12 Apple Cider Recipes That Give Your Extra Jug a Very Good Reason to Exist

That half-used jug of apple cider in the fridge isn’t going to finish itself. I’ve got nothing against pouring another glass, but there’s more you can do with it than drink it straight. It can bring sweetness and warmth to everything from baked treats to savory dishes and festive drinks.

These 12 apple cider recipes give that extra jug plenty of reasons to come out of the fridge, whether you’re in the mood to sip it, bake with it, or cook something cozy.

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Chilly October nights make me crave a heavy pot of stew, and pouring in apple cider instead of plain broth adds a wonderful hidden sweetness to the meat. Chuck roast pressure cooks right in that leftover cider juice, turning extra fridge stock into a rich, savory dinner.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Apple Cider Sangria

Pitchers of sangria are my go-to choice when friends drop by on Sunday afternoons because you can mix everything right in front of them. Stirring apple cider together with white wine, cinnamon sticks, and sliced apples creates a crisp drink that tastes like fall.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Sangria

Homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Standing in line at the orchard farm stand for hot donuts used to be our weekend routine until I learned to bake them at home. Reducing cider down until syrupy goes right into the cake batter, and baking them in a pan keeps things totally mess-free.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Grilling outside in autumn is my favorite weekend project, especially when I brush chicken skewers with a sweet cider glaze while they cook. Pairing the smoky meat with a warm, melted gouda cheese sauce makes every bite feel like a cozy harvest feast.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce

Easy Apple Cider Blondies Recipe

Baking bar cookies is my favorite shortcut when I do not feel like dropping dough onto trays, and these apple cider blondies come together in one bowl. Boiling down a cup of cider into a thick syrup before mixing it in gives these dense bars a deep caramel taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cider Blondies Recipe

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Weeknight dinners get boring fast, so I pour a cup of cider right into the skillet with chicken thighs to create an easy pan sauce. Simmering the liquid down with garlic and butter turns it into a glossy glaze that makes the kitchen smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Easy Apple Cider Martini Mocktail

Shaking up a fun drink just for myself after the kids go to sleep is a small evening ritual I really look forward to. Mixing chilled apple cider with a splash of lemon juice and maple syrup gives you a sweet, fancy drink without any alcohol.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cider Martini Mocktail

Apple Cider Ginger Beer Mocktail

My kids always want a fancy drink when friends come over, so I started pouring leftover orchard cider over ice with a splash of spicy ginger beer. It uses up the rest of the jug while creating a fizzy, zesty party drink that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Ginger Beer Mocktail

Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

Friday nights at our house call for a fun drink, and swapping lime juice for sweet apple cider gives our usual tequila mix an easy autumn twist. Shaking the cider with orange liqueur makes a crisp drink that uses up whatever is left in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Margarita Recipe

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

I always end up with a spare half-jug of orchard cider in my fridge, so I started boiling it down to mix into butter cookie dough. Reducing that extra juice until thick concentrates all the sweet apple flavor right into shortbread that bakes up wonderfully crisp.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail

Holiday parties are so much better when everyone holds a festive glass, so I mix sparkling cider with tart cranberry juice for a quick punch. Topping it off with fresh fruit slices takes about two minutes and makes the whole pitcher look great.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Cooking a whole bird feels like too much work for a small dinner, so I brine a single turkey breast in spiced apple cider instead. Letting it soak in the fridge overnight before dropping it in the slow cooker guarantees the juiciest meat you will ever slice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

A little apple cider can go a long way in the kitchen. Which of these ideas surprised you?