Spiced Apple Cider Martini

An apple cider martini on a wooden serving tray with fall flower and whole apples in the background.

Make the most of the fall and enjoy the season’s best flavors with this spiced apple cider martini in hand! Prepared with vodka, ginger liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice and real maple syrup, this apple cider cocktail is sure to put you and your guests in a fun and festive mood. You can shake up this fall martini in just a few minutes, and this recipe includes a make-ahead batching option for easy entertaining.

Course Beverages

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings drink

Calories 295kcal

Author Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

2 small, shallow plates
Cocktail shaker
Jigger or small measuring cup
Handheld citrus juicer

Ingredients

Caramel sauce for garnish, optional
Brown sugar for garnish, optional
Ground cinnamon for garnish, optional
2 ounces spiced apple cider
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce ginger liqueur
½ ounce real maple syrup
½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
2-3 dashes orange bitters
Ice
1 thin apple slice for garnish, optional

Instructions

For an optional spiced caramel rim, pour the caramel sauce on one shallow plate and stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon on the other shallow plate. Dip the rim of the martini glass into the caramel sauce and then swirl it in the brown sugar mixture. To chill and help prevent the caramel sauce from dripping, place the glasses rim-side down on a piece of parchment paper in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Add spiced apple cider, vodka, ginger liqueur, maple syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Secure the top and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
Strain into the chilled martini glass.
If desired, garnish with an apple slice. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Eight-serving pitcher: Stir 2 cups spiced apple cider, 2 cups vodka, 1 cup ginger liqueur, ½ cup maple syrup, ½ cup lemon juice and 8 dashes orange bitters together in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for up to one day. After that, the lemon will start to lose its brightness. To serve, pour ¾ cup per drink in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake as originally directed. Shaking is still recommended for the proper aeration and dilution.

To prevent the apple slice garnish from browning too quickly, you can sprinkle some fresh lemon juice over the fruit.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition