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The Perfect Apple Cider Martini Recipe for Fall

Cozy Up with the Perfect Apple Cider Martini

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If you’re ready to bring the flavors of fall to your cocktail glass, look no further than this refreshing Apple Cider Martini! Made with fresh, local apple cider, a splash of citrus, and smooth vodka, this cocktail is the perfect blend of crisp and cozy. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s light, flavorful, and ideal for celebrating the fall season, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply relaxing at home. The hint of triple sec and fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juices give this drink a bright twist that balances beautifully with the apple cider’s natural sweetness. Grab your ingredients and some ice, and get ready to toast to autumn with this delightful apple cider martini!

Ingredients for Apple Cider Martini:

  • 2 oz fresh apple cider (local, unfiltered cider works best, but commercial apple juice will do in a pinch)
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 0.5 oz triple sec (for a hint of citrus)
  • Juice of half a fresh lemon (0.5 oz)
  • Juice of half a cutie orange (0.5 oz)
  • Ice

For the Rim:

  • 1 tbsp turbanado sugar
  • 1  tsp ground cinnamon

Garnish:

  • Thin apple slice

Instructions for Apple Cider Martini:

  1. Prepare the Rim: On a shallow plate, mix together the turbanado sugar and ground cinnamon.  Run the lemon half along the edge of the rim of the martinini glass, then dip into the sugar, rolling the edge to get it fully coated.
  2. Mix the Cocktail: In a ice filled cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and  orange juice. Shake vigorously to blend the flavors and chill the drink.
  3. Strain and Serve: For an ultra-smooth cocktail, double strain the mixture into your prepared glass, using a cocktail strainer. Garnish with a  thin apple slice for that festive touch.
  4. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the drink is cold, and sip to savor the flavors of fall!

Make it Your Own: Variations and Tips

  • Caramel Apple Martini: Swap the vodka with caramel vodka or add a splash of butterscotch schnapps for a caramel apple twist.
  • Apple Cider Margarita: swap the vodka out for tequila, and the lemon for lime juice.
  • Bourbon Apple Cider Martini:  Swap out the vodka for bourbon for a smooth apple cider martini. Or use Fireball to really kick it up a notch!

Choosing Your Serving Glass for your Apple Cider Martini

While a classic martini glass is perfect for this drink, a coupe glass or mason jar also gives it a rustic, fall feel. For a dinner party, consider setting up a “build-your-own martini” bar with all the ingredients ready for guests to create their own fall cocktails.

Tips for a Great Martini

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and fresh apples will bring out the best flavors.
  2. Experiment with Garnishes: A caramel rim adds extra sweetness, and cinnamon sticks or apple slices make beautiful and tasty garnishes.
  3. Adjust Sweetness: Customize the level of sweetness with more or less maple syrup or try substituting it with agave syrup.

Here’s a quick guide to different types of martini glasses you can use for serving an apple cider martini, plus a tip on how to chill them to keep your cocktail refreshingly cold.

1. Classic Martini Glass

  • Description: This is the iconic, V-shaped martini glass that adds a touch of elegance to any cocktail. Its wide rim makes it perfect for showcasing garnishes like a cinnamon stick or apple slice.
  • Chill Tip: Place the empty glass in the freezer for 15–30 minutes before preparing the martini. This ensures a frosty chill that keeps your drink cold longer.

2. Coupe Glass

  • Description: A coupe glass has a rounded, shallow bowl and vintage appeal. It’s great for showcasing cocktails and has a slightly smaller rim, which helps contain the aroma of the apple cider.
  • Chill Tip: Pop it into the freezer, or swirl ice and water in the glass for a minute before emptying it out.

3. Stemless Martini Glass

  • Description: This glass gives a modern twist to the classic martini shape by removing the stem. It’s less likely to tip and works well for casual gatherings.
  • Chill Tip: Keep these in the freezer until ready to serve, as stemless glasses warm up faster without the stem.

4. Nick and Nora Glass

  • Description: With its rounded bowl and sleek design, the Nick and Nora glass is a refined choice for cocktails. Its narrower mouth keeps aromas locked in, enhancing each sip.
  • Chill Tip: Place it in the freezer, or fill it with ice water while preparing your cocktail to keep it cool.

5. Mason Jar (for a Rustic Touch)

  • Description: A mason jar offers a fun, rustic presentation perfect for autumn and cozy gatherings. This unconventional choice also holds a bit more, great for those who prefer a larger pour.
  • Chill Tip: Freeze the mason jar directly, or fill it with ice water for a couple of minutes, then empty before serving.

Extra Tips on Chilling Glasses:

  • Quick Ice Bath: If you’re short on freezer space, fill the glass with ice and water, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then discard the ice before pouring in your cocktail.
  • Avoid Frosting the Rim: To keep garnishes and rim toppings (like cinnamon sugar) dry, dip the rim in the desired garnish right after chilling.

Ingredients:

Make this cozy Fall cocktail with apple cider. Use vodka, gin or bourbon to make this drink just the way you like it. The cinnamon and sugar rim gives it an extra boost of flavor!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple, cider, martini
Servings: 1 martini
Calories: 254kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Rim

  • 1 tbsp turbinado sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 oz fresh apple cider local, unfiltered cider works best, but commercial apple juice will do in a pinch
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 0.5 oz triple sec for a hint of citrus
  • Juice of half a fresh lemon 0.5 oz
  • Juice of half a cutie orange 0.5 oz
  • Ice

Garnish

  • Thin apple slice

Instructions

  • Prepare the Rim: On a shallow plate, mix together the turbanado sugar and ground cinnamon.  Run the lemon half along the edge of the rim of the martinini glass, then dip into the sugar, rolling the edge to get it fully coated.
    1 tbsp turbinado sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Mix the Cocktail: In a ice filled cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and  orange juice. Shake vigorously to blend the flavors and chill the drink.
    2 oz fresh apple cider, 2 oz vodka, 0.5 oz triple sec, Juice of half a fresh lemon, Juice of half a cutie orange, Ice
  • Strain and Serve: For an ultra-smooth cocktail, strain the mixture into your prepared glass, using a cocktail strainer. Garnish with a  thin apple slice for that festive touch.
    Thin apple slice
  • Enjoy: Serve immediately while the drink is cold, and sip to savor the flavors of fall!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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