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This Spiced Apple Cider Slushie is a perfectly spiced, refreshingly cold version of your favorite cozy fall drink. It’s all the warm, autumn flavors you love – cinnamon, allspice, cloves – but in frosty, slushy form. If you loved our bourbon‑spiked hot apple cider, you’re going to flip for this icy twist!!
This isn’t your average frozen juice. This is the magic of freshly pressed fall cider turned frosty and fun. Inspired by our wildly popular Bourbon Spiked Hot Apple Cider recipe, this slushie delivers all those cozy, spiced flavors without the hassle of whole cloves or cinnamon sticks. Just pure cider, a few warm powdered spices, and your Ninja SLUSHi machine doing its thing. Quick, easy, and indulgently refreshing, it’s perfect for a crisp fall afternoon, a fireside hangout, or simply a sweet treat for yourself (because why not?).
Table of Contents
Spiced Apple Cider Slushie Ingredients + Substitutions
This slushie comes together with a few very simple and easy-to-find ingredients. The full recipe portions are in the recipe below.
- Fresh Apple Cider: You can find freshly pressed apple cider nearly everywhere in the fall season. It’s certainly best fresh. But if you’re making this off-season, you can use whatever apple cider you can find (or even apple juice if that’s all you have, but it will come out different than cider).
- Orange Juice: I use the juice of one medium-sized orange for the best flavor. You can also use store-bought orange juice. This gives it some added sweetness and brightness.
- Spices: I keep it simple with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. You want to use only powdered spices for this (no solids). If you have an “apple pie spice” mix, that will work great too! I also like to add a few shavings of fresh nutmeg if you have it (don’t go out of your way to get it, but it does add a lovely festive touch).
Optional Tweaks & Tips:
- Want to jazz it up? Add a splash of bourbon. But keep in mind it will slightly soften the slush texture. Start with 1/4 cup for the full batch. Or just add a shot of bourbon to your glass AFTER the slushie has been poured.
- Don’t have all the spices on hand? Apple pie spice works in a pinch (just skip the solids!).
How to Make a Spiced Apple Cider Slushie
- PREP: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh apple cider, orange juice, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves (and nutmeg if using). Give it a good stir so everything’s well blended.
- SLUSH: Pour the mixture into the slushie machine, close the lid securely, then select the “FROZEN JUICE” button, or whatever your manufacturer suggests for juice-based slushies.
- WAIT: Now let the magic happen. Depending on your machine, it should take about 15–20 minutes to reach that perfect slushy texture and temperature.
- SERVE & ENJOY: Once ready, dispense into your favorite serving glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice, cinnamon stick, or rim the glass with some cinnamon sugar if you’re feeling fancy.
* If you want a spiked version, feel free to add a shot of whiskey or bourbon into the serving glass before dispensing the drink.
Expert Tip
- Pre-chill your cider: It helps your slushie freeze faster and keeps the texture perfect.
- No solids allowed: Whole spices or fruit chunks can jam your machine. Stick to powders and liquids.
- Adjust sweetness: If your cider is very tart, a tiny splash of maple syrup or simple syrup can enhance flavor without affecting the freeze.
- Batch making: Hosting a fall gathering? Keep extra cider mixture chilled in the fridge and refill your slushie machine as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Check your liquid ratio, ensure no solids are in the mixture, and avoid adding too much alcohol (if spiking it). Pre-chilling helps too. If it still isn’t getting to the right texture, add some liquid sugar (more juice or simple syrup).
If it’s too thick, turn the settings down to the lowest setting to allow it to thaw a bit.
Yes! Absolutely! Prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Pour it into your SLUSHi machine 20 minutes before you wish to serve it.
Only if you grind them finely and fully dissolve them. Large solids can jam your machine. I do NOT recommend using whole spices. Just finely ground or powdered ones.
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Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Glassware fun: Mason jars, small stemmed glasses, or even festive mugs. This apple cider slushie works in anything.
- Food pairings: Pairs beautifully with smoked pork, roasted turkey sliders, or your favorite fall desserts.
- Spike it!: Feeling adventurous? A splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or whiskey will elevate the flavors.
- Party hack: Serve alongside your other seasonal slushies for a colorful, crowd‑pleasing drink table.
More Slushie Recipes
If you love this slushie recipe, check out some of our other favorites!
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Slushie – Your seasonal favorite fall coffee in frozen form.
- Watermelon Frosé Slushie – A bright, fruity summer throwback!
- Aperol Spritz Slushie – My favorite summer cocktail, perfect for brunch or cocktail hour year-round.
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Spiced Apple Cider Slushie (Ninja Slushi Machine)
Equipment
- 1 Ninja SLUSHi machine
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups fresh apple cider, (use fresh pressed apple cider if you can)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- (optional) a few shavings of fresh nutmeg
Instructions
- PREP: In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and give it a good stir so everything’s well blended.
- SLUSH: Pour the mixture into the slushie machine, close the lid securely, then select the "FROZEN JUICE" button, or whatever your manufacturer suggests for juice-based slushies.
- WAIT: Wait 15–20 minutes until the desired slushy texture.
- SERVE & ENJOY: Dispense into your favorite serving glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or a cinnamon-sugar rimmed glass, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For best results, pre-chill all liquids before adding them to the slushi machine.
- Spiked Slushie:
- If you want a spiked version, feel free to add a shot of whiskey or bourbon into the serving glass before dispensing the drink.
- You can also add 1/4 cup of bourbon (or booze of choice) to the mixture. But I recommend starting low if adding it to the machine to ensure it properly slushes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
