This Apple Pie Cocktail is filled with all of your favorite fall flavors. Apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, and vanilla vodka make this cocktail a must-try for fall.
Apple Pie is a classic comfort food dessert. You may have a fond memory of sharing apple pie over the holidays with family and friends. If you're a fan of apple pie, you will love the flavors in this apple pie cocktail.
All you need are three ingredients and less than 5 minutes to whip up this delicious fall cocktail. It tastes so good, you forget it's a cocktail - you've been warned!
Serve this apple pie cocktail for the adults at your next family gathering, like Thanksgiving, Halloween, or Christmas. Looking for a kid friendly version? Try my fall party punch, made with apple cider, or slow cooker mulled apple cider - both are perfect for a crowd.
What is apple cider?
If you don't reside in the US, you may not be familiar with apple cider. Apple cider is an unsweetened, unfiltered juice made from apples - essentially an unfiltered apple juice.
It's not carbonated and not alcoholic. Apple cider is made with apples - that's it!
Apple cider substitute
Sometimes, apple cider is only available seasonally during the fall and winter months. If you can't find apple cider at your local grocer, apple juice makes a great substitute. I recommend using a brand that's 100% juice, instead of one with added sugars.
So how are apple cider and apple juice different? Apple juice is filtered and goes through extra processing. This leaves you with a cleaner, more crisp taste, and a less 'foggy' appearance.
How to add a sugar rim to your cocktail glass
One detail I wouldn't skip - the sugar rim. I used turbinado sugar, which matches the lovely golden color of the cider. The sugar rim gives your drink a finished look that is sure to impress.
To rim a glass, you'll want to wet the rim with something sticky. For this cocktail, you could use a lemon wedge, apple wedge, simple syrup, honey, or even a bit of apple cider.
In a pinch, water will work okay - but your sugar may not stick as well.
Optional drink garnishes
Want to add a little extra to your cocktail glass? Try one of these optional, eye-catching garnishes:
- apple slice
- cinnamon stick
- orange slice
- candied ginger
- maraschino cherry
- a small amount of grated cinnamon or nutmeg
Apple Pie Cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 ounces apple cider *
- 1.5 ounces fireball whisky
- 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
- turbinado sugar
Instructions
- If you'd like a sugar rimmed glass: Pour a thin layer of turbinado sugar into a shallow bowl. Run a lemon or apple wedge to around the rim of your glass (or use a bit of apple cider) and dip into sugar to coat. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine apple cider, fireball, and vodka. Shake to combine.
- Pour over ice and serve immediately.
Shaking carbonated apple cider did *not* go well. Would not recommend. Recipe should be revisited to consider this.
Hi Jellybean, there are no carbonated ingredients in this recipe. Apple cider is unfiltered apple juice, the only ingredient is apples. Something like a sparkling apple cider or apple cider flavored beer/soda would not be recommended for this recipe.