Sparkling Cider Recipe

Warm and infuse (optional)

Pour 6 cups fresh apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and 6 whole cloves. Warm over medium-low heat until just steaming — do not boil — about 6–8 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 8 minutes to let spices infuse. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes. Taste and strain out cinnamon sticks and cloves into a heatproof pitcher. If you prefer a completely cold drink skip warming and proceed to mixing with cold cider.

Sweeten and brighten

While the cider is still slightly warm (or cold, if you skipped warming), whisk in 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, if using, until dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Adjust sweetness to taste (add up to 1 additional tablespoon syrup/honey if you like it sweeter).

Chill

If your cider is warm, refrigerate the pitcher until well chilled, about 45–60 minutes, or cool quickly by setting the pitcher in an ice bath for 10–15 minutes. The cider should be cold before adding sparkling water to preserve effervescence.

Combine with sparkle

Just before serving, gently fold 2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda into the chilled cider to retain bubbles. Stir slowly once or twice — do not vigorously mix.

Prepare glasses: fill serving glasses with ice (about 1/4–1/2 cup each, depending on glass).

Garnish each glass with a few thin apple slices and a lemon slice if using. Optionally, slide a cinnamon stick into each glass for aroma and presentation.

Pour the sparkling cider into glasses over the ice, dividing evenly. Serve immediately so the drink stays fizzy.

Leftovers: store any leftover uncarbonated cider (without sparkling water) refrigerated up to 3 days. If already combined with sparkling water, consume within a day for best fizz.