I’m always on the lookout for fun drinks to try at home, and honestly, this Candy Apple Cider Cocktail is right up there for me. You get sweet cider with a splash of candy flavor, and somehow, it really does taste like a caramel apple in a glass.
It’s a good one for parties, but honestly, I’ve made it for just a chill night in with friends too.
People always seem surprised at how simple it is. The color pops, and the taste is sweet enough that adults and even older kids (minus the booze, of course) are into it.
If you’re after something easy and tasty, this is worth a shot.
Candy Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail is sweet and tart, with a crisp apple thing going on. I like how the sour apple, cranberry, and cider all kind of mix together, especially with all the bright colors and fun garnishes.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker for mixing
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Strainer (if your shaker doesn’t have one)
- Tall glass (highball or Collins style)
- Spoon or stirring stick if you need it
- Ice cubes
- Knife and cutting board for prepping garnishes
- Small plate for rimming the glass (optional)
- Toothpick or skewer for a candy apple or cherry garnish
Having everything ready before I start makes things so much smoother. I always double-check that my glass is clean and the shaker is good to go.
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple cider (fresh if you can get it)
- 1 oz vodka (plain or apple-flavored, whatever you like)
- 1 oz sour apple pucker or apple liqueur
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- ½ oz lemon juice (fresh is best)
- Ice cubes
- Apple slice (for garnish, optional)
- Maraschino cherry or small candy apple (garnish)
I always go for real apple cider over apple juice—way more apple flavor. Sour apple pucker brings that sweet-tart thing, and the grenadine and cranberry juice give it that classic red color.
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the apple cider, vodka, sour apple pucker (or liqueur), cranberry juice, grenadine, and lemon juice.
- Pop the lid on and shake for about 10-15 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
- If you want a sugar rim, dip the rim of your glass in lemon juice and then in sugar.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice, maraschino cherry, or even a little candy apple on a skewer.
I shake mine until it’s practically icy. The garnishes are honestly the best part—they just make it look so festive.
Notes
If you want it less sweet, just cut back on the grenadine or swap in unsweetened cranberry juice. Sometimes I top it off with a bit of club soda if I’m in the mood for something lighter.
The candy apple garnish is fun, but if I don’t have one, a simple apple slice or cherry does the trick. Sour apple pucker makes it extra tangy, which I’m into.
Serve it right away for the freshest taste.
Don’t skip the lemon juice—it really helps balance out the sweetness. If you use green apple slices for garnish, dip them in lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Equipment
- Jigger or shot glass
- Highball or collins glass
- Knife and cutting board
- Small plate (for rimming, optional)
- Toothpick or skewer (for garnish)
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple cider
- 1 oz vodka plain or apple-flavored
- 1 oz sour apple liqueur or apple pucker
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Apple slice maraschino cherry, or mini candy apple (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
- (Optional) Rim your glass with lemon juice, then dip into sugar.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice, maraschino cherry, or mini candy apple.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tasting Notes
First sip? The apple flavor hits right away—sweet, but not in a fake way. It kind of reminds me of a candy apple martini, with a little tartness and a sugary finish.
The cider adds this crisp, almost refreshing vibe. I like how it keeps things from getting too syrupy, so each sip feels light.
If you’re a fan of apple martinis or candy apple cocktails, you’ll probably like this one too.
Here’s a quick rundown of the flavors:
| Flavor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Apple | Sweet, tart |
| Candy | Sugary, fun |
| Cider | Crisp, lightly sparkling |
| Spirits (if used) | Smooth, mild kick |
It’s not super strong, honestly. I get a little warmth from the vodka, but the apple and candy flavors really take the spotlight.
Sometimes I’ll add a fresh apple slice on top—gives it a nice crunch and looks pretty inviting.
With the sweet and crisp balance, this drink feels festive but not over the top. I could see myself making it for brunch or just hanging out at home.
Substitute
Sometimes, I want to whip up a Candy Apple Cider Cocktail, but of course, I’m missing something. Here’s how I usually get creative with substitutions:
Sour Apple Liqueur Alternatives:
- If I’m out of sour apple liqueur, apple schnapps usually steps in.
- For a non-alcoholic spin, green apple juice with a squeeze of lemon juice isn’t half bad.
- Apple vodka brings that apple kick, though it’s not as sweet or tart—just a heads up.
Hard Cider Substitutes:
- Regular apple cider works if I’m keeping it booze-free.
- Pear cider is a fun twist if I’m feeling adventurous.
- Or if I just want bubbles, sparkling apple soda does the trick without the alcohol.
Other Swaps:
| Original Ingredient | Substitute Ideas |
|---|---|
| Hard cider | Apple juice, sparkling cider, pear cider |
| Sour apple liqueur | Apple schnapps, apple vodka, juice mix |
| Caramel vodka | Vanilla vodka, plain vodka, butterscotch schnapps |
If caramel vodka’s missing from my shelf, a splash of butterscotch schnapps brings in some sweetness.
When it comes to rimming the glass, sometimes I’m out of cinnamon sugar. No big deal—I’ll use plain sugar, brown sugar, or honestly, just skip it altogether.
