This apple cider martini is the perfect cocktail for fall and winter! It is sweet with the perfect amount of spice, but still strong and stiff like a classic martini. Made with gin, vermouth, fresh apple cider, and more, this easy recipe has all the fall flavors and hints of spices to make it your new favorite fall treat. The best part? It only takes a couple of ingredients.
It's that time of year, and let's be honest. Sometimes we need a drink (or three) to get through the holidays with extended family. There's no shame in that! Let's at least have some good fall cocktails to hold us over.
This apple cider martini is really great. When I made the recipe and tried it for the first time, I even shocked myself. It isn't overly sweet, but the alcohol doesn't burn the way a classic martini would.
My recipe uses high-quality apple cider, one of my favorite gins, a bit of pear juice for sweetness, and blanc vermouth with just a piiiiinch of ground cinnamon.
If you love apple cider drinks, want something a little more in-your-face-fall and you're more of a tequila girly, be sure to try my Thanksgiving Margarita, another apple cider cocktail with a yummy cinnamon sugar rim. It uses a lot of the same ingredients!
🎥 Watch the video of this recipe
🍸 Why you'll love my Apple Cider Martini
- It isn't too sweet. There is actually no simple syrup in this recipe! All of the sweetness comes from the apple cider and pear juice, which keeps it light and fresh, while the cinnamon flavor keeps it a little spicy.
- This recipe uses gin. Vodka martinis are great, but it's no secret that I am a bit of a vodka-hater. The reason why is a bit of a long story, but at the end of the day, gin just has more flavor! Which means you don't need as much to mask the flavors.
- Very fall and winter-esque! Apple cider, pear, and cinnamon--simple ingredients that capture all of the flavors of fall. This delicious cocktail screams crunchy leaves and chilly nights, making it the perfect festive drink for a fall party or to take the edge off a long day.
🥘 What you need for this recipe
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Gin - I recommend gin for this recipe, as the taste compliments the crisp apple flavors, but you can use vodka if that's all you have. For gin, I recommend roku or bluecoat!
- Apple Cider - Use a good fresh cider. I look for a local cider for the best apple flavor!
- Vermouth - Lillet blanc vermouth is my favorite by far, and it works so well here! Another blanc vermouth can work too.
- Pear Juice - I know it's a bit of an odd ingredient, but it's perfect for this drink! It adds just enough sweetness.
- Cinnamon - A pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick. Optional, but it adds a nice touch.
- Apple Slices - Optional garnish.
Tools and Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
📋 How to make an Apple Cider Martini
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
If desired, place martini glasses in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Measure the necessary amounts of each liquid.
If desired, add a slice of apple for garnish.
Step 2: Make the Cocktail
To a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice cubes.
Then add gin, apple cider, vermouth, pear juice, and a small pinch of cinnamon.
Close the lid tightly and shake very hard for at least 30 seconds.
Strain the drink into chilled martini glasses.
Garnish with a thin fresh apple slice (optional).
Serve immediately and enjoy!
💭 Expert Tips & Tricks
- Chill the glasses in the fridge in advance for a better end result!
- I recommend gin for this recipe, but you can use vodka if that's all you have. For gin, I recommend roku or bluecoat, which are available at most liquor stores.
- Be sure to shake the cocktail aggressively for at least 30 seconds, but more if you can.
- Add this classic cocktail to the menu for your upcoming holiday parties. This sophisticated apple cider martini is crisp, flavorful, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot delicious! It is sure to become your go-to for the autumn season.
Recipe FAQs
I find that gin goes very well with apple cider as it is light and floral, and not as pungent as vodka may be!
Yes! To make in advance, pour all the ingredients in an airtight container. When ready to serve, shake with ice and strain.
Most martini recipes don't use simple syrup, so I didn't include it in this one. However, if you'd like it a little sweeter, try adding ½ oz of simple syrup.
Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Apple Cider Martini (with Gin)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin (or vodka, but gin is preferred)
- 2 oz Apple cider
- ½ oz Blanc Vermouth Lillet Blanc preferred
- 1 oz Pear juice
- pinch Cinnamon
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- If desired, place martini glasses in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Measure the necessary amounts of each liquid.
- If desired, thinly slice an apple for garnishes.
- To a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice cubes.
- Then add gin, apple cider, vermouth, pear juice, and a small pinch of cinnamon.
- Close the lid tightly and shake very hard for at least 30 seconds.
- Strain the drink into chilled martini glasses.
- Garnish with 2 thin apple slices (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Chill the glasses in the fridge in advance for a better end result!
- I recommend gin for this recipe, but you can use vodka if that's all you have. For gin, I recommend roku or bluecoat!
- Be sure to shake the cocktail aggressively for at least 30 seconds, but more if you can.
Margaret Brown says
Pear Juice? What kind, have not seen in stores & canned pears would be all sweet syrup?
Emily says
Hi! I believe I got mine at whole foods, near where you'd find cranberry juice. It was RW Knudsen brand, if I recall correctly. If you can't find it in stores, you may be able to order from amazon!