This easy Apple Cider Martini is a smooth, spiced fall cocktail made with apple cider, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey. It’s quick to shake up and perfect for cozy evenings or holiday celebrations.
About this Apple Cider Martini recipe
This cocktail is the martini-style version of our apple pie shot, using the same warm cinnamon spice and sweet apple flavor in a more sippable format. It blends apple cider, vanilla flavored vodka and cinnamon whiskey with a touch of sour mix to keep the drink balanced and bright, while a cinnamon stick and apple slice make a simple, seasonal garnish. This cocktail is just the thing for a classic fall or holiday menu.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It has cozy fall flavor. Apple cider and cinnamon whiskey create a warm, seasonal drink that fits so well into fall and holiday menus.
- It’s quick to make. You only need a shaker with ice and a handful of ingredients to mix this martini in minutes.
- It’s crowd-pleasing. The balance of sweet apple and warm spice makes this a great cocktail for parties or holiday gatherings.
Tools & glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker * to chill and mix the ingredients and a jigger to measure everything accurately. Fill the shaker with plenty of ice to get the drink as cold as possible. A fine-mesh strainer * or the shaker’s built-in strainer works for pouring into your coupe glass * or martini glass.
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Ingredients
This martini is made with apple cider for sweetness and fall flavor, vanilla vodka for a smooth finish and cinnamon whiskey to add warmth. Sour mix brings acidity and brightness that balances the sweetness of the drink.
For the garnish, a cinnamon stick and an apple slice create a simple embellishment that adds wonderful aroma and a seasonal look.
Did you know? You can also make your own cinnamon whiskey with a few simple ingredients and a mason jar with a lid!
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker * filled with ice, add apple cider, vanilla vodka, cinnamon whiskey and sour mix. Shake well, until cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass *. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Tips & tricks
- Chill the glass. A cold coupe helps the martini stay crisp and refreshing.
- Shake until frosty. Keep shaking until the shaker feels icy on the outside for the best temperature and texture.
- Warm the cinnamon stick. Rub the cinnamon stick gently between your fingers before adding it to release more aroma.
Food pairings
This Apple Cider Martini is the perfect cocktail recipe to pair cozy fall snacks, appetizers and desserts. Make this recipe to serve with:
- Snacks: Spiced nuts, salty pretzels, or bourbon caramel popcorn add a crunchy contrast that complements the cocktail.
- Appetizers: A charcuterie board with sharp cheddar or creamy gouda highlights the cinnamon and vanilla notes in the drink.
- Desserts: Apple crisp, chai molasses cookies or maple bars enhance the warm spices in the martini and make a sweet ending to a fall gathering.
FAQ
Yep. Mix the ingredients up to a few hours ahead and chill in the refrigerator. Shake with ice just before serving.
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients (or update the number under “yield” in the recipe card below) and mix in a pitcher, then shake individual servings with ice.
Yes. Plain vodka works, though the vanilla adds extra warmth and sweetness.
More fall drink recipes
Apple Cider Martini
ingredients
- 1½ ounce apple cider
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce cinnamon whiskey such as Fireball
- ½ ounce sour mix
- 1 whole cinnamon stick for garnish
- 1 slice apple for garnish
instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add apple cider, vanilla vodka, cinnamon whiskey and sour mix. Shake well, until cold.1½ ounce apple cider, 1 ounce vanilla vodka, 1 ounce cinnamon whiskey, ½ ounce sour mix
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick an apple slice1 whole cinnamon stick, 1 slice apple
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