Apple Cider Thyme Mimosa
The holidays are upon us… which means we all need a good cocktail!
We spent this past weekend celebrating my 30th birthday. Which meant lots of good food (tacos included, obviously), friends, family, and of course, a cocktail of the weekend! I wanted to do something a little special for my birthday party and have a custom cocktail everyone could sip on.
I know what you’re thinking… tacos and apple cider mimosas? Yes, I know margaritas would make more sense. But, what can I say? I know what I like!
We ordered a bunch of tacos from my favorite restaurant a few blocks away and munched the night away while we sipped on this mimosa. Everyone stood around the kitchen, enjoyed the various stages of food – from an epic fall inspired cheese board, to unique tacos, to a gluten-free vegan brownie made by my sister topped with vegan ice cream.
None of the food was particularly cohesive, but it was all very me. All of my favorites. Including this Apple Cider Thyme Mimosa.
There is something about the combination of apple and thyme that makes me so happy this time of year. Sure… apple and cinnamon are great (See my gluten-free vegan apple cinnamon scones for proof).
But, let’s all savor the apple and thyme goodness. It doesn’t get enough attention, if you ask me. Sweet and savory.
I love the color, texture and subtle herby flavor that thyme gives to this apple cider cocktail. Of course, you want to use fresh springs of thyme in this recipe. If you can’t find it, rosemary is a great substitution or you can leave it out all together. You definitely do not want to use dried thyme in its place.
Table of Contents
How to Make an Epic Fall Apple Cider Thyme Mimosa
This apple cider cocktail could not be easier. Seriously. Just 4 ingredients. I can’t get over it.
First, take some store bought apple cider or better yet, grab it from a farmers market or nearby apple orchard if that’s available to you. I personally love honey crisp apple cider. I feel like I just channeled my inner Ina Garten telling you to go grow an apple tree in your backyard and make apple cider from your harvested apples. (I LOVE HER!)
Next, you’ll finely slice a crisp apple, like honeycrisp, pink lady, or granny smith. Snip a a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Add the fresh sliced apples and thyme to your apple cider.
Let the apple cider thyme mixture steep in the refrigerator for about an hour. You just want to make sure the thyme is getting infused within the apple cider as much as possible.
When you’re ready to serve, pour 1 part of apple cider thyme mixture into a champagne flute and top off with 1 part of prosecco. Garnish with sliced apples that were soaking in your apple cider mixture and a sprig of fresh thyme.
I like the ratio of 1 part apple cider to 1 part prosecco because I find it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, but you can definitely play with the ratio to suit your preferences. A 2 parts of apple cider to 1 part of prosecco also works, well.
Other Fun Variations of the Apple Cider Mimosa
If you want to glam up your cocktail, mix together some granulated sugar and cinnamon and dip the rim of your champagne flutes into the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet and cute decorated rim.
Fresh thyme not your thing? Try fresh rosemary instead!
Add a shot of brandy, rum or whisky for an extra boozy cocktail!
Having a Party? Don’t forget the gluten-free appetizers!
Is any Fall party complete without appetizers? You need some delicious snacks while you sip on your bubbly! This Sweet Potato Rounds with Roasted Grapes and Goat Cheese appetizer is perfect for a sweet and savory bite. If you haven’t roasted grapes before, you’re in for a treat! They take on a caramelized flavor reminiscent of wine!
Cheese and crackers are always a favorite, but some crunchy veggies dipped in this Instant Pot Hummus from Everyday Maven would be such a fun and healthy appetizer to snack on before the main course. I bet you didn’t even know you could make hummus in your Instant Pot!
These Mini Beef Taco Cups are always a hit at parties. They’re a little unexpected and take a weeknight dinner favorite and put them in appetizer form! Who wouldn’t want to eat an itty bitty taco in one bite?!?
Apple Cider Thyme Mimosa Recipe
Take a sip of autumn with this apple cider thyme mimosa recipe made with Prosecco. It’s just 4 ingredients and so simple, yet has so much flavor! Apples are really the star of the show in this cocktail recipe but the fresh thyme adds a little uniqueness and extra oomph to this bubbly drink. Next time you need a special cocktail for a party or get together, look no further than this apple cider mimosa!
Apple Cider Thyme Mimosa
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 apple (sliced (honeycrisp is my favorite))
- 1 (750mL) bottle Prosecco (or other sparkling wine)
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine apple cider, 10-15 fresh thyme sprigs, and sliced apple and stir. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the thyme infuse into the apple cider.
- Fill champagne flutes 1/2 way full with apple cider mixture. Top off with Prosecco.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs and apples that have been soaked in apple cider mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you want to glam up your cocktail, mix together some granulated sugar and cinnamon and dip the rim of your champagne flutes into the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet and cute decorated rim.
- Fresh thyme not your thing? Try fresh rosemary instead!
- Add a shot of brandy, rum or whisky for an extra boozy cocktail!
The thyme really makes it special. I love this twist on the classic mimosa.
Thanks so much Kelly!