Party Mix Sparkling Cider

Featured in: Weekend Amber-Home Favorites

This party mix combines rice cereal squares, pretzels, honey roasted peanuts, dried apple chips, and air-popped popcorn coated in a warm sparkling cider glaze. Baked until golden and crisp, it's a festive crunchy snack that offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. Ideal for holiday gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:06:00 GMT
Golden-brown Party Mix snack with crunchy cereal, pretzels, and apple cider glaze, ready to eat! Save
Golden-brown Party Mix snack with crunchy cereal, pretzels, and apple cider glaze, ready to eat! | amberspill.com

A festive, crunchy snack mix with a sweet apple-cider glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.

This party mix quickly became a favorite at our family holiday gatherings, loved for its sweet and crunchy texture.

Ingredients

  • Dry Mix: 3 cups rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex), 2 cups mini pretzels, 1 cup honey roasted peanuts, 1 cup dried apple chips broken into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup popcorn plain air-popped
  • Cider Glaze: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar packed, 1/4 cup sparkling apple cider non-alcoholic, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn. Gently toss to mix.
Step 3:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, sparkling cider, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4:
Immediately pour the cider glaze over the dry mix. Toss gently with a spatula until evenly coated.
Step 5:
Spread the mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mix is golden and crisp.
Step 7:
Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp as it cools.
Step 8:
Once cooled, break into clusters if needed and serve or store in an airtight container.
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of baked Party Mix showing the festive mix of textures and the sweet cider coating. Save
Close-up of baked Party Mix showing the festive mix of textures and the sweet cider coating. | amberspill.com

This mix always brings smiles when we serve it at our holiday parties and is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of nutmeg or swap honey roasted peanuts with candied pecans Substitute apple chips with dried cranberries for a tangy twist This mix pairs well with sparkling cider or festive mocktails

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Saucepan Baking sheet Parchment paper Spatula

Nutritional Information

Calories 255 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 4 g per serving

Delicious, homemade Party Mix with peanuts, and a sweet, sparkling cider flavor, perfect for sharing. Save
Delicious, homemade Party Mix with peanuts, and a sweet, sparkling cider flavor, perfect for sharing. | amberspill.com
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Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.
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Enjoy this festive and crunchy snack as the perfect holiday treat or party favor.

Recipe FAQs

What is the glaze made of?

The glaze includes unsalted butter, brown sugar, sparkling apple cider, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract, simmered to a thickened syrup.

Can I substitute any nuts in the mix?

Yes, honey roasted peanuts can be swapped with candied pecans for a different flavor and texture.

How long do I bake the mix?

Bake the coated mix at 300°F (150°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even crispness.

Are there any allergen considerations?

The mix contains peanuts, milk from butter, and gluten from pretzels and possibly cereal; always check product labels if serving guests with allergies.

Can dried apple chips be replaced?

Dried apple chips can be substituted with dried cranberries for a tangier twist in flavor.

Party Mix Sparkling Cider

A crunchy, sweet apple-cider glazed snack mix perfect for parties and celebrations.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes


Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Dry Mix

01 3 cups rice cereal squares (e.g., Rice Chex)
02 2 cups mini pretzels
03 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
04 1 cup dried apple chips, broken into bite-sized pieces
05 1 cup plain air-popped popcorn

Cider Glaze

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
03 1/4 cup sparkling non-alcoholic apple cider
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn. Gently toss to mix evenly.

Step 03

Prepare Cider Glaze: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, sparkling cider, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Coat the Mix: Pour the warm cider glaze immediately over the dry mix. Toss gently with a spatula until the mixture is evenly coated.

Step 05

Bake the Mix: Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp as it cools. Break into clusters if desired before serving or storing.

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy Details

Always check each item in your recipe for allergens. Reach out to a health expert with any concerns.
  • Contains peanuts, milk (butter), and gluten (pretzels and possibly cereal). Verify product labels for allergens.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutritional values are for reference and not a substitute for advice from a doctor.
  • Calories: 255
  • Fats: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams