Looking for a tasty fall cocktail? This apple cider martini is the perfect blend of sweet cider with a hint of tart citrus, and is incredibly simple to make.

Apple cider martini with lemon wedge and apple in background.

With just a few ingredients, this apple martini balances sweet apple cider with bright lemon juice and the smooth kick of vodka. A hint of lemon adds a touch of citrus that ties it all together.

Whether you're serving it for a fall dinner party, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, this apple cider martini is a delicious twist on a classic martini. For a drink made with apple juice instead, check out my Appletini.

Ingredients

You'll only need a handful of ingredients to make this easy drink:

Lemon wedge, apple, vodka, cocktail shaker, apple cider and martini glass.

Apple cider - Sweet and crisp, this is the star of the cocktail. Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
Vodka - Smooth and clean, vodka lets the apple cider shine while giving the drink its martini kick.
Fresh lemon - A squeeze of lemon juice adds acidity and keeps the cocktail from being too sweet.
Apple slice or lemon wedge - optional garnish for a finishing touch.

Bar Equipment

Cocktail shaker - Essential for mixing and chilling the drink until it's icy cold. A shaker with a built-in strainer makes pouring easy.

Measuring glass - A shot glass measuring cup is great for quickly seeing ounces at a glance.

Martini glasses - The finishing touch. Serve your apple cider cocktail in a chilled martini glass to make it feel extra special.

How To Make It

Pouring drink from shaker into cocktail glass next to lemon, apple and cider.

Step 1: Prep the glass

Chill a martini glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes. For a festive touch, rim it with cinnamon sugar before pouring the drink. The frosted glass usually provides enough condensation for the sugar mixture to stick, but you can also run a lemon wedge around the rim first.

Step 2: Mix the drink

Add apple cider, vodka and lemon to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until the mixture is nicely chilled, about 15 seconds.

Step 3: Serve it up

Strain into your prepared martini glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice floated on top, or place an apple and lemon slice on the rim.

Apple cider martini garnished with apple slice on top and lemon wedge, apple and small pitcher of cider in background.

Variations

There are lots of easy ways to change up this apple cider martini.

Spiced - Use cinnamon vodka, spiced simple syrup or add a pinch of warm spices like ground cinnamon and ginger to the shaker. A cinnamon stick stirrer makes a fun garnish too.
Caramel - Swap in caramel vodka and a drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring for a caramel apple cider martini.
Citrus - Add a splash of Cointreau or triple sec, and an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a hint of citrus.
Sparkling - Stir the drink in a pitcher, then top it with prosecco or sparkling apple cider for a bubbly finish.

Apple cider martini with apple slice on top next to lemon wedge, apple and small pitcher of cider..

More Apple Cider Cocktail Recipes

If you like this apple cider martini, you'll want to try these easy apple cider drinks too.

Caramel Vodka Apple Cider Cocktail - Cider shaken with caramel vodka and a splash of regular vodka for a festive sip with caramel apple flavor.

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail - A smooth mix of caramel apple cider and bourbon with a touch of citrus for balance. Simple, classic, and perfect for sipping.

Apple Cider Margarita - A fall twist on the margarita made with tequila, apple cider, and a little maple syrup, finished with a pumpkin spice and sugar rim.

Apple Cider Mimosa - A brunch favorite blends apple cider, in place of orange juice, with champagne for a light, fruity drink.