As the leaves turn and the air cools, there’s nothing quite like embracing autumn with a cocktail that captures the essence of the season. Apple-themed cocktails are a delightful way to enjoy the crisp flavours and cosy warmth of fall, with options that range from refreshing to downright indulgent. With the fruity punch of apple cider, the depth of Calvados, and the smoothness of apple-infused vodka, these cocktails will take your taste buds on a true autumn adventure.
Whether you’re hosting friends for an autumn gathering or looking to treat yourself to something seasonal, these apple-inspired drinks are the perfect way to celebrate on a chilly night. So, let’s dive into five apple cocktails that bring all the cosy, slushy, and fruity vibes!
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1. Classic Apple Cider Margarita
Why not add a fruity, autumn twist to the classic margarita? This Apple Cider Margarita has all the tangy notes you’d expect from a margarita, balanced with the warm, sweet taste of apple cider. This refreshing cocktail is ideal for early autumn evenings when it’s just cool enough to start thinking about cosy jumpers.
Ingredients:
- 50ml tequila
- 30ml triple sec
- 60ml apple cider
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming
- Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it into cinnamon sugar.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, apple cider, and lime juice with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into the glass over fresh ice and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick for a stunning seasonal finish.
Why It’s a Must: This margarita is both refreshing and festive, making it perfect for autumn get-togethers with friends.
2. Spiced Calvados Sour
This sophisticated Calvados Sour adds a splash of apple brandy to a classic cocktail, creating a rich and flavourful drink that’s perfect for chilly autumn nights. Calvados, an apple-based brandy from Normandy, gives this cocktail an intense, fruity base that pairs beautifully with lemon and a touch of spice.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Calvados
- 25ml lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Apple slice and star anise for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Calvados, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass with fresh ice and garnish with an apple slice and star anise for a warming, aromatic finish.
Why It’s a Must: The Calvados Sour is a sophisticated take on apple cocktails, with a subtle spiced finish that feels cosy and comforting.
3. Autumn Apple Fizz
For a lighter, sparkling option, the Autumn Apple Fizz is as delightful to look at as it is to drink. Using apple-infused vodka as its base, this cocktail combines the fruity notes of apple with a touch of fizz and the herbaceous flavour of rosemary. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for those early autumn afternoons when you want something cool and crisp.
Ingredients:
- 50ml apple-infused vodka
- 100ml sparkling apple juice
- 1 rosemary sprig for garnish
- Fresh apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in the apple-infused vodka.
- Top up with sparkling apple juice, and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and apple slice for an eye-catching autumnal presentation.
Why It’s a Must: This drink is fruity, light, and easy to sip, making it perfect for any autumn gathering.
4. Warm Apple Pie Toddy
This Warm Apple Pie Toddy is an absolute must for chilly autumn evenings. It brings together the sweetness of apple cider with the smoothness of Calvados, making for a comforting, dessert-like drink. A blend of spices, honey, and fresh apple will make you feel like you’re sipping a slice of apple pie in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Calvados
- 150ml apple cider
- 1 tbsp honey
- Cinnamon stick
- Clove-studded apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small pot, warm the apple cider over low heat with the honey and cinnamon stick. Stir until honey is dissolved.
- Pour the cider mixture into a heatproof glass, add Calvados, and stir.
- Garnish with a clove-studded apple slice and serve warm.
Why It’s a Must: This hot toddy is the perfect way to warm up on a cold autumn evening, with a flavour profile that captures the taste of a homemade apple pie.
5. Frozen Apple Daiquiri
If you’re looking for a fun, slushy option, the Frozen Apple Daiquiri is a unique choice. Blending apple cider with rum and a touch of lime, this cocktail is a refreshing way to savour autumn flavours in a drink that feels like a treat. This drink can easily be served up at parties for a more casual, slushy option that keeps things light and fruity.
Ingredients:
- 50ml white rum
- 100ml apple cider
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 cup ice
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine white rum, apple cider, lime juice, and ice. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with an apple slice.
Why It’s a Must: This Frozen Apple Daiquiri is a fun way to enjoy apple flavours in a tropical-inspired format, making it an ideal transition cocktail between summer and autumn.
Enjoying Apple Cocktails this Autumn
Each of these apple-themed cocktails captures the spirit of autumn in its own unique way. From a cool Apple Cider Margarita to a warming Warm Apple Pie Toddy, these drinks bring a delicious variety of flavours and vibes to suit any autumn occasion. As you gather with friends and family this season, be sure to have one (or more!) of these cocktails on hand to add a touch of fruity, fun, and festive flair.
With these cocktails, you’ll find it easy to bring the fresh, crisp flavour of apples into your seasonal drinks lineup, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere for any autumn gathering. So, pick your favourite, grab your ingredients, and toast to the beauty of fall with a cocktail that truly captures the vibe. Cheers to autumn!
The items below are my main recommendations for the main alcoholic ingredients, these are just for your reference. Feel free to mix and match what you already have in your drinks cupboard and let me know how it tastes.
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