Best Substitutes for Cider

Out of Cider? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

Cider — other used in cocktails

Original Ingredient

Cider

Other 4.00% ABV Crisp apple nose with dry fermentation notes and mild yeast funk. Palate is tart and effervescent with green apple and pear character. Dry, refreshing finish with gentle tannins.

Recommended Substitutes

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Apple Cider

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Apple Juice

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Ginger Beer

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.