Oh, you’re going to love this one! A Spiced Apple Cider Martini is like fall in a glass. It’s cozy, a little fancy, and so easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a fun drink for date night, this cocktail hits all the right notes—sweet, spiced, and just enough of a kick to make it special.
Trust me, you’ll want to sip this while wrapped in a blanket, pretending you’re in a Hallmark movie. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (or bourbon for a twist)
- 2 oz spiced apple cider
- 1 oz triple sec (or orange liqueur)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon sugar (for rim garnish)
- Ice cubes
Garnishes
- Cinnamon stick
- Thin apple slice
Pro Tips
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before you make the drink. It keeps everything frosty and perfect.
- Make It Kid-Friendly: Skip the alcohol and just mix the apple cider with a splash of orange juice for a fun mocktail!
- Don’t Skip the Rim: That cinnamon sugar rim adds a little sweetness and makes the drink feel extra special.
- Fresh is Best: Squeeze fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—it’s worth it!
- Batch It for a Party: Mix everything (except ice) in a pitcher ahead of time for easy serving.
Tools Needed
- Martini shaker or mason jar with lid
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Martini glass
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap vodka for bourbon for a warmer, deeper flavor.
- No triple sec? Use regular orange juice and a dash of simple syrup.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for an extra-spicy twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the vodka, cider, triple sec, and lemon juice together in advance and store in the fridge. Shake with ice right before serving!
How to Make It
1. Prep the Glass
Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass, then dip it into cinnamon sugar to coat.
2. Mix the Cocktail
In a shaker, combine vodka, apple cider, triple sec, lemon juice, and a handful of ice. Shake well for about 20 seconds until chilled.
3. Strain and Serve:
Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass.
4. Garnish:
Add a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice on top for a beautiful finish. Serve immediately!
Leftovers & Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh, but if you’ve mixed the base (without ice), it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake with fresh ice before serving again!
Wrap-Up
And there you have it—your new favorite fall cocktail! It’s fun, festive, and ridiculously easy to make. Let me know how yours turns out—did you make it with vodka or try the bourbon version? Drop a comment below, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or any creative twists you came up with! Cheers! 🥂
