Originally posted on September 11, 2021 @ 7:09 am
There’s something irresistibly comforting about the warm, spiced aroma of apple pie, but what if you could enjoy those classic flavors in a sophisticated cocktail? Enter the Apple Pie Martini — a delightful and festive drink that captures the essence of a homemade apple pie with every sip.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply impressing your guests, this martini combines the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the smooth warmth of vanilla vodka and a hint of cinnamon.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual cocktail enthusiast, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a deliciously balanced drink that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why this recipe is a must-try, the exact ingredients and equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and some handy tips and variations to customize your martini.
Plus, we’ll cover nutrition facts and serving ideas to help you elevate your cocktail hour. Ready to shake things up?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Apple Pie Martini is a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors that evoke the classic dessert but in a liquid form. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves fall flavors or wants to try something a little different from the usual cocktails.
Why this martini stands out:
- Simple yet elegant: It requires just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have or can easily find.
- Versatile: Suitable for various occasions, from a holiday party to a casual night in.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Impressively delicious: Delivers the rich, comforting flavors of apple pie without the heaviness.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our Apple Pie Smoothie Vegetarian Recipe for Healthy Mornings for a non-alcoholic twist on apple pie flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka – adds creamy sweetness
- 2 oz apple cider – fresh or store-bought, for authentic apple flavor
- 1 oz butterscotch schnapps – enhances the caramel notes
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – warms up the cocktail
- 1/2 oz lemon juice – balances sweetness with a tangy touch
- Ice cubes – for chilling
- Apple slices and cinnamon stick (optional) – for garnish
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker – to mix and chill your ingredients
- Martini glasses – for serving
- Measuring jigger or shot glass – for accurate ingredient portions
- Strainer – to pour a smooth drink
- Small bowl or plate – for cinnamon sugar rim (optional)
- Knife and cutting board – to slice apples for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: If you’d like a cinnamon sugar rim, mix 1 tbsp sugar with 1/2 tsp cinnamon on a small plate. Rub the rim of each martini glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Add ingredients to the shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in 2 oz vanilla vodka, 2 oz apple cider, 1 oz butterscotch schnapps, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon.
- Shake well: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The goal is to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly while dissolving the cinnamon evenly.
- Strain and pour: Using your strainer, pour the chilled mixture into the prepared martini glasses. Avoid letting ice cubes fall into the glass for a smoother experience.
- Garnish and serve: Add a thin apple slice on the rim or a cinnamon stick into the glass for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra indulgent treat, rim your glass with crushed graham crackers instead of cinnamon sugar to mimic a pie crust!”
- Make it spiked: Add a splash of spiced rum or cinnamon whiskey to enhance the warmth and complexity.
- Non-alcoholic version: Substitute vanilla vodka and schnapps with vanilla extract and caramel syrup, and add a splash of club soda for fizz.
- Dairy twist: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for a richer, dessert-like martini.
- Use fresh cinnamon sticks: Infuse your apple cider with cinnamon sticks for a deeper spiced flavor before mixing.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the butterscotch schnapps or add more lemon juice.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Martini) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sugars | 16 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Alcohol by Volume | Approximately 15% |
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific brands and measurements. Drink responsibly.
Serving Suggestions
The Apple Pie Martini pairs wonderfully with light appetizers and desserts. Consider serving it alongside:
- Miniature cheese boards featuring sharp cheddar and brie
- Warm spiced nuts or caramel popcorn
- Classic pumpkin or pecan pie for a full dessert experience
- Light finger sandwiches or apple slices with cinnamon sugar
This cocktail also fits perfectly into a festive party menu or a cozy night by the fireplace. For a themed dinner, check out our 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals to keep your meal balanced and delicious.
Conclusion
The Apple Pie Martini is a delightful cocktail that beautifully captures the warmth and sweetness of a traditional apple pie in a sleek, refreshing glass. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to add a touch of seasonal charm and sophistication to their drink menu.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this cocktail in minutes and impress your friends or family with your bartending skills.
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a fall gathering, or just craving a cozy drink, this martini delivers rich, comforting flavors with a modern twist. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations to find your perfect balance, and pair it with light snacks or desserts for a truly memorable experience.
For more delicious and healthy recipes to complement your cocktail, explore our collection including the Better Homes and Gardens Vegan Recipes for Every Meal and Active Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Energized Living.
📖 Recipe Card: Apple Pie Martini
Description: A deliciously sweet and spiced cocktail inspired by classic apple pie. Perfect for fall evenings or festive gatherings.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1 oz sour apple schnapps
- 0.5 oz cinnamon schnapps
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- Apple slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vanilla vodka, apple cider, sour apple schnapps, cinnamon schnapps, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and an apple slice.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 15g
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