Apple Cider Cocktail

This apple cider cocktail is one of the simplest ways to enjoy an adult version of a fun seasonal treat! If you’re looking for an easy fall cocktail recipe to enjoy with friends, cozy up on the couch with, or to just treat yourself on a weekend with, this Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail is it. Sweet, crisp, and also so dang pretty!

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I love when things become a yearly tradition on accident, without anyone officially deciding it. I don’t know how common it is for others, but that’s how this cocktail/martini became a thing my sisters and I look forward to every year. For the past 4 years, my older sister always mentions this cocktail around September/October in a “hey, remember that cocktail you made that I really liked last year?” type-of-way (as if last year was the FIRST year I made it😂) and I’m always like “which one? the caramel apple cider one?” and then she’ll smile and confirm that was the one she was thinking of. It makes me happy. It’s one of our fall ‘things’ I look forward to every year now.

If you’ve been looking for a fall cocktail recipe that’s festive, easy, and just yummy, this Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail is the one.

What You Need to Make a Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail

The best part about this Apple Cider Martini is that it’s simple to make but tastes like something you’d order off a seasonal drink menu at a bar. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this drink:

• 2 oz caramel vodka – sweet, smooth, and the star of the show. I used Smirnoff Kissed Caramel vodka for this recipe.
• 3 oz apple cider – not apple juice! This is important. You can get apple cider from local farms/apple orchards or from a general grocery store.
• Caramel drizzle – to line inside the glass and to help the cinnamon sugar stick to the rim. I recommend getting thicker caramel sauce instead of a syrup for this. Try this one from Ghirardelli linked here.
• Cinnamon sugar – for rimming the glass
• Apple slice – for the garnish

Tip: Chill your martini glasses ahead of time to keep the drinks colder longer.

Recipe Variation

This recipe is intended to be basic because it doesn’t need a whole lot to pack in a flavorful sip. BUT! If you need ideas on how to modify it, check out these options below:

• Salted caramel twist: Use salted caramel vodka and rim the glass with flaky sea salt mixed into the sugar.
• Sparkling version: Add a splash of ginger beer or prosecco for a bubbly, fizzy apple cider martini.
• A butterscotch flavor twist: Add 1/2 oz of butterscotch schnapps per serving for a buttery boost of flavor. It is sooooooo good.
• Spiced Rum: This would also be amazing with spiced rum instead of caramel vodka for something a touch less sweet but very autumnal tasting still.
• Mocktail option: Skip the vodka and mix apple cider with caramel syrup, then top with club soda. It’s just as festive without the alcohol.

As with any cocktail, play around until you find your perfect sip. Some may like a heavier pour while others hardly want to taste the alcohol. No matter what your preference is, you have full control of how strong or weak your drink is. And as always, drink responsibly lovelies!

Bites to Eat with Your Apple Cider Cocktail

Now let’s talk snacks, because what’s a fall cocktail without some cozy bites to go with it? I love pairing my Caramel Apple Martinis with recipes that lean into warm, seasonal flavors. Here are a couple recipes from my blog that would be great:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – soft, spiced, and filled with cheesecake goodness. These little cookies taste like a warm cinnamon hug.
• Baked Strawberry Brie Tartlets – the perfect sweet to salty ratio with melty cheese and a refreshing strawberries to top them off.
• Baked Bruschetta – it’s warm, crunchy, savory and only 3 ingredients. The best quick and flavor-packed appetizer, pictured below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just mix the caramel vodka and apple cider in a pitcher and keep it chilled. Rim and garnish glasses right before serving. You’ll need to give it a vigorous stir before serving because the apple cider tends to settle.

What kind of apple cider should I use?
Fresh-pressed apple cider from a local orchard is a personal favorite, but store-bought works and tastes perfectly fine too. Just make sure it’s not apple juice, it has to be apple cider.

Can I use regular vodka instead of caramel vodka?
You sure can, but you’ll miss that caramel flavor punch. Apple cider is also very flavorful so having the caramel vodka + caramel drizzle is important to allow the caramel flavor to shine through. If you only have plain vodka, you can add an extra drizzle of caramel inside the glass or shake it up in the vodka and strain it.

How do I rim the glass with cinnamon sugar?
Dip the rim of your martini glass into a little caramel or apple cider, then press it into a shallow dish of cinnamon sugar. I usually put the cinnamon sugar on a paper plate and swirl the rim on there.

Can I make this in a big batch?

For sure! To make a batch big enough to serve a crowd, combine 6 cups of apple cider and 4 cups of caramel vodka in a large pitcher or self-serving container. Stir well to combine, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors come together. Prior to serving, prepare your martini glasses with a cinnamon sugar rim and line each glass with caramel sauce. Finally, pour in the chilled mixture to your martini glasses. Garnish with apple slices and enjoy!

If you tried this recipe, let me know how you liked it! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.