Classic Apple Cider Martini Cocktail Recipe

I love mixing drinks that just feel right for the season. A Classic Apple Cider Martini is honestly one of my go-to fall cocktails.

It blends the crisp taste of apple cider with the smooth finish of a classic martini. Perfect for cool evenings or when you’ve got a few friends over.

This recipe gives you a simple way to enjoy fresh fall flavors in a stylish, easy-to-make drink.

When I make this cocktail, I focus on keeping the balance between sweet apple cider and the clean, bold taste of vodka. A touch of spice from cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth without overpowering the drink.

It’s a great choice whether you’re hosting friends or just want something seasonal to sip on. You’ll find that the steps are quick, and the ingredients are easy to get.

Classic Apple Cider Martini Cocktail Recipe

I like this drink because it blends the crisp flavor of fresh apple cider with the smooth finish of vodka. The cinnamon sugar rim and garnish make it look and taste festive without being too sweet.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use a metal one because it chills the drink faster.
• Martini glass – A classic choice for serving.
• Small plate – For holding cinnamon sugar when rimming the glass.
• Measuring jigger – Helps keep the ratios accurate.
• Strainer – To pour a smooth drink without ice chunks.
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing apple garnish.
• Small spoon – For drizzling caramel sauce if using.

I make sure all my tools are clean and dry before starting. Cold equipment helps keep the drink chilled longer.

Ingredients

• 3 oz fresh apple cider
• 2 oz vodka (plain or vanilla)
• 0.5 oz apple brandy or apple schnapps
• 0.5 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.25 oz simple syrup or caramel syrup (optional for sweetness)
• Cinnamon sugar (for rimming the glass)
• Ground cinnamon (a pinch for garnish)
• Caramel sauce (optional drizzle)
• Apple slices or cinnamon stick for garnish

I prefer using fresh apple cider because it gives a cleaner, more natural flavor than bottled juice. It’s just better, honestly.

Instructions

• Chill the martini glass in the freezer for 5 minutes.
• Mix cinnamon sugar on a small plate.
• Rub a lemon wedge along the rim of the glass, then dip into cinnamon sugar.
• Add apple cider, vodka, apple brandy, lemon juice, and syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain into the prepared martini glass.
• Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick, or caramel drizzle.

I shake firmly to blend the cider and spirits evenly. It keeps the flavors balanced.

Notes

I find this drink works best with cold cider and vodka. If either is warm, the ice melts too quickly and waters it down. Not ideal.

For a lighter version, I sometimes replace apple brandy with extra cider. This keeps the flavor but lowers the alcohol content, which is nice for daytime sipping.

If you like a dessert-style cocktail, drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring. The cinnamon sugar rim adds texture, but you can skip it if you prefer less sweetness—totally up to you.

A small pinch of ground cinnamon on top adds aroma without overpowering the drink. I avoid too much because it can clump on the surface and honestly, nobody wants that.

Tasting Notes

I notice the first sip has a crisp apple flavor—fresh, not overly sweet. The cider blends with the vodka in a way that just feels right, offering a clean, balanced taste.

The cinnamon garnish brings a gentle warmth. It hangs around just enough to make things cozy without taking over the apple.

There’s a slight tartness from the cider, which keeps the drink from slipping into anything too heavy. Sipping from a chilled martini glass, everything feels extra refreshing.

The texture is light and smooth. No strong alcohol burn here, though I can still tell it’s there, quietly in the background.

Breathing in before a sip, I catch a mix of apple aroma and a little spice. Makes the whole thing pretty inviting—easy to linger over and enjoy slowly.