Apple Cider Martini

As the air gets cooler and the leaves start to change, my cocktail shaker always gets an extra workout. During my years as a bartender, fall was my absolute favorite season for creating new drinks. There’s something magical about combining the warm spices and crisp fruit flavors of autumn. I loved seeing the delight on customers’ faces when they took a sip of a perfectly balanced, seasonal drink. (Who doesn’t love a themed drink!) This Apple Cider Martini brings back those fond memories; it’s exactly the kind of simple, elegant, and flavor-packed cocktail I would have been thrilled to serve.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Vodka – use apple vodka to punch up the apple flavor.

Apple cider – this is a great opportunity to use homemade apple cider if you have any, otherwise, feel free to use your favorite store-bought. When getting store-bought, make sure to get unfiltered apple cider, for it’s deeper and richer flavor.

Orange liqueur – from personal experience, I do not recommend using Grand Marnier because it is quite sweet and the cocktail is already sweet. Use Triple Sec, Cointreau, Citronge or another less sweet orange liqueur.

Lemon juice – don’t skip, it’s importance to balance out the sweetness of apple cider and liqueur!

Cinnamon whiskey – while this is an optional liquor, I love that it adds a spice kick to the overall cocktail. Apples and cinnamon is a great combination.

How To Make Apple Cider Martini

If you’ve got 5 minutes, you’ve got yourself a cocktail!

It’s literally as easy as combining all of the ingredients in the cocktail shaker with ice and shaking it like you mean it.

Chill the glass: this is always a good idea when serving a martini to keep the cocktail cold longer. Fill the martini glass with ice and add cold water. Let it sit and chill while making the cocktail. Pour it all out right before pouring the martini into the glass.

Once the martini is shaken, strain it into an empty, chilled martini glass, garnish with apple slices, and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple juice has a very different flavor profile from apple cider, even though both are apple. It will be a different experience using apple juice, so just keep that in mind!

What vodka should I use in apple cider martini?

Apple vodka is my first recommendation but you can also use pear. It will change the profile slightly but not too much. If you want to tone down the apple flavor, use plain vodka without any flavor.

Should I add anything on the rim?

Since the martini is sweet and fruity but also has a hint of cinnamon, I would not add anything to the rim. Dipped rim would either make it too sweet or overwhelm other flavors.

Make Ahead Option

I love making martinis ahead of time because you can easily prep them without ice and store in the refrigerator. Measure the ingredients based on how many martinis you want to make ahead. Store closed air-tight in the refrigerator for a day or two.

More Fall Cocktail Recipes To Try

Fall and winter cocktails are my favorite to create because of the rich flavors. Try my pumpkin pie martini is like a pumpkin pie in a glass. A light and crisp pear martini is perfect for a fruity and yet refreshing option. My sour apple champagne cocktail takes a classic and turns it into celebration. And of course, a Cosmopolitan cocktail is perfect year-round but highlights cranberry flavor.

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