Apple Cider Martini

This Apple Cider Martini with cinnamon syrup is the perfect drink for fall! It's a fast and easy way to create a delicious cocktail in just a few moments of time. Perfect for watching the leaves change color and enjoying a drink.

It's no secret that fall cocktails are a favorite of many. No matter if you're looking for a slow sipper with a hint of warm spices or are striving for that addictive apple flavor, a few ingredients and shakes will have you pouring this drink for yourself or all your family and friends.

Some people will think that this tastes like apple juice with an added kick of vodka! This is why making this classic for Christmas or Thanksgiving is a perfect holiday sipper.

Make a Candy Cane Martini or Christmas Moscow Mule as other fun holiday choices.

Ingredients

• Vodka - Choose your favorite brand of vodka. There are some flavored ones that might be fun to mix in. 
• Cinnamon simple syrup - This helps to add a hint of sweetness and cinnamon taste. 
• Apple cider - You can make this homemade or just pick it up already prepared at the store. 
• Water - Helps to thin it out a bit and relax some of the extra sweetness. 
• Sugar - Just a little bit is needed for balance. 
• Cinnamon stick - Great for adding cinnamon flavor and for stirring. 

How to Make an Apple Cider Martini

1️⃣ Make the Cinnamon Syrup

Combine cinnamon stick, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

2️⃣ Make the Martini

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with four ice cubes. Shake for 10 seconds and pour into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick for an extra hint of cinnamon.

Variations

• Rim - Adding a little bit of caramel sauce, maple syrup, or even a cinnamon sugar mixture is great for sipping. Just wet the rim, put cinnamon sugar in the middle of a plate, and put the glass upside down on it.
• Garnish - Putting apple slices on the rim is a cool look - and a nice treat. Put one or two on the rim of your martini glass. A fresh apple slice is delicious.
• Acid - For a nice tang, add a drop or two of citrus, such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
• Liquor - This easy cocktail recipe is flexible. Change up the flavor by adding some butterscotch schnapps or a citrusy orange liqueur like triple sec. This perfect cocktail is an easy recipe to change up the taste.
• Bubbly - Want some bubbles? Add a splash of prosecco or champagne.
• Fresh apple puree - You can sub in fresh apple puree for the apple cider. Just process a few slices of apple in a food processor and strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract the juice.

Common Questions

What is the best way to store this drink for later?

While I do think that this drink is best served fresh, you can save any leftovers for later easily enough. Or prep ahead for a party. I always add the leftovers to a mason jar with a lid.

That way, when it's time to drink and enjoy it again, I just shake it really well and then pour it right back into my glass. It mixes up the hints of spices well, and it tastes fresh and new! You can also add it back into the martini shaker as well.

Enjoy the flavor of this hard cider anytime you want! It's the perfect slow sipper. And then try this Caramel Vodka Apple Cider Cocktail next!

 

Recipe

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Originally Published on October 18, 2022. Revised and Republished on November 24, 2025.