?
A basic gin & tonic consists of gin, tonic water, and a twist of lime. So in developing this fall gin & tonic recipe, I wanted to be sure not to play with the drink so much that you wouldn't recognize it as a gin & tonic anymore--by looks or by taste. Here's what you'll need:
Gin is the only spirit in a gin and tonic so make sure to choose a good one. I like Citadelle or Hendrick's Gin in this recipe but feel free to use your favorite.
Apple Cider can be fresh or bottled just make sure not to use a sparkling cider. Apple juice is also a suitable substitute, if need be.
Tonic Water Use the tonic water you would typically add to a G&T. If you want less sweetness in the cocktail, grab a light or low sugar tonic water.
Orange takes the place of lime wheels in this easy apple cider gin and tonic recipe. You can use whatever kind of orange you like. I love Cara Cara and Clementine or "cutie" oranges here.
Cinnamon and Clove add sweet warmth so don't skip them. Use dried clove buds and a cinnamon stick, not ground cinnamon and clove.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, and step-by-step instructions!
Apple Cider Gin & Tonic Cocktail Video
Can I use ground spices in this drink?
No. One thing to note with this apple cider G&T is that you can't substitute ground cinnamon or cloves here. You've got to use cinnamon sticks and clove buds because they add just a touch of spice without taking over. Plus they're nicer looking garnishes than the ground up spices, right?
A few easy ingredients later and the best fall gin & tonic you will ever sip was born. I really love the simplicity of gin & tonic cocktails and have created enough flavored gin and tonic recipes to have (at least) one for every season!
More Favorite Gin & Tonic Recipes
Check out my full cocktail recipe library!
Tips & Tools
What tools do you need to make a gin & tonic drink? Nothing fancy is required to make this recipe. Grab a jigger to measure out the gin and apple cider. If you don't have a jigger on hand, a shot glass is a great substitute.
I love this gin & tonic for autumn because it provides cozy fall feels without the sweetness many fall cocktails seem to include. Don't get me wrong--my sweet tooth is alive and well. This apple gin tonic is just refreshing in all the right ways. And it takes less than five minutes to make!
How to a Serve a Fall G&T
Instead of the traditional highball glass, I like to serve out of a rocks glass with a large ice cube to make homemade cocktail feel more fancy. I recommend grabbing a silicone mold to make the large ice cube.
The beauty of the classic gin & tonic recipe lies in it's simplicity. The tonic water and citrus allow the herbal flavors of the gin to really shine but lessen the sting of the alcohol.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Build this cocktail in the glass. First add ice then pour in the gin, followed by apple cider, and tonic water up to the top.
Stir with a cinnamon stick to mix all the liquid ingredients and add cinnamon spice flavor. Then add a few clove buds and a half slice of orange in this spiced gin & tonic to make it a truly seasonal cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Grapefruit is a great swap for the classic lime and lemon also works. For this seasonal recipe, I recommend trying different varieties of orange.
Yes, you can prep the cocktail by combining the gin, apple cider, and spices. Wait to add the orange slice and tonic water until just before serving.
More Easy Gin Cocktails
What Else Can you Put in a Gin & Tonic Recipe?
There are lots of creative gin & tonic recipes out in these internet streets, not the least of which is the Spanish-style gin & tonic, which adds in all kinds of fun garnishes like peppercorns, dried juniper berries, seasonal fruits, veggies, and herbs. Think of the bloody Mary at your favorite over-the-top brunch spot. The options are seemingly endless.
Make this simple gin drink for the fall season for your next happy hour at home. I know you'll enjoy. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this apple cider and gin recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Easy Apple Cider Gin and Tonic Recipe
The Best Fall Gin & Tonic
Equipment
- 1 jigger
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce apple cider
- tonic water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 clove buds
- 1 orange slice
Instructions
- Fill a glass about halfway with ice. Pour in gin, followed by apple cider then top up with tonic water.
- Use a cinnamon stick to stir the cocktail. Add cinnamon stick, clove buds, and orange slice to glass as garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!
Janel says
Somehow cozy and refreshing at the same time. This is my new fall drink of choice. Thanks!
Britney Brown says
We sat on the patio with this gin and tonic and enjoyed every sip! Perfect night cap for those crisp Fall nights!
Chenée says
I made one of these for happy hour today and it was perfect. The spices were so well balanced and I love the splash of apple cider! The perfect fall drink.
Tamara Johnson says
Such a delicious and comforting drink! The apple cider was so delicious in this gin and tonic. I can't wait to make another batch this weekend.
Karla says
I am normally not a gin and tonic person, but this recipe has changed my mind. It is the perfect combo of fall
Jazz says
Oh, this is a great entry into G&Ts! I have a few other versions on the blog, in case you want to explore more.
Robin says
Since Fall is my favorite season and gin and tonic is my favorite cocktail, I automatically knew I would be into this drink. I was so right.
Jeri says
Gin + Tonics are my go-to drink, and this fall adaptation was delicious! The warm notes from the cinnamon and clove was terrific–perfect for fall! Thank you!
Lilly says
This recipe was so easy to follow and the flavors are perfect! The apple cider and gin pair so perfectly together! Thanks for the recipe!
Marta says
Gin is one of my favorite spirits, so I always have some in our home bar. This cocktail was the perfect way to end the first day of fall. We sat in our patio and enjoyed the first cool evening we've had in a long time!