A Caramel Apple Martini is a sweet and simple drink that tastes like a caramel apple in a glass. This cocktail brings together smooth caramel flavors and crisp apple notes for something both refreshing and satisfying.

I love making this drink at home for parties, or just when I want a special treat. It’s honestly easier than you might think, and you don’t need a bunch of fancy stuff.

The recipe is quick and doesn’t require many ingredients. No special skills or bar wizardry needed, which is a relief.

If you’re craving a dessert-like cocktail or want to surprise friends with something a little different, this Caramel Apple Martini might just do the trick.

Caramel Apple Martini Cocktail Recipe

My Caramel Apple Martini is sweet and smooth. You only need a few ingredients and some basic bar tools.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

First up, a cocktail shaker with a tight lid—gotta get those liquids nice and cold.

I keep a jigger close by for measuring
A fine mesh strainer is helpful to keep out ice shards.
For serving, a classic martini glass does the job and keeps the drink cool longer.

Ingredients

Vodka 2 oz Chilled
Sour apple schnapps 1 oz
Caramel syrup/liqueur ½ oz

Half-and-half optional Splash
Apple slice caramel sauce, cinnamon stick

Instructions

First, I chill the martini glass with ice water. Then I fill my shaker about halfway with ice cubes.

Vodka, sour apple schnapps, and caramel syrup or liqueur all go into the shaker. If I’m adding half-and-half, that goes in last.
I put the lid on tight and shake for roughly 10 seconds—just enough to get it cold, not diluted. After that, I dump the ice water out of the glass and strain the cocktail in.
For garnish, I’ll sometimes add a thin apple slice or drizzle caramel sauce around the rim. A cinnamon stick is a nice touch if you’re feeling festive.

Notes

The balance between apple and caramel really matters. If I want more apple, I’ll toss in a little extra schnapps; for more sweetness, a bit more caramel syrup does the trick.

No caramel syrup on hand? I’ve melted caramel candies with a splash of hot water before—just make sure to let it cool before shaking. If I’m making a bunch, I do small batches so everything stays cold.

I only add dairy if I know we’ll drink it right away, since it can settle. For a non-alcoholic version, sub in apple juice and caramel sauce instead of the booze. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Must Have Ingredients

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Tasting Notes

First thing I notice? The aroma—apples and caramel, right up front. It’s honestly pretty inviting.

The taste starts with that crisp, tart green apple. Super recognizable, and then the caramel follows, bringing in a dessert-like sweetness.

The texture is smooth and light, with a silky feel thanks to the liqueurs. It’s not heavy, which I appreciate.

The finish is mellow, leaving a blend of apple and caramel on my tongue. If there’s a garnish, like a thin apple slice or caramel drizzle, it adds a nice touch both in taste and looks.

Substitute

If I don’t have sour apple schnapps, I just grab some regular apple juice or apple cider. It gives the drink a milder flavor, which honestly is sometimes all I want anyway.

These swaps keep that apple taste, but the drink turns out less sweet and definitely less strong. That’s actually great if you’re after a lighter cocktail or just not in the mood for something heavy.

For a non-alcoholic twist, I’ll swap vodka for extra apple juice or even sparkling water. Sometimes I throw in a splash of club soda for a bit of fizz—it’s simple, but it works.

If caramel vodka isn’t in my cabinet, I just mix plain vodka with a bit of caramel syrup or caramel sauce. Here’s a quick little substitute table I use:

If I’m out of caramel sauce for garnishing, honey or agave syrup does the trick for a sweet rim. Not the same, but close enough for me.

Sometimes I’ll stick a fresh apple slice on the rim if I’ve got one. If not, a lemon or lime wedge is fine—it’s all about improvising with what’s on hand.

Caramel Apple Martini Cocktail Recipe