The Appeal of Apples in Cocktails
Apples bring a fresh, crisp flavor to cocktails, perfect for year-round sipping. Their versatility works well with many spirits, making them ideal for any gathering. Whether you're looking for a single-serve cocktail or a large batch for parties, apples can add that extra touch.
Essential Apple Ingredients for Cocktails
Apple Juice
A go-to base for apple cocktails, apple juice can sweeten up almost any drink. Fresh-pressed juice is always the best for a more natural flavor.
Apple Cider
Sparkling or still, apple cider adds depth to cocktails. The sparkling variety can replace tonic or soda water for a fizzy finish, while still cider offers richness without the bubbles.
Apple Syrup
This concentrated apple goodness can sweeten your drink without adding too much liquid. It's a great addition for stirred drinks like old fashioneds or martinis.
Apple Liqueur
Apple liqueur, such as Applejack or Calvados, infuses both the flavor and the strength of apples into any cocktail. A perfect substitute for other fruity liqueurs.
How to Make Apple Syrup at Home
Apple syrup is quick and easy to make at home, giving your cocktails an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups apple juice (or cider)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine apple juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the cinnamon stick, if desired.
- Simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Now you’ve got your apple syrup, let’s get to some fun and flavorful cocktails.
Apple-Infused Cocktails You Need to Try
1. Apple Margarita
Single Serve:
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1 oz apple liqueur
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Top with a splash of sparkling apple cider
- Ice
Instructions:
Shake tequila, apple liqueur, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Top with a splash of sparkling apple cider and garnish with an apple slice.
Batched Option (Serves 10):
- 15 oz tequila
- 10 oz apple liqueur
- 10 oz lemon juice
- 10 oz sparkling apple cider
- Ice
Instructions:
In a pitcher, mix tequila, apple liqueur, and lemon juice. Stir well. Add ice and top with the sparkling apple cider just before serving.
2. Apple Mule
Single Serve:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz apple cider
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Top with ginger beer
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix vodka, apple cider, and lemon juice over ice in a copper mug or glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple slices.
Batched Option (Serves 10):
- 15 oz vodka
- 30 oz apple cider
- 5 oz lemon juice
- 2 cans ginger beer
Instructions:
Mix vodka, apple cider, and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Stir and add ice. Top with ginger beer right before serving.
3. Apple Sangria
Single Serve:
- 4 oz white wine
- 2 oz apple juice
- 1 oz brandy
- Apple and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
Mix wine, apple juice, and brandy in a glass. Stir with ice and garnish with sliced apples and lemons.
Batched Option (Serves 8):
- 1 bottle white wine
- 16 oz apple juice
- 8 oz brandy
- Sliced apples and lemons
Instructions:
Combine wine, apple juice, and brandy in a pitcher. Add apple and lemon slices and stir well. Serve over ice.
4. Caramel Apple Martini
Single Serve:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz apple liqueur
- 0.5 oz caramel syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a caramel-dipped apple slice.
Batched Option (Serves 8):
- 12 oz vodka
- 8 oz apple liqueur
- 4 oz caramel syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix vodka, apple liqueur, and caramel syrup in a pitcher. Stir and serve in martini glasses.
5. Apple Bourbon Smash
Single Serve:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz apple cider
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Ice
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with an apple slice.
Batched Option (Serves 10):
- 20 oz bourbon
- 10 oz apple cider
- 5 oz lemon juice
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix bourbon, apple cider, and lemon juice in a large jug. Stir well and serve over ice.
6. Spiced Apple Punch
Single Serve:
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1 oz rum
- 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a glass over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Batched Option (Serves 12):
- 48 oz apple cider
- 12 oz rum
- 6 oz cinnamon syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
In a punch bowl, combine apple cider, rum, and cinnamon syrup. Stir and serve over ice.
7. Apple Rosemary Fizz
Single Serve:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz apple syrup
- Top with soda water
- Ice
Instructions:
Shake gin and apple syrup with ice, strain into a glass, and top with soda water. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Batched Option (Serves 8):
- 12 oz gin
- 8 oz apple syrup
- 2 bottles soda water
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix gin and apple syrup in a pitcher. Stir well and top with soda water before serving.
8. Apple Gin & Tonic
Single Serve:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 2 oz apple juice
- Top with tonic water
- Ice
Instructions:
Pour gin and apple juice into a glass with ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with an apple slice.
Batched Option (Serves 10):
- 15 oz gin
- 20 oz apple juice
- 2 bottles tonic water
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix gin and apple juice in a large pitcher. Stir well. Top with tonic water before serving.
9. Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Single Serve:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz apple syrup
- 1 dash cinnamon bitters
- Ice
Instructions:
Stir bourbon, apple syrup, and bitters with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Batched Option (Serves 6):
- 12 oz bourbon
- 3 oz apple syrup
- 6 dashes cinnamon bitters
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix bourbon, apple syrup, and bitters in a large jug. Add ice and serve in individual glasses.
10. Apple Mimosa
Single Serve:
- 2 oz apple juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
Pour apple juice into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with an apple slice.
Batched Option (Serves 8):
- 16 oz apple juice
- 1 bottle sparkling wine
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions:
In a pitcher, mix apple juice and sparkling wine. Pour into glasses and garnish with apple slices.
11. Apple Bourbon Mule
Single Serve:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 oz apple cider
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Top with ginger beer
- Ice
Instructions:
Combine bourbon, apple cider, and lemon juice in a glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice.
Batched Option (Serves 10):
- 20 oz bourbon
- 30 oz apple cider
- 5 oz lemon juice
- 2 cans ginger beer
Instructions:
Mix bourbon, apple cider, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Stir well. Top with ginger beer before serving.
Easy Swaps to Turn Popular Cocktails Apple-Themed
1. Apple Mojito
Substitute lime juice with apple juice, and garnish with apple slices and mint for a fresh apple twist on the classic mojito.
2. Apple Whiskey Sour
Replace the simple syrup with apple syrup and add a splash of apple juice for a whiskey sour with an autumn flair.
3. Apple Cosmo
Switch out cranberry juice with apple juice and garnish with an apple twist for an apple-forward cosmopolitan.
4. Apple Bellini
Use sparkling apple cider instead of peach puree and champagne for a crisp, bubbly apple Bellini.
5. Apple Martini
Use apple liqueur and a splash of apple juice instead of vermouth for a refreshing take on a martini.
6. Apple French 75
Add a splash of apple juice to your classic French 75 for a fun twist with gin and champagne.
7. Apple Gin Fizz
Substitute tonic water with sparkling apple cider and add apple juice to bring the gin fizz into apple territory.
8. Apple Mimosa
Replace orange juice with apple juice and use sparkling apple cider instead of champagne to make a delicious apple mimosa.
9. Apple Daiquiri
Switch out simple syrup with apple syrup and add a dash of apple liqueur for a tropical apple daiquiri.
10. Apple Paloma
Instead of grapefruit juice, use a mix of apple juice and soda water for a refreshing apple paloma.
11. Apple Negroni
Use apple syrup instead of sweet vermouth and garnish with apple slices for a balanced apple negroni.
12. Apple Collins
Replace the lemon juice with apple juice and top with soda water for a twist on the Tom Collins.
13. Apple Aperol Spritz
Add a splash of apple juice to the Aperol, and use sparkling apple cider instead of prosecco for an apple-inspired Aperol spritz.
14. Apple Manhattan
Use apple brandy or liqueur in place of sweet vermouth for an apple-flavored Manhattan that’s perfect for colder months.
15. Apple Margarita
Replace lime juice with lemon and add apple liqueur and sparkling cider for an apple-infused margarita.
Tips for Hosting an Apple-Themed Cocktail Party
- Decorate with Apples: Incorporate apple centerpieces, or use apple slices as garnishes for a cohesive look.
- Set up a DIY Cocktail Station: Let guests create their own apple-themed cocktails with an assortment of ingredients like apple juice, apple syrup, apple liqueur, and fresh apple slices.
- Pair with Apple Treats: Serve apple-based snacks like apple crisps, caramel apples, or apple pies to complement your drinks.
Conclusion
Apple-themed cocktails are versatile, delicious, and can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you're sipping a refreshing apple margarita on a summer day or cozying up with an apple bourbon smash, these drinks are sure to impress. The batched options make entertaining a breeze, allowing you to focus on fun rather than mixing individual drinks.
FAQs
Can I use different varieties of apples for cocktails?
Yes! Tart apples like Granny Smith add sharpness, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp provide a milder, sweeter flavor.
What type of alcohol pairs best with apples?
Vodka, rum, bourbon, and brandy all pair wonderfully with apples, but gin and tequila can also complement the flavor.
How long do batched apple cocktails last?
Most batched apple cocktails can last up to 2-3 days in the fridge, but always add any sparkling components like cider or soda just before serving.
Can I make apple cocktails non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the alcohol and replace it with sparkling water or ginger beer for a delicious non-alcoholic version.
Can I use sparkling apple cider in any cocktail?
Yes, sparkling apple cider works beautifully as a topper in place of tonic water, soda, or champagne for an extra burst of flavor and fizz.