You guys, if you’re looking for a delicious, yet easy fall cocktail… this is it! Apple Cider Martinis are so simple, yet have all the elements to make you forget that fall really just means winter is on its way. 😒
Okay, okay…let’s enjoy it while we can, right? We won’t focus on the fact that it’s already turned markedly colder this week, the leaves are falling, it’s getting dark way too early, and soon the snow will be flying…. Darn, I did it again.
Anyway, just drink a couple of these Apple Cider Martinis and everything will be A-okay. 👌🏼
How to Make Apple Cider Martinis
Prepare the Rim
Start by placing some caramel on a small plate. Slowly turn the rim of your martini glass through the caramel until the whole thing is coated. I used Marzetti’s Caramel Apple Dip.
Next, mix 1 tsp each of cinnamon and sugar together. I did mine on the same small plate as the caramel, because fewer dishes to wash is always a good thing.
Then rotate the rim of the martini glass through the cinnamon & sugar mixture until it coats the caramel. Oh yeah.
Shake it Up
In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the apple cider, vodka and optional cinnamon or apple flavored alcohol if using. Shake vigorously for a few seconds, before straining into two martini glasses.
Garnish
Garnish with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks for the full experience. 🍸🍎 👏🏻
Optional Add-ins
The first round we made with just cider and vodka. For round 2, we mixed in Prairie Fire in one, and Apple Pie in the other. You know, for taste-testing purposes and all.
I am not even sure I could say which was the best. Really, you can’t go wrong. If you want to keep it simple, the cider + vodka version is the way to go. If you like extra cinnamon, add the Prairie Fire. And if you want an extra punch of apple flavor, go with the Apple Pie add-in.
Iowa Distilling Company
Iowa Distilling Company is a local distillery right down the road from us. They make the Prairie Fire and the Apple Pie that I used in this recipe.
From their website:
Iowa Distilling Company is located in a 100-year-old brick building in Cumming, Iowa (Warren County). Cumming is a small town of about 350 people located in the center of corn country. We see corn fields when we look out our front windows; not factories or city streets. The typical traffic along Cumming Avenue is tractors and farm equipment. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
It’s an honest, hard working community that reflects the best of America’s Heartland. We hope that you can taste that heritage in every sip of our Iowa spirits.
You can purchase their products right from the distillery, or at most grocery stores around here. If you’re local and you haven’t been there, I’m telling ya, you’re missing out.
Bonus Tip:
Adding a little Praire Fire to a mug of hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick swirl is the best cozy drink for chilly fall evenings. If you’ve ever had Fireball, Prairie Fire is literally 1 million times better. No comparison.
Apple Cider Martinis
Ingredients
- 6 ounces apple cider
- 4-5 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce cinnamon or apple flavored alcohol optional
- caramel sauce for the rim
- cinnamon & sugar for the rim
- apple slices & cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Pour some caramel sauce on a shallow plate, and dip the rim of your martini glasses, turning to make sure the entire rim is covered.
- An a separate plate, mix some cinnamon and sugar together, and then gently dip the rim of your martini glasses in the mixture, so that it sticks to the caramel.
- Add vodka, apple cider, and apple or cinnamon alcohol option to drink shaker and shake vigorously until combined. Note: You should use a total of 5 ounces of liquor for 2 martinis. If using only vodka, use 5 ounces. If using optional liquor also, use 4 ounces vodka + 1 ounce cinnamon or apple liquor.
- Pour mixture into martini glasses and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Cheers,
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This sounds so good and looks amazing too. I can’t wait to try it out soon.
Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty.
These look lovely Niky. I love the caramel & cinnamon sugar rim idea too and I will definitely use that! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday.
You make the most interesting drinks! Thank you for bringing this one that is perfect for the season to Fiesta Friday.
These look so amazing Niky! I am definitely trying this recipe. Thank you for sharing with Charming Homes and Gardens!
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do, Kim!
I had a side car yesterday. Maybe Apple cider martini next Saturday. 🤭
If you ever get tired of testing variations, I’m putting my hand up for the job.
This looks great Niky! I am doing my first girls night since the pandemic started and I think this will be perfect! Thanks so much.
Oh, that sounds like SO much fun! I hope you enjoy the drink and the evening with your friends!
These look so yummy! I like apples, caramel and cinnamon, so I can imagine these were delicious. Nice that you mentioned a local distillery too. I lived in Iowa as a kid, but the longest I lived anywhere was here in the Western Cape, South Africa. We have lots of fabulous wine estates nearby. Thanks for linking on Amanda’s Books and More!
Wonderful idea! In this neck of the woods, we mix cider and bourbon, but I’d certainly use this presentation. I just got back from the annual Real Women Camp in Tents trip, and our signature drink is cider heated over the fire, with bourbon (or cinnamon whisky) added right before serving. I like your taste!
Ohh! This sounds perfect for this time of year. What a delicious sounding treat x
I hope you will try theem, Kim. They are a yummy grown-up treat!
These sound wonderful…heading out to get some apple cider now so I can make some!
Yes! You won’t be disappointed, Ann!