I’m always up for mixing up new drinks for my friends, especially when I want to pull off something a little spooky or fun for a party. This Haunted Apple Pie with vodka cocktail is a tasty twist that’s just right for fall gatherings or Halloween nights.
It looks cool, it’s easy to throw together, and it really brings out those sweet apple and cinnamon flavors everyone seems to love. I mean, who doesn’t like apple pie in a glass?
Whenever I show up with this drink, people always ask about the “haunted” part. There’s a simple trick for adding a smoky, mysterious vibe—it gets everyone’s attention, every time.
You don’t need anything fancy, just a few fun touches.
Haunted Apple Pie With Vodka Cocktail Recipe
This drink brings together apple, cinnamon, and vodka for a Halloween twist that’s honestly hard to resist. The mix of spices, cider, and smooth spirits makes each sip taste like a slice of apple pie—maybe even better.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Fine mesh strainer (if you want a smoother cocktail)
- Bar spoon
- Small plate for rimming glass
- Serving glass (rocks glass or martini glass—either works)
- Knife (for apple slices)
- Peeler (optional, for thin apple curls)
- Ice cubes
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar, brown sugar, or crushed graham cracker
- Napkin for wiping rim if things get messy
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple pie vodka (or vanilla vodka for a twist)
- 2 oz apple cider or apple juice
- 1 oz Fireball whiskey or caramel vodka (if you want extra warmth)
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or maple syrup (sweetness is up to you)
- Dash of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice
- Pinch of nutmeg and cloves (optional, if you like stronger spice)
- Brown sugar and cinnamon sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Whipped cream (optional garnish)
- Apple slice, cinnamon stick, or crushed graham cracker (garnish options)
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
Instructions
- Rim the edge of your glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it in cinnamon sugar or brown sugar for a sweet touch.
- Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Add apple pie vodka, apple cider, Fireball whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Shake everything well for about 20 seconds to blend those autumn flavors.
- Strain the drink into your prepared glass filled with ice, or go for a martini glass if you’re feeling fancy.
- Top with whipped cream, an apple slice, and a cinnamon stick if you want to go all out.
- For a mocktail, just skip the alcohol and use extra cider and a splash of maple syrup.
Notes
If you want to change things up, caramel vodka or bourbon works instead of the vodka. Apple juice will make it sweeter than cider, so keep that in mind.
For more of a haunted vibe, I sometimes float a thin apple curl or sprinkle a bit of edible glitter on top. It’s little details like that.
Mixing up the rim is easy—cinnamon sugar, crushed graham cracker, or brown sugar all work and add to the apple pie vibe. Fresh lemon juice really brightens things up.
If I’m making a batch for a party, I just double or triple the recipe and serve it from a pitcher.
If you want to keep it non-alcoholic, stick with cider, apple juice, lemon juice, and a dash of apple pie spice, then top it with whipped cream. Halloween-themed picks—like a skull or bat—make the garnishes extra fun.
Equipment
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Small plate for rimming
- Peeler (optional)
- Napkin (for wiping rim)
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple pie vodka or vanilla vodka
- 2 oz apple cider or apple juice
- 1 oz Fireball whiskey or caramel vodka
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice or lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or maple syrup
- 1 dash ground cinnamon or apple pie spice
- Pinch of nutmeg optional
- Pinch of ground cloves optional
- 1 tsp cinnamon sugar or brown sugar for rimming glass
- 1 apple slice for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
- 1 tbsp whipped cream optional garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Shake well for 20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice or into a martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream, then garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of this Haunted Apple Pie cocktail, the crisp apple flavor always hits first. It’s like biting into a fresh apple with a little cinnamon on top.
The vodka blends in smoothly. It doesn’t overpower the apple, just adds some warmth.
The spices are gentle, not too sharp.
It smells sweet and spicy, which makes the drink feel comforting. Sometimes there’s a hint of vanilla, which is honestly pretty nice.
If I add a cinnamon stick or apple slice, the aroma gets even stronger. The finish is smooth, with a sweet and spiced aftertaste that lingers for a bit.
I love how this drink tastes familiar but still a little mysterious.
Substitute
Sometimes, let’s be honest, I just don’t have every ingredient for the Haunted Apple Pie with vodka cocktail. No shame in swapping things out, right?
Here are a few easy substitutes that actually work pretty well.
Possible Ingredient Substitutes:
- Apple cider: I’ll grab apple juice, or even pear juice if that’s all I’ve got.
- Vodka: Sometimes I go with rum or whiskey. Depends on my mood, honestly.
- Cinnamon stick: Ground cinnamon does the trick, or I just leave it out.
- Maple syrup: Honey or simple syrup fills in without much fuss.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice works, or orange juice if that’s what’s in the fridge.
Equipment Substitutes:
- Cocktail shaker: I just use a jar with a lid. Works fine.
- Strainer: A small kitchen strainer, or even a slotted spoon, gets the job done.
- Jigger (for measuring): I’ll use a regular tablespoon. No need to overthink it.
Instructions Changes:
