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Cocktail • Beer Cocktails

Apple Cider Pumpkin Shandy Recipe

Get all the flavors of fall in one glass! Apple cider pumpkin shandy takes off the sharp sweetness of hard cider and adds just enough pumpkin beer for a perfectly carbonated fall twist.

4.5 from 187 votes
5 mins
Total Time
4
drinks
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Apple Cider Pumpkin Shandy

How to Make the Best Apple Cider Pumpkin Shandy

A Fall Favorite You Can Make at Home

This Apple Cider Pumpkin Shandy is the perfect way to celebrate autumn in a glass. With just a few simple ingredients and under five minutes of prep time, you can create a sophisticated fall cocktail that rivals anything you’d find at a craft brewery. The combination of crisp hard cider and rich pumpkin beer creates a beautifully balanced drink that’s neither too sweet nor too intense.

The Magic of the Caramel Cinnamon Rim

The caramel cinnamon rim is what makes this shandy truly special. It adds a sweet, spiced element that complements the earthy pumpkin and tart apple cider perfectly. The key is getting the caramel to just the right consistency—warm and drippable like honey. This not only makes the drink look stunning but also adds flavor with every sip.

Perfect for Entertaining

Whether you’re hosting a tailgate, backyard gathering, or cozy autumn dinner party, this drink is incredibly easy to make in batches. The beauty of a shandy is that both the pumpkin beer and hard cider are widely available during fall season, making it accessible to anyone looking to impress their guests. Simply prepare your rimmed glasses ahead of time and pour right before serving.

Apple Cider Pumpkin Shandy

Apple Cider Pumpkin Shandy

Get all the flavors of fall in one glass! Apple cider pumpkin shandy takes off the sharp sweetness of hard cider and adds just enough pumpkin beer for a perfectly carbonated fall twist.

4.5 from 187 votes
CourseCocktail
CuisineBeer Cocktails
Keywordbeer shandy, easy fall cocktails, fall cocktails, less sweet hard cider, tailgating cocktails
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time0 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings4 drinks
Calories240kcal
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Ingredients

For the Rim

For the Shandy

Instructions

Make the Cinnamon Sugar

  1. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and set aside.

Rim the Glass

  1. Heat the caramel in the microwave or on the stovetop just until it is warm and liquid enough to slowly drip off a spoon—like the thickness of honey.
  2. Dip the lip of the glass in the caramel and slowly bring it up, letting the caramel drip down the sides.
  3. Immediately dip in the cinnamon sugar before the caramel dries.

Make the Shandy

  1. In your caramel cinnamon rimmed glass, tilt the glass and pour half a bottle of pumpkin beer down the side of the glass.
  2. Wait 30 seconds for the foam to go down, then top with half a bottle of hard cider.
  3. Repeat with remaining beer and cider. One bottle of each will make two cocktails.

Notes

  • A four-pack of both beers will make enough for 8 servings, making this drink great for entertaining.
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