Apple Cider Recipes for a Crowd + Favorite Orchards Near NYC (Hudson Valley & Catskills Fall 2025 Camping Guide)
As soon as September arrives in New York, the city starts buzzing with fall energy. From farmers’ markets in Brooklynto orchards in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, apple season is here — and with it, the best excuse to sip cider around the fire. Whether you’re planning a camping trip upstate, a bonfire in the Catskills, or a backyard hang in NYC, these apple cider recipes will keep your crew happy. Each one is sized for gatherings and easy to scale up or down.
At our September Mountain Cruisin’ event, we served both the hot cider and the sparkling mocktail — and our campers raved about them while sitting under the stars. (We’ll be cooking up something equally cozy and fall-inspired for our October season closer 🍁).
Hot Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (Perfect for Catskills Campfires)
When the nights turn cool, nothing beats a steaming mug of cider. This is our go-to for camping weekends in the Catskills — cozy, simple, and guaranteed to draw a crowd to the fire.
Ingredients (Serves 12–15):
1 ½ gallons apple cider (grab some from a Hudson Valley orchard!)
3 oranges, sliced into rounds
10 whole cloves
6 cinnamon sticks
2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 Tbsp whole allspice
½ cup brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
Shortcut option: 2–3 Tbsp Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend (cinnamon, ginger, citrus peel, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of black pepper) instead of the whole spices
Optional upgrade: 2 cups tart cherry juice (My secret ingredient! It adds a tangy depth that takes this cider over the top)
Instructions:
Simmer cider with fruit and spices (or spice blend) on low for 1–2 hours, or keep hot in a slow cooker. Serve in mugs by the fire, garnished with cinnamon sticks or orange slices.
Cocktail Option 🍸
Add a splash (1–2 oz) of bourbon, dark rum, or spiced rum to each mug before ladling in the hot cider. For a lighter option, try apple brandy or Calvados — it doubles down on the apple flavor.
💡 Serving for a Crowd (30+ people): Campfire Big Batch Cider
Scale this recipe up to 3 gallons in a canning pot and set it over the campfire at your Catskills campsite or Upstate cabin. Guests can ladle it straight from the pot all night, and if you set out bottles of bourbon, rum, or apple brandy, everyone can spike their mug to taste.
Sparkling Cold Apple Cider Punch (NYC Backyard-Friendly)
Some September weekends still feel like summer — and this sparkling cider mocktail is crisp, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. Using ½ a can of sparkling beverage per glass keeps each drink fresh and fizzy.
Ingredients (per serving):
4 oz chilled apple cider
6 oz sparkling beverage (½ of a 12 fl oz can)
Options: ginger ale, plain sparkling water, or Trader Joe’s Cranberry Clementine Sparkling Water for an autumnal twist
Orange and apple slices for garnish
Handful of cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
Ice
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice.
Add 4 oz apple cider.
Top with 6 oz sparkling beverage (½ can).
Garnish with fruit slices or cranberries.
Stir gently and serve immediately.
Serving for a Crowd (12–15 people):
Apple cider: 4 oz per person → about ½ gallon cider.
Sparkling cans: ½ can per person → plan for 7–8 cans (assorted flavors).
Set up a DIY mocktail station: cider jug, ice bucket, fruit garnish tray, and a cooler of sparkling cans. Write out the recipe so guests can easily mix their own.
Cocktail Option 🍸
Add 1–2 oz of your favorite spirit before topping with sparkling. Great pairings:
Bourbon or dark rum → cozy, warming campfire vibes
Prosecco → festive, bubbly, and brunch-friendly
Apple brandy or Calvados → deepens the apple flavor beautifully
Tequila → unexpected, bright, and refreshing — like a fall spritz (we served it this way at our Mountain Cruisin’ event and campers loved it!)
Why Apple Cider Belongs in Every NYC-to-Catskills Adventure
Local & Seasonal: New York State cider is at its peak in September and October. Pick some up at Union Square Greenmarket before heading north.
Versatile: Works hot or cold — great for unpredictable Catskills weather.
Scalable: Make a small pot for 10 or a canning pot for 30+.
Atmospheric: Nothing says fall in the Hudson Valley like sipping cider under the stars.
Where to Get Your Cider (Orchards Near NYC)
Want to sip cider where it’s made? Here are a few of our go-to orchards near the city:
Riamede Farm (Chester, NJ) — Old-school orchard with hayrides. ~1 hr from GWB.
Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY) — Gorgeous Hudson Valley views + Treasury Cider bar. ~1 hr 20 min from GWB.
Westwind Orchard (Accord, NY) — Charming Catskills spot with house-made hard cider and wood-fired pizza. ~2 hrs from GWB.
Indian Ladder Farms (Altamont, NY) — A bit farther north but worth the trip: apple picking, cidery + brewery on site, and scenic fall views. We’ll be heading here during our October campout, and soaking up the gorgeous fall foliage of the Catskills State Park along the way. ~2 hrs 30 min from GWB.
👉 Looking for more? Check out our full guide: Best Apple Orchards Near NYC (2025 Edition).
Final Sip
Whether you’re on a rooftop in Brooklyn, gathered around a campfire in the Catskills, or road-tripping to a Hudson Valley orchard, cider is the drink that ties fall together. These recipes are simple, crowd-friendly, and infused with New York autumn — perfect for your next camping trip, backyard hang, or seasonal celebration. So grab a jug of local cider, gather your friends, and raise a mug to the season.
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