This Apple Cider Martini is the perfect cocktail for apple cider lovers. It's made with vodka, ginger liqueur, and homemade cinnamon syrup, giving this drink all the flavors of fall in one glass!
Fall is here which means it's apple cider season! I love a nice warm cup of apple cider as much as anyone but sometimes I want a grown-up version like this Apple Cider Martini!
This cocktail has vodka, ginger liqueur, and a homemade cinnamon syrup that balances out all the fall flavors you know and love. If you are looking for more apple cider drinks, check out my Boozy Hot Apple Cider as well.
Jump to:
- Why I Love This Recipe
- What Apple Cider to Use for This Cocktail
- Variations for an Apple Cider Martini
- How to Make an Apple Cider Martini
- How to Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- How to Make a Big Batch for a Party
- Recipe FAQs
- Do I have to Make Cinnamon syrup?
- How to Garnish an Apple Cider Martini
- Bar Tools I Use
- Apple Cider Martini
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Apple Cider Martini recipe because it perfectly blends the crisp and refreshing taste of apple cider with the warm and comforting notes of cinnamon and ginger creating a delightful flavor explosion in every sip. Its smooth, balanced profile makes it the ultimate fall cocktail that never fails to put me in a cozy, festive mood.
What Apple Cider to Use for This Cocktail
There are many different apple ciders out there and choosing the right one can be confusing. There is no "wrong" choice but there are some things to consider.
If you can find local cider that is freshly made, this will have the most flavor and be absolutely delicious. You also get to support local businesses, however, fresh cider can be more expensive.
At the grocery store, the best option is to look for unfiltered apple cider. This cider will be more cloudy because it still has some pulp and sediment in it.
If you find a filtered cider, it will be more like apple juice. This will still make a good drink, it will just have less apple flavor and be a lighter color.
Variations for an Apple Cider Martini
- You can enjoy this drink hot. Just warm up the cider on the stovetop or in the microwave, add the liquors and syrup, stir, and enjoy!
- Try subbing out the vodka for whiskey for an extra zing in your drink!
- No cinnamon simple syrup? No problem, substitute with regular simple syrup or skip it for less sugar.
How to Make an Apple Cider Martini
- Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10 to 15 seconds until nice and cold.
- Strain into a martini glass or glass of choice and garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick. Enjoy immediately!
How to Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup
You will need 1 cup of water, ¾ cup sugar, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Place the water and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Simmer for 10 minutes and then carefully remove the cinnamon sticks. Add the sugar, stir to combine, and bring to a boil again. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from the heat.
Allow the syrup to cool before placing it in a sealable bottle or jar. Store the syrup in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Check out my post for Cinnamon Simple Syrup for the full recipe and instructions.
How to Make a Big Batch for a Party
For a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving crowd, multiply the recipe by 8: 2 cups vodka, 1 cup ginger liqueur, 4 cups apple cider, and ½ cup cinnamon simple syrup. Stir it together in a pitcher and keep it in the fridge. Shake each serving with fresh ice right before you pour so it's very cold.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Mix it ahead, then shake each serving with fresh ice right before serving so it's very cold.
Yes. Warm the apple cider on the stove or in the microwave, then stir in the vodka, ginger liqueur, and syrup.
Fresh local cider has the most flavor. At the grocery store, look for unfiltered cider. Filtered cider works too but tastes more like apple juice.
Regular simple syrup, or skip it for a less sweet drink.
Vodka keeps the apple and cinnamon flavors front and center. For a warmer, deeper drink, swap the vodka for whiskey.
Do I have to Make Cinnamon syrup?
If you prefer not to make homemade cinnamon syrup, you can substitute regular simple syrup or agave syrup instead. My Spiced Simple Syrup is another delicious option.
How to Garnish an Apple Cider Martini
I garnished my martini with a dehydrated apple slice. These are easy to make but do take some time. Check out my recipe for Dehydrated Pears, which will give you the process for making these in the dehydrator or oven. Just substitute apples for pears!
You can also use store-bought freeze-dried apple slices, a fresh apple slice, or a cinnamon stick. Any of these garnishes will look great and enhance the cocktail experience.
Bar Tools I Use
If you get a chance to make this Apple Cider Martini, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes right in your inbox.
Apple Cider Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce ginger liqueur
- 4 ounces apple cider
- ½ ounce cinnamon simple syrup
- dehydrated apple, fresh apple slice, or cinnamon stick as garnish
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10 to 15 seconds until nice and cold.
- Strain into a martini glass or glass of choice and garnish. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- You can enjoy this drink hot. Just warm up the cider on the stovetop or in the microwave, add the liquors and syrup, stir and enjoy!
- Try subbing out the vodka for whiskey for an extra zing in your drink!
- No cinnamon simple syrup? No problem, substitute with regular simple syrup or skip it for less sugar.
How to Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup
You will need 1 cup of water, ¾ cup of sugar, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Place the water and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes and then carefully remove the cinnamon sticks. Add the sugar, stir to combine, and bring to a boil again. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool before placing it in a sealable bottle or jar. Store the syrup in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Last update on 2026-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jeri says
The flavors in this apple cider martini were fantastic!
Emily says
I'm so glad you liked it, Jeri.😀
Annie says
Refreshing and perfect for the holidays!
Emily says
Yes! Thanks, Annie!
Oscar says
Loved this martini, was so delicious.
Emily says
Oh good, thanks for trying it, Oscar!
Rob says
Just what the doctor recommended! 🙂 Can't wait to make and enjoy this!
Emily says
LOL, exactly! Cheers!
Amanda Scarlati says
This was so delicious! Making it again for thanksgiving!
Emily says
Great idea, I'm so glad you liked it!
Amy says
This was absolutely delicious! Will make again.
Emily says
Thanks for trying it out!
Angela says
Love the ginger liqueur in this drink!
Emily says
Ginger is so amazing in cocktails. I'm glad you think so too!
Kate says
I would never have thought of cider with vodka in a martini, but what a gorgeous combination - a real taste of autumn. Your presentation is gorgeous too!
Emily says
Thanks, Kate!
Tristin Rieken says
Delicious flavors! I couldn't find any ginger liquer at the store so added some fresh ginger with the cinnamon sticks to made a ginger cinnamon simple syrup instead. So yummy!
Emily says
Well, that was super smart and I bet super delicious. I'm totally doing that next time I make these!
Tavo says
I just made myself one and loved it! I am treating myself with a second one!
Emily says
LOL! I'm pretty sure I had more than one the other day as well. It's too hard to resist!
Swathi says
Apple cider martini looks yummy. love it .
Emily says
Thanks, Swathi!
Catherine says
Such a wonderful autumn cocktail...the ginger and apple cider is a beautiful pairing. Elegant and refreshing!
Emily says
Thanks, Catherine. I'm so glad you enjoyed this cocktail!
Farah Maizar says
Anything at all that tastes like apple in this season! Looks so refreshing, thanks for the recipe
Emily says
So true. Gotta get all the apples you can in the fall, right?!?