Apple Cider Martini
This Apple Cider Martini is a refreshing fall cocktail that combines crisp apple cider with smooth vodka for a cozy yet elegant drink. Lightly spiced and beautifully garnished, it’s ideal for autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations. Quick to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s an easy seasonal beverage featuring bright apple flavor and a hint of warm spice.
Servings: 1 martini
Calories: 192kcal
Equipment
- cocktail shaker (or a mason jar)
- jigger
Ingredients
Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 apples core removed, diced
Apple Cider Martini
- 2 ½ oz apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz apple brown sugar syrup
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Instructions
Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
- Wash and prepare the apples. Core them and slice into equal pieces.
- Add the apple slices, brown sugar, and water to a medium-sized pot.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup starts to simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 20 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a small funnel and a fine-mesh strainer, pressing lightly with a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible.
- Transfer the syrup to a jar or dispenser. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Apple Cider Martini
- Prepare the apple syrup and let it cool to room temperature. Chill the martini glass in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add ice, vodka, apple cider, apple syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon powder to a shaker. Shake well for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled glass and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Vodka Substitutes: Swap vodka for bourbon, rum, or apple brandy for a new flavor. Gin works well if you like herbal and crisp notes. Each spirit gives the martini its own twist.
- Simple Syrup Alternatives: Sweeten naturally with honey, maple syrup, or agave instead of simple syrup.
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: Choose fresh, high-quality cider for the best flavor. Local or freshly pressed is ideal.
- Chill All Ingredients: Ensure the vodka and cider are cold before mixing to keep your martini crisp and refreshing.
- Balance the Sweetness: Too sweet? Add a little more lemon juice. Not sweet enough? Stir in more simple syrup or honey, as needed.
- Garnish Creatively: Add a cinnamon-sugar rim, a thin apple slice, or a cinnamon stick for a festive look and flavor boost.
- Make a Mocktail: For a mocktail version, try this apple cider mocktail.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg