Sour Apple Schnapps Recipe: Easy Homemade Guide

There’s something truly magical about a well-crafted sour apple schnapps. Its bright, tart flavor combined with a smooth, sweet finish makes it an irresistible treat for cocktail lovers and home bartenders alike.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your next party or simply want to enjoy a refreshing aperitif, making your own sour apple schnapps at home is easier than you think. Plus, by tailoring the ingredients yourself, you can control the sweetness and sourness to perfectly suit your palate.

This recipe blends crisp green apple flavors with a touch of citrus and a hint of sweetness, delivering an authentic, vibrant schnapps that’s sure to impress your guests.

Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to craft a homemade sour apple schnapps that will become your new favorite go-to for cocktails and sipping alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this sour apple schnapps recipe, but it boils down to three key factors: flavor, simplicity, and versatility.

Flavor: This recipe captures the crisp, tart essence of green apples, balanced perfectly with just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle hint of citrus. The result is a schnapps that’s lively and refreshing, with a clean finish that’s not overpowering.

Simplicity: You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of what you’ll need can be found at your local grocery store or liquor shop.

Plus, the step-by-step instructions make this a straightforward project even for beginners.

Versatility: Enjoy your sour apple schnapps neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in cocktails. It pairs beautifully with vodka, whiskey, or even in sparkling wine for a festive twist.

Ingredients

• 4 large green apples (Granny Smith work best for tartness)
• 2 cups vodka (choose a mid-range quality for best flavor)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (adds bright acidity)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, enhances tanginess)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, adds warmth)

Equipment

• Large glass jar or airtight container (at least 1 quart capacity)
• Knife and cutting board
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Funnel (for bottling)
• Sterilized glass bottles or jars for storing schnapps

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Wash and core the green apples. Cut them into thin slices or small chunks, leaving the skin on to keep the color and additional flavor.
2. Infuse the vodka: Place the apple pieces and cinnamon stick into the large glass jar. Pour the vodka over the apples making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for about 7 to 10 days. Shake the jar gently every day to help extract the flavors.
3. Make the simple syrup: After the infusion period, prepare the syrup by combining the sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Strain the infused vodka: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the apple-infused vodka into a clean container, discarding the solids. Press gently on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible without including pulp.
5. Combine the schnapps: Mix the cooled simple syrup, infused vodka, fresh lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar (if using) together. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
6. Bottle and rest: Using a funnel, pour the schnapps into sterilized glass bottles or jars. Seal tightly and let it rest for an additional 3 to 5 days in a cool, dark place to marry the flavors fully.
7. Chill and serve: Refrigerate before serving. Enjoy your sour apple schnapps over ice, mixed into cocktails, or neat as a refreshing digestif.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother, less tart schnapps, try using Golden Delicious apples or a mix of green and yellow apples.

If you prefer a spiced twist, add a few cloves or a small piece of fresh ginger to the infusion jar along with the cinnamon stick. This will impart a warm, aromatic quality to your schnapps.

Want to experiment with sweetness? Adjust the sugar amount in the simple syrup according to your taste.

You can also substitute honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.

For a clear schnapps, filter the mixture through a coffee filter or multiple layers of cheesecloth before bottling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Sour apple schnapps is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

• On the rocks: Serve chilled over ice for a simple, refreshing drink.
• Apple Martini: Mix 2 oz sour apple schnapps, 1 oz vodka, and a splash of lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass.
• Spritz: Combine sour apple schnapps with sparkling water and a twist of lime for a light, fizzy cocktail.
• Warm cider twist: Add a shot of schnapps to warm apple cider for a cozy fall beverage.

Conclusion

Making your own sour apple schnapps at home opens a world of flavor and creativity. This recipe balances tartness and sweetness perfectly, providing a smooth and vibrant spirit that is ideal for sipping or mixing.

Not only does it allow you to customize every element, but it also brings a personal touch to your homemade cocktails. Whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this schnapps is a delightful addition to your liquor cabinet.

Give it a try, and you might find it quickly becoming your favorite homemade spirit.

For more flavorful homemade recipes, check out our Classic Lemon Liqueur, Homemade Ginger Syrup, and Vanilla Bean Vodka recipes to expand your cocktail repertoire.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Sour Apple Schnapps”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A crisp and tangy homemade schnapps with a refreshing sour apple flavor. Perfect for cocktails or sipping chilled.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “1 liter”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 cups green apples, peeled and chopped”, “2 cups vodka”, “1 cup sugar”, “1 cup water”, “1/4 cup fresh lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon citric acid”, “1 cinnamon stick”, “1 vanilla bean, split”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and heat until sugar dissolves to make simple syrup.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped apples, cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean to the syrup and simmer for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let cool completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in vodka, lemon juice, citric acid, and apple cider vinegar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour into a clean bottle and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “0.2g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “14g”}}