Cool air, crisp apples, and cozy evenings just beg for a drink that feels right for the season. When I mix gin with fresh apple and a bit of spice, honestly, it’s like autumn poured itself into my glass.
This gin and apple fall cocktail delivers a simple, balanced drink—the bright botanicals meet those warm autumn flavors, and it just works.
I love how this recipe keeps things simple but still feels a little special. Apple, gin, and ginger beer come together for just enough sparkle to make it stand out from the usual fall cocktails.
If you’re into gin apple pie cocktails or maybe a spiced pear gin drink, or even a fall gin sangria, this one brings that same cozy vibe—without much fuss.
You’ll find everything you need here—equipment, ingredients, and the steps laid out so you can make your own seasonal drink at home.
Gin And Apple Fall Cocktail Recipe
I really like how this drink brings together crisp apple cider, smooth gin, and those warming spices. There’s citrus, a bit of sweetness, and some fizz—it’s refreshing but still cozy enough for sweater weather.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker with a tight lid to mix things up evenly.
- Jigger or small measuring cup so you don’t overdo it.
- Fine strainer to catch pulp or stray ice.
- Bar spoon for a gentle stir.
- Rocks glass or coupe—whichever feels right to you.
- Ice cubes or crushed ice for chilling.
- Peeler or knife for apple garnish.
- Small saucepan if you want to make your own simple syrup or honey syrup.
Having everything ready before I start makes the whole process smoother.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (botanical gin or spiced pear gin both work)
- 2 oz apple cider
- ½ oz lemon juice or lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup, honey syrup, or maple syrup
- 2 oz ginger beer or ginger ale
- Optional: splash of club soda if you like it lighter
- Garnish: apple slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise
- Optional extras: a few blackberries, pomegranate seeds, or a dash of cardamom bitters
Sometimes I’ll splash in a bit of brandy or even sparkling wine for a richer version.
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the gin, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with ginger beer or ginger ale and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
- If you want extra aroma, warm the cinnamon stick a little before dropping it in.
I usually chill the glass first so the drink stays colder longer.
Notes
I lean toward botanical gin—the herbal notes just play so well with apple and spice. If I’m in the mood for something bolder, spiced pear gin brings a deeper fruit flavor.
If it’s too sweet, I cut back the syrup or skip the ginger ale. For a tart kick, a splash of pomegranate juice or cranberry does the trick.
Serve right away while the fizz is still lively. The scent of apple, cinnamon, and citrus? That’s pure fall in a glass.
Equipment
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Rocks glass or coupe
- Small saucepan (for syrup, optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin botanical or spiced pear gin both work
- 2 oz apple cider
- 0.5 oz lemon juice or lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or honey syrup or maple syrup
- 2 oz ginger beer or ginger ale, to top
- club soda splash, optional
- apple slice for garnish
- cinnamon stick for garnish
- star anise optional, for garnish
- blackberries or pomegranate seeds optional extras
- cardamom bitters dash, optional
- brandy or sparkling wine splash, optional for richer version
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add gin, apple cider, lemon (or lime) juice, and simple (or honey/maple) syrup.
- Shake about 15 seconds until the shaker is cold.
- Strain into a rocks glass (or coupe) filled with fresh ice.
- Top with ginger beer (or ginger ale) and give a gentle stir. Add a splash of club soda if you like it lighter.
- Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick; star anise optional. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tasting Notes
I take that first sip and, honestly, it’s crisp and pretty refreshing. The gin’s herbal notes blend right in with the tart edge of the apple.
It’s clean, not overly sweet, and there’s just enough warmth from the alcohol to keep things interesting.
After a few more sips, I start noticing some citrus and a little bit of spice sneaking in. The apple brings this gentle fruitiness that keeps the gin’s sharpness in check.
The flavors stay lively, and I appreciate that they don’t compete for attention.
The finish comes off smooth and a bit dry. There’s this faint apple aroma that sticks around, kind of like biting into fresh fruit on a chilly fall day.
It’s honestly easy to drink—definitely something I’d want to sip slowly.
Flavor highlights:
- Crisp apple
- Botanical gin
- Light citrus
- Soft spice warmth
Texture: Smooth, light, and balanced.\
Aroma: Fresh apple with mild herbal notes.

