I usually make this when I’m craving something crisp, a little sweet, and with a touch of spice. It’s got sparkling water, apple juice, and cinnamon—super easy to throw together.
Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill everything.
Measuring jigger: Helps me get the amounts right.
Tall glass (12-16 oz): Enough space for ice and the drink itself.
Bar spoon: Good for stirring gently so you don’t lose the bubbles.
Strainer: Keeps ice and apple bits out of the glass—nobody wants to chew their drink.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing up the apple and cinnamon stick garnish.
Ice cube tray: I always keep it stocked for drinks like this.
Citrus peeler: If I feel like adding a twist of lemon.
Ingredients
1cupchilled apple juicecloudy or clear, but I’m all about the cloudy kind for more flavor
1/2cupsparkling waterplain or lightly flavored, either works
1.5ozvodkaskip it if you want a nonalcoholic version
1/2tspground cinnamon or 1 small cinnamon stick
1-2tsplemon juicefreshly squeezed is always better
1thin apple slicefor garnish
1small cinnamon stickfor garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions
Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Add apple juice, lemon juice, vodka (if you’re using it), and either ground cinnamon or a small piece of cinnamon stick.
Shake it up for about 15-20 seconds, just until it’s mixed and chilled.
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice cubes.
Strain your mixture into the glass.
Slowly pour in the sparkling water to top it off. I usually stir gently with a bar spoon—just enough to mix, not enough to kill the fizz.
Garnish with the apple slice and cinnamon stick right on top.
Serve immediately while it’s still nice and bubbly.
Notes
If I’m in the mood for something less sweet, I’ll cut back on the apple juice or add a splash more sparkling water. For extra spice, I just toss in more cinnamon or let the apple juice hang out with a cinnamon stick for a bit before making the drink.Honestly, the nonalcoholic version is just as tasty—I just leave out the vodka. Sometimes I’ll add a twist of lemon peel or a couple of cranberries for a pop of color. If I want the drink super cold, I chill the glass ahead of time. And if I’m feeling fancy, I strain twice to get rid of any spice bits for a clearer look.