When I want a drink that feels fresh and special, I often make my Ginger Apple Sparkler Cocktail.
This cocktail blends crisp apple juice, spicy ginger, and sparkling water for a refreshing drink that’s simple to prepare at home.
The flavors are balanced and not too sweet, which makes it a great choice for any time of year.
I like using easy-to-find ingredients, so anyone can mix this up without a lot of searching.
Whether I’m hosting friends or just wanting something different for myself, this drink always feels bright and fun.
Keep reading if you want to see just how quick and easy it is to make.
Ginger Apple Sparkler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with a lid
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Ice cube tray (for ice)
Ingredients
- 2 oz about 1/4 cup fresh apple juice (unsweetened preferred)
- 1 oz 2 tablespoons ginger syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 oz 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz about 1/4 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1 1/2 oz about 3 tablespoons vodka
- Ice cubes
- Apple slices or thin strips of fresh ginger for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your serving glass with ice cubes halfway.
- If using vodka, add it now.
- Seal the shaker and shake for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mix into the glass over the ice.
- Pour sparkling water slowly into the glass so it stays fizzy.
- Stir gently with a spoon to combine.
- Garnish with an apple slice or fresh ginger strip on the rim.
- Shaking the mix first helps combine the flavors.
Notes
Tasting Notes
I notice the first sip is full of fresh apple flavor.
The apple juice tastes crisp, and the sweetness is natural, not too much.
The ginger beer brings a light spice.
It is gentle and tingles my tongue in a pleasant way.
It combines well with the apple’s tang.
There is some fizziness that makes the drink feel refreshing.
The bubbles lift the flavors and make the drink lively.
I find a mild tartness thanks to the lime juice.
It balances the sweet apple and spicy ginger.
The lime also adds a little zing at the end of each sip.
The cocktail finishes clean.
The aftertaste is slightly sweet, with a hint of ginger lingering in my mouth.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have every ingredient for the Ginger Apple Sparkler cocktail. Here’s how I swap things out with whatever’s in my kitchen.
Equipment
Ingredients
- If I’m out of fresh apple juice, I’ll grab pear juice or even white grape juice. Both are pretty mild, so they don’t take over the drink.
- When I don’t have ginger beer, ginger ale is my go-to, but lemon-lime soda works too. It keeps the bubbles going, at least.
- For a non-alcoholic version, I just skip the vodka. Sometimes I’ll use apple-flavored sparkling water instead if I’m feeling fancy.
- If limes are missing, I’ll squeeze in a bit of lemon juice. It’s not the same, but it gives that tart kick I want.
Instructions
- I start by pouring my chosen juice into the glass. No need to get too precise here.
- Next, I add my sweetener or soda—whatever’s on hand for some fizz.
- If I’m in the mood for alcohol, I’ll splash in vodka. Otherwise, I skip it and call it a mocktail.
- I stir it up with a bar spoon. Then I’ll toss in some apple slices or a lime wedge for garnish, if I remember.
Honestly, flavors can get weird if you go overboard, so I usually add substitutes slowly and taste as I go. It’s all about finding that sweet spot, right?
